Celebrating his 90th birthday in great style, with all his family and friends at Lingfield Park yesterday evening, Chris van Hoorn saw his Ulysses gelding Hoornblower sail past his rivals in the home straight to win going away. After a nine month layoff Hoornblower looked ready for his victory as jockey Ray Dawson settled him well with cover in fifth place. Turning into the straight in fourth, he picked up strongly throughout the home run to cruise past the front three and win by a widening margin come the line.Chris and Denis have always had a lot of faith in his ability, and settling in behind a good tempo he was a facile winner this time. Naturally Chris was delighted to mark this special occasion with an emphatic win and a great day.

Up at Doncaster Ridgeway Redwing had her second outing, in a good and typically competitive two year old race. She ducked left from the stalls and then did a bit too much in the early part of the race, to move very well up with the leading pack until the final furlong, when her exertions told on her. George Bass gave her a nice ride to finish seventh, from which she will learn a lot and hopefully she will be able to do better next time.