Affair claims Portland prize

Nocturnal Affair: Won the Portland

Nocturnal Affair gained a narrow victory in the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap at Doncaster.

Trainer David Marnane won this event two years ago with Santo Padre and he repeated the trick with late replacement Neil Callan in the saddle.

The duo raced down the centre of the track and looked sure to be involved in a very close finish but the 14-1 chance pulled out extra close home to score by half a length from Confessional.

The latter did not help his chance by hanging across the course as Addictive Dream and Ancient Cross filled the frame.

Jockey switch

"Originally David was trying to get hold of my agent but couldn't, so he got hold of me direct and I jumped at the chance thinking I didn't have a ride in the race,'' said Callan.

"When I spoke to my agent half an hour later, he told me I already had one for Kevin Ryan (Racy) so I had to ring David back and say I don't want to let Kevin down, but if for any reason that didn't run could I get back on it because I know the owners.

"Luckily Kevin got in touch with my agent at 7.30am to let me know his wasn't running.

"I think he's quite a good horse because he was on his nose in the gate but he still cruised through and won.''

Nocturnal Affair was having only his second race since joining Marnane's County Tipperary stable five months ago after a spell in Dubai.

He said: "He won't go for the Ayr Gold Cup and is likely to go to Dubai again.

"I won this race before with Santo Padre and it's brilliant to come back and win it again.

"He picked up a little injury in Dubai and luckily the owners sent him to me.''