Art Scholar lands November Handicap at Doncaster

Franny Norton wins aboard Art Scholar (right)

Michael Appleby's Art Scholar won the Betfred November Handicap, the final big race of the Flat season, under Franny Norton at Doncaster on Saturday afternoon.

The Michael Appleby-trained five-year-old (20/1) was a spare ride for Franny Norton, who produced his mount to perfection inside the final furlong to beat Communicator by three-quarters of a length.

The runner-up looked like he would win after himself hitting the front late on, but Norton's mount showed a smart turn of foot on the far side of runners when in the clear to seal matters.

The much-touted First Mohican could never get on terms and was done no favours by his wide draw.

Norton, standing in for Darryll Holland, said: "He travelled round sweetly. Mr Appleby said to hang on to him and don't get there too soon.

"I got him there ready and thought it as still a bit early but he's come through with his run and kept it up."

Norton added: "It's the last big handicap of the year, so it's nice to get it in the bag."I knew nothing about the horse. It was a late spare ride. I spoke to the people before the race and he came into with alive chance.

"This lad is proven on soft ground and it all unfolded nicely for me. When I asked him to go he did it well.

"It's been a good year. I got a lengthy ban, we got over that and it's ended with a bang."