Ryan claims Haydock double

Kevin Ryan was left sporting a broad smile after Isabella Grey and Makshoof hit the target at Haydock to provide the North Yorkshire trainer with a tremendous 113-1 brace.

Hambleton-based Ryan saw the former, a daughter of Australian sprinting sensation Choisir, make good on the promise shown at home to grab a last-gasp 18-1 victory in the EBF Glass Times Novice Fillies' Stakes.

Although many punters were left scratching their heads after Isabella Grey pounced late on Caranbola for a head victory, the success came as less of a surprise to her handler.

Ryan said: "I couldn't really believe she got beaten last time. She was very green, though, and she did what I expected her to do first time.

Patient

"She ran fairly lazily and will probably stay further but she's a nice filly.

"I'm not sure where she'll go next but we'll be in no rush with her as she's a filly who will get better throughout the year."

Makshoof put the icing on the cake in the six-furlong Bohle Handicap as Neil Callan delivered his mount at the distance before holding off Kashimin by a diminishing neck.

By justifying 5-1 favouritism, the four-year-old was gaining his third win over course and distance - but only his first since joining Ryan from Michael Jarvis' yard 12 months ago.

"The horses are going really well at the moment and that's great for the owner (Frank Gillespie)," Ryan added.

"We've had him for around a year and the owner has been very patient.

"Every time he's turned up to run, the ground seems to have been too quick for him and this is the first time he's had his conditions."

Spencer cautioned

Michael Bell's Topazes bagged his fourth win of the year in the Tuffx Handicap, courtesy of a power-packed Jamie Spencer drive.

Supporters of the 4-1 shot, who held off Just Lille by half a length, were made to sweat a little as the stewards held an inquiry before it was announced the placings remained unaltered.

Last season's joint-champion Flat jockey Spencer was cautioned, but not hit with a ban.

Seb Sanders, who currently shares his crown, was narrowly denied a winner when French Art was mugged close from home in the first division of the Schuco International Maiden.

Sanders opened up a big gap turning for home but Kerrin McEvoy produced 4-7 favourite Tanto Faz late to score by a neck.