Mr Carpenter lands a big shock at York
Mr Carpenter lands a big shock at York

Rest of York review: Mr Carpenter lands 100/1 shock


We round up the rest of the action from York where Mr Carpenter was a shock 100/1 winner of the New Sporting Life App Handicap.

Mr Carpenter was a shock 100/1 winner of the New Sporting Life App Handicap for trainer Tim Easterby and jockey Cam Hardie.

The son of Mastercraftsman was making his first start for the Malton maestro, having changed hands for 15,000 guineas last October following five starts for David Lanigan.

Tackling a mile and a half for the first time, Mr Carpenter travelled smoothly into contention and held Sweet Celebration at bay by a neck, with hot favourite Fox Vardy a close-up third.

"It wasn't a surprise to me - I thought he was a very nice horse," said Easterby.

"He'd worked nicely. I didn't even look to see what price he was - I should have had £20 on him! We thought he wanted a bit of juice in the ground. He travelled lovely, and I'm not shocked that he ran well."

Social-distancing measures meant veteran part-owner Brian Valentine had to watch his winner come in from the steps adjacent to the parade ring.

But he said: "I don't mind a winner here anywhere, crowd or no crowd. I've had one winner here before. I'm still shocked, to be honest - it's my biggest surprise in racing in 40 years."

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Another leading Yorkshire-based trainer Kevin Ryan claimed the first race of the new season on the Knavesmire, with Black Caspian landing the opening Sky Vegas Handicap under Kevin Stott.

Fourth on his seasonal reappearance and handicap debut at Doncaster last month, the 14/1 shot raised his game in first-time cheek-pieces to score by a neck from Entrancing.

Ryan said: "It was a good performance. Last year he was just a bit of a big baby - even today he was on and off the bridle. He was tough, and I'd say he'll learn an awful lot from that run today again. He's the type of horse who'll be a work in progress.

"It's wonderful to be back at York."

Simon and Ed Crisford's 15/8 favourite Cape Cavalli impressed in division one of the Sky Bet Safer Gambling Handicap, with James Doyle doing the steering.


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