Emotions of joy and sadness were felt after Cordite ended a lengthy losing streak with victory in the Charlotte Lajoie Forever in Our Hearts Handicap at Epsom on Tuesday.
The six-year-old gained his first win since October 2013 when posting a length-and-a-half success in the mile-and-a-half contest, named in memory of the former stable girl who was killed in a car crash in 2015, to give trainer Jim Boyle a victory at his local track.
Boyle, who is based less than two miles from the course, said: "My head girl Louisa Allen, who looks after the horse, was delighted when I told her I had declared Cordite for the race as she was very close to Charlotte.
"It is very poignant to win this race in her memory. Charlotte's death was felt very heavily in Epsom and it was a very sombre time. Charlotte is sorely missed by a lot of people so to win this race in her name makes it extra special."
Of the 9/2 winner, Boyle added: "We've had Cordite a couple of years now and he has been very frustrating but he has not had things pan out for him. Finally he got a strong pace to run at and he settled beautifully. Pat (Cosgrave) gave him a great ride and he showed what he can do when things drop right."
Lynwood Gold (4/1) stormed to a five-length victory on his debut for Mark Johnston in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes.
The Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap went the way of the David O'Meara-trained, and Harry Bentley-ridden, Highland Acclaim (11/2) for the second year in succession. The six-year-old backed up his victory in the race 12 months ago when prevailing by a length.
Martin Dwyer, who enjoyed his finest moment at the track with victory on Sir Percy in the 2006 Derby, picked up a winning spare ride as the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Favourite Royal (9/1) got up by half a length in the ROA/Racing Post Owners Jackpot Handicap.
Silvestre de Sousa extended his lead at the top of Stobart Flat Jockeys' Championship after the Daniel Kubler-trained Av A Word (11/4 favourite) followed up his last-time-out win at Brighton with a length-and-a-quarter success in the Molson Coors Handicap.
