Jockey Kevin Stott grabbed the spare ride on Swivel with both hands as Mark Johnston landed the Ladbrokes Lanark Silver Bell for the fourth time in six years.
The 5lb claimer, a late replacement for Michael J M Murphy, brought the 9–2 chance from last to first to beat Satanic Beat going away by a length and a quarter in Friday night’s Hamilton Park feature.
Stott, who dropped his whip 2f out, said: “Michael didn’t make it from York and I only found out I had the ride around the second race. Joe Fanning told me to take my time on him and that’s what happened. I got after him as soon as a gap came and he showed a nice turn of foot and quickened up really well.”
Louis Steward landed the opening nursery on his debut at the Lanarkshire track as Michael Bell’s White Vin Jan completed a hat-trick. The winning pilot said: “She’s still green but she’s improving. She’s a nice filly and won despite the ground being soft enough for her.”
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn was in attendance to cheer on Raise A Billion part-owned by his uncle Frank but the colt finished unplaced behind Bearskin in the 6f handicap. Flynn said: ” It’s my local track and my first ever time racing. I’m loving and even brought my medal along.”
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
