Tim’s high five

56,685- 1 NAP HAND FOR RED-ED HOT NORTHERN TRAINER EASTERBY

FINE FORM: Highwaygrey was among Easterby’s five winners

YORKSHIRE trainer Tim Easterby completed a fantastic 56,685- 1 five- timer yesterday.

Eclipse De Lunar, Cassy O and True Blue Moon hit the target at Ayr, while Highwaygrey and Garden Oasis struck at Pontefract.

Rachel Richardson set the ball rolling at Ayr on the promising juvenile Eclipse De Lunar ( 8- 1) before Duran Fentiman steered Cassy O ( 33- 1) and True Blue Moon ( 12- 1) to victory.

At Pontefract, David Allan scored on course specialist Highwaygrey ( 11- 8) while Garden Oasis ( Rob Hornby) ( 5- 1) was also on the scoresheet for the trainer.

To add to the family’s success, his uncle Mick ( Easterby) celebrated victory with the in- form George Ridsdale at Ayr.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John has been retired by connections, it was announced last night. The 2017 hero of the Festival’s greatest race picked up an injury yesterday morning while being prepared for his comeback.

He held an entry in Sunday’s Kerry Group Steeplechase over 2m 4f at Listowel.

Jessica Harrington told Racing TV: “Sadly it won’t happen and as of today he’s officially retired.

“Unfortunately he gave himself an injury this morning.

“It’s not life threatening but he won’t be able to run on Sunday.

“He literally did his last gallop and it just went wrong after that.

“So sadly we decided we have had enough comebacks with him and we are going to retire him now so he can have a happy retirement.”

After his Gold Cup victory, he went on to win the Punchestown Gold Cup under Robbie Power.