Portrush Ted in a hurry as he romps to Perth novice hurdle win

Grade 2 bumper winner Portrush Ted made a winning debut over obstacles in the Murrayshall Hotel And Golf Courses Novices’ Hurdle at Perth’s Golf Perthshire Raceday yesterday.

The Warren Greatrex raider, sent of the 2/9 favourite, led after three out before strolling home 17-lengths clear of Motueka who lost a lot of ground when whipping round at the start.

Winning jockey, Adrian Heskin, said: “I’d say he is an above-average staying novice for this time of year. We will find another suitable race for him where the ground is nice, and he is a classy bumper horse.”

Jovial Joey took the Gleneagles Handicap Chase for Cumbrian trainer Maurice Barnes in the hands of Paddy Brennan.

The popular 11-4 second favourite saw off Workbench by a length and three-quarters with Rear Admiral a further ten lengths back in third.

Brennan said: “He travelled nice all the way for me and enjoyed dropping back to 2m 4f. I looked after him after a bad mistake at the final fence at Cartmel last time and a lot of the credit goes to Dale Irving who rides him at home.”

Brian Hughes kept his hot streak going when riding a double on Ink Master and Our Lucas, the latter of whom was scoring on his debut for the Iain Jardine stable.

Today’s feature at Glorious Goodwood is the the Qatar Nassau Stakes and it would be no shock if Urban Fox followed up her recent surprise win at the Curragh.

The four-year-old began her career with James Tate, showing plenty of potential in 15 starts for that trainer, but following her sale for 425,000 guineas last autumn, Urban Fox is now with William Haggas. And she wasted little time in a repaying a chunk of that sale price, winning a decent Ascot handicap on her return in May before rolling on to finish fourth in the Duke of Cambridge at the Royal meeting.

However, Urban Fox posted a career high when landing the Pretty Polly Stakes last time, beating subsequent Irish Oaks second Forever Together by a comfortable three and a quarter lengths.

It did not appear to be the toughest Group One on paper, but Urban Fox asserted her authority that day and this is an ideal opportunity to prove that was no fluke.

Sabre fell slightly short at Royal Ascot but is worth another shot stepped up to six furlongs in the Qatar Richmond Stakes.

He was successful over five furlongs on his initial outing but then came unstuck in the National Stakes before a tardy start saw him also edged out in the Windsor Castle.

The way he stayed on that day suggested a step up in trip might be the next logical step and he can seize the opportunity.

Precious Ramotswe can reverse recent Haydock form with God Given in the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes.

The pair were third and second respectively behind Horseplay in the Lancashire Oaks, with a length and threequarters separating them.

Precious Ramotswe perhaps found the good to firm ground a bit on the fast side that day, so the recent rain is a definite plus for her, as is stepping back up in trip as she appears to have plenty of stamina.

Those two factors can help her gain the day over her old rival.