Penitent rolls back the years

DAVID O’MEARA’S stable stalwart Penitent played a starring role in an across-the-card four-timer for the trainer in a thrilling renewal of the Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock.

The eight-year-old has been a magnificent servant for the Nawton handler and owners Middleham Park Racing since being snapped up from Cheveley Park a couple of years ago, racing in Paris, Dubai and Hong Kong along the way.

Handy from the outset in the hands of Daniel Tudhope, the 33-1 shot was sent on two furlongs from home, but the challengers were queuing up in behind. Tawhid and Eton Forever both loomed up ominously before being brushed aside and, in the end, it was Breton Rock who gave the veteran most to think about after being produced on the far rail. Penitent, however, clung on by a short head.

Middleham Park racing manager Tim Palin was somewhat taken aback at the outcome: ‘I have to say I was surprised when they called him the winner. I thought we’d lost it in the photo and we were all commiserating each other.

‘On his day he can still run to a mark of around 115. Where we go from here, heaven only knows.’