Ragged Rascal tires for a thrilling finish

YOUNG Rascal and Morando served up a thrilling finish as they dead-heated in the Teddington Royal British Legion Stakes at Newbury.

Young Rascal, strongly fancied for the Derby after winning the Chester Vase earlier in the season, looked to have done enough when he cruised to the front under Jim Crowley with two furlongs to run.

Scarlet Dragon then briefly threatened before dropping away, leaving Morando (8-1) to emerge from the pack.

Rob Hornby looked sure to get there too late on Andrew Balding’s charge but the evens favourite Young Rascal began to toil a little in front and the pair crossed the line together.

Balding said: “He just got up to dead-heat. He did well as he was squeezed up a couple of times. He showed he stays the mile and a half and that was the key. It opens up the door to a lot more options next year, so it is exciting.”

Haggas said: “I thought we had won but the longer it went on I thought I would settle for the dead-heat.

“I learned a bit today, we will stay at a mile and a half because Young Rascal he did not look like he wanted to be stepping up in trip.”

Marcus Tregoning could have a potential Classic hope on his hands in Mohaather, who registered a striking victory in the Molson Coors Stakes.

He was sent off an unconsidered 33-1 shot for a race better known as the Horris Hill.

Ridden by Martin Dwyer, who partnered Tregoning’s Derby winner Sir Percy, Mohaather stayed on powerfully to beat Azano by a length and a half.