Widely recognised for its established domestic programme and longstanding place within the British racing calendar, Salisbury Racecourse staged a seven-race fixture on Saturday, 23 May, featuring a varied sequence of novice contests, maiden races, handicaps and Listed-level competition. The afternoon card produced several notable performances, while jockey Marco Ghiani emerged with a riding double and ALMERAQ captured the feature event of the meeting.
The opening contest, the Whitsbury Manor Stud EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (Class 5), saw SHIMMERING SUN produce a successful performance under Daniel Muscutt for trainer Harry Eustace and owner Mr Shapoor Mistry. Travelling comfortably throughout the race, the winner completed the contest in 1m 02.60s and secured the opening event of the afternoon. CALL ME TOMORROW finished second, while VIKING BARBIE claimed third place.
The Taste The World Handicap Stakes (Class 4) was captured by DOVEY MOON, ridden by Marco Ghiani for trainer David Evans and owner Mr R. Kent. Producing a composed performance across the journey, the winner stopped the clock in 1m 43.71s. CRISTO followed in second place, while HAPPY BANNER completed the top three.
The Whitsbury Manor Stud Maiden Stakes (Class 4) (GBB Race) saw GOLDEN BROWN record success under Ashley Lewis for trainer Ed Walker and owner Kennet Valley Syndicates XII. Delivering a consistent effort throughout the contest, the winner registered a time of 1m 16.57s. UPPER HENDERSYDE finished second, while VICHENZA secured third position.
The feature event of the afternoon, the British Stallion Studs EBF Cathedral Stakes (Class 1, Listed Race), was won by ALMERAQ, partnered by Harry Davies for trainer William Haggas and owner Shadwell Estate Company Ltd. Producing one of the stronger displays on the card, the winner completed the contest in 1m 13.56s and secured the principal race of the meeting. SPY CHIEF finished second, while SOLDIER’S TREE completed the placings.
The Carty Builders “Proud To Restore The Rubbing House” Handicap Stakes (Class 5) went to STARLIGHT SAMI, ridden by George Bass for trainer Denis Coakley and owner Mrs Christine F Young. Maintaining a competitive effort from the early stages, the winner recorded a time of 1m 29.06s. SWIPED finished second and WHITE LADDER claimed third place.
The Symonds Event Catering “Confined” Handicap Stakes (Class 5) was won by MAYAADA, ridden by Jack Mitchell for trainer Ollie Sangster and owners Nick Bradley Racing 15 & Partner. Producing a measured effort over the extended trip, the winner crossed the line in 2m 10.92s. BATTOSAI finished in second position, while WHAT’S THE PLAN secured third.
The concluding Saunton Sands Hotel Handicap Stakes (Class 4) (GBBPLUS Race) saw MASTERINTHEWOODS provide Marco Ghiani with his second success of the afternoon for trainer Emma Lavelle and owner Mr Andy Pittman. Completing a productive day for the rider, the winner stopped the clock in 2m 41.28s. SIOUXFONIC finished second, while NAP HAND completed the first three home.
Marco Ghiani’s double proved one of the principal outcomes from the meeting, while ALMERAQ’S victory in the Listed Cathedral Stakes added further quality to the afternoon programme.
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