Vintage Clarets, who was out on the first day of the season when fourth in the Brocklesby, became the third winner for Ardad at Beverley on Thursday despite finding some trouble in running.
Sent off favourite for the EBF Restricted Novice Stakes, the Richard Fahey trainee was slowly into stride but was soon up behind the leaders and had to switched right and left before finally finding room up the rail to make his challenge. Once clear he ran on impressively to score by three and a quarter lengths in the hands of Paul Hanagan, with the Racing Post analyst commenting that “he could be useful”.
Honorah, an Ardad filly bred by Ciaran Paterson, posted a professional performance to finish third on her second start in the same race.
Bred by Michael Broughton, Vintage Clarets continued the fine start made to the season by Ardad’s first runners following victories for Blue Collar Lad and Arboy Will.
He has now had three winners from six runners, with one of those, Blue Collar Lad, set to make a quick reappearance at Bath on Friday, where he will meet Ardad debutante Vaunted, trained by Clive Cox.
