Another Impressive Maiden Winner By Australia

A step up in trip saw the Mark Johnston-trained Sir Ron Priestley (3c Australia - Reckoning, by Danehill Dancer) run out an impressive winner of the twelve furlong Novice Stakes at Ripon on Thursday.

Second on debut last July, the chesnut colt next finished fourth at Goodwood before enjoying a winter break. Sent off favourite for his seasonal return, he was ridden to chase the leader for much of the way and asserted over two furlongs from home. Pushed clear by Joe Fanning, he scored by six lengths on the line.

The Paul Dean-owned winner was bought by his trainer for 70,000gns at the Tattersalls Book 2 Yearling Sale. Bred by Mascalls Stud, he is the second foal out of the black-type Danehill Dancer mare Reckoning and comes from the family of Group 1 winners Sholokhov, Soldier Of Fortune and Intense Focus.