Future Looks Bright For Wootton Bassett’s Latest Winner

English Oak (3c Wootton Bassett - Forest Crown, by Royal Applause) took a step forward to win his second start in Wednesday’s Novice Stakes at Thirsk.

Ed Walker’s charge ran green on debut at Newbury and stepped up to a mile on Wednesday, with PJ McDonald taking the ride. Chasing the leader for much of the way, English Oak was asked to quicken at the three furlong pole and was ridden a furlong later. The bay kept on well to lead close home, beating the experienced favourite by a head, with another three and a quarter lengths back to the third.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “He's a slow-maturing horse who was like a rabbit in the headlights first time. He has seen the trip out really well and is definitely one to keep on the right side.”

Owned by David Ward, the promising son of Wootton Bassett was sold by breeder Car Colston Hall Stud as a yearling for 200,000gns.