Improving Starspangledbanner Colt Wins Maiden In Style

Bill The Butcher (2c Starspangledbanner - Laurelita, by High Chaparral) maintained his progressive profile when running out an impressive winner of Friday’s seven furlong maiden stakes at Southwell.

Trained by Richard Spencer for Rebel Racing, the chesnut made a promising debut in August and finished third on his next start over the same distance of six furlongs. Strongly supported in the market, he tracked the leaders under Stevie Donohoe and began to make headway from over two furlongs out, improving to challenge the leader approaching the final furlong. Soon in front, he ran on well to score by four lengths.

Bill The Butcher was bred by Manister House Stud, who sold him as a yearling for £64,000 to his trainer and agent Bobby O’Ryan. He becomes the first winner out of Laurelita, whose own dam is closely related to Grade 1 winner Light Jig.