Dogged Effort at Ripon
Round two for the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, supported by White Rose Saddlery took place at Ripon Racecourse and was the opening race of their 2023 flat season.
12 runners went to post for the one mile event and Global Spirit under Jonny Peate took the early lead with Ugo Gregory ridden by Christian Howarth and Dogged partnered by Elle-May Croot, who took a keen hold, sat closely behind. The field was closely grouped bar Frog and Toad who had dwelt in the stalls and lost several lengths at the start.
There was little change in the order up front at the half way point, however Dogged began to move forward and joined Global Spirit at the head of affairs and just nudged into the lead.
By the two furlong marker, Dogged was still in front but Hortzadar ridden by Mark Winn made good headway from the middle of the pack to come within a neck of Dogged but Elle-May managed to galvanise a strong effort from Dogged to win by three quarters of a length.
This was Elle-May’s first win in the series, riding for Rebecca Menzies, however there is still some catching to do to get within reach of the leader, Connor Planas, after his double on the opening day at Doncaster.
The next race in the series takes place at Pontefract on Wednesday 3rd May.