THE Listed Byrne Group Handicap Chase over two miles and a furlong at Ascot went to Dr Richard Newland’s Vosne Romanee, who held Champagne At Tara by just over a length.

With a burgundy beating a champagne, it was a result for tipplers everywhere but it was several minutes before the successful 20-strong Foxtrot NH Racing Partnership could think about celebrating, due to a lengthy race enquiry.

The problem came three from home, where the stricken Shantou Rock was still being attended after a fall on the first circuit. The riders were waved around the fence but had to use the hurdles track before returning to the chase course to jump the next. This is unusual but Shantou Rock, whose injury sadly proved fatal, was taking up a lot of room. The right decision was taken, and the stewards concurred after considering the matter.

Vosne Romanee was held up by Sam Twiston-Davies but closed to lead two out. Nicely clear at the last he idled but still had enough in hand to repel the runner-up.

“For 20 people who paid £600 each it’s a dream come true, because he’s won 12 races for us,” said syndicate manager Dan Abraham. “He’ll have a rest now.”

ammunition

Alan King has plenty of ammunition in the handicap hurdle division and took the Listed Bet With Ascot Handicap Hurdle with 9/1 shot Fidux.

Southwell winners do not necessarily attract support at Ascot and Fidux was easy enough to back. However, he made ground smoothly for Wayne Hutchinson and picked off top weight Global Citizen, who was conceding 10lbs, to score by eight lengths, with Caius Marcius close up in third.

“I’m surprised because I thought third or fourth might be about his mark but he’s destroyed them,“ King said. “He’s not in the Greatwood but it’s a nice pot to win so we’ll go home and enjoy it.”