Racing Centre

Ajaan impresses in taking the betinternet.com Heritage Handicap

HENRY CECIL took the £40,000 betinternet.com-sponsored feature with Ajaan, who formed the second part of a track double for the popular trainer.

The Niarchos Family-owned four-year-old followed up his victory on The NatWest Rowley Mile two weeks earlier with a comprehensive triumph in the 1m 6f heritage handicap.

Tom Queally never had a moment’s bother on the colt, who was held up before being asked to lay down his challenge in the final half-mile.

Ajaan came to collar the early leader Backbord over 2f out and powered on relentlessly to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths from Halla San.

Mike Marshall, assistant to Cecil, said: "Tom gave him a really nice ride and this horse has improved from his last run. It wasn't a bad race but he has won it so easily."

Cecil, who also won a Listed race at Newbury with Tranquil Tiger, had triggered his across-the-card treble with 5/2 shot Rattan’s five-length victory in the opening Sign-Up Bonus@betinternet.com maiden.

On the final day of three at Newmarket’s latest meeting, King’s Bastion was a thrilling short head winner of the betinternet.com Sports Betting handicap and Fondled ran on strongly to prevail in the Best Odds Guaranteed AT betinternet.com handicap.

There was a thrilling finish to the Join betinternet.com For Champions League Final novice stakes as Northern Tour just foiled I Am The Best by a head.

Racing returns to The NatWest Rowley Mile next Friday afternoon when another three-day fixture commences. The first race is due off at 2.20pm. We look forward to seeing you here!