A couple of long standing maidens finally got on the board in the two divisions of the Stratford Racecourse New Season Maiden Hurdle.

Izita Star overcame a three month break in running right away from Riddleofthesands and the disappointing odds on favourite Raincoat to record a comfortable 13L success for trainer Annabelle King and Tom O’Brien. Then the 17 race flat maiden Ready To Crown just got the better of market rival Sam Whiskey as Nick Schofield got the nod over AP McCoy in a photo.

Oscar Bay was a welcome winner for trainer Jimmy Frost in the Shottery Novices’ Chase. Despite hanging throughout the contest, the Seamus Durack-ridden gelding made all to beat Crescent Island as the odds on favourite Leading Contender failed to land a blow.

Seamus went on to complete an 83/1 double aboard the Charlie Longsdon-trained Mollys Garden who readily out-pointed Blazing Desert from the last as once again a favourite, this time Transvestite, failed to trouble the judge. Still unexposed, Mollys Garden, on this better ground, could easily follow up under a penalty.

Paradise Expected came of age on her twenty third attempt with a comfortable success in the Conditional Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. An improving type since the switch to trainer Tim Vaughan, there is every chance that the now 6 yr old can follow up.

Given a positive ride from Andrew Glassonbury, the 20/1 shot Milton Des Bief rallied from the last fence to get the better of Michigan D’isop having been headed and needing to get back on top.

In what was a well contested Bumper the 6/5 favourite Frascati Park made all to beat Divy in a desperately close finish.