Fairytale ending as Cliff Lines signs off with a winner after 70 years in racing

Cliff Lines brought the curtain down on his training career in fairytale fashion after nearly 70 years in racing when Catapult, his final runner, overcame an outside draw to land a morning gamble in Lingfield's maiden handicap.

Lines, who includes Shergar among the many top-class horses he rode during decades as one one of Newmarket's most respected work-riders, had gone 559 days since his last winner, but he knew he had Catapult in top shape and Hollie Doyle gave him a great ride to strike on the 4-1 joint-favourite, who had started the day a 9-1 shot.

Fighting back tears as he was congratulated by well-wishers, Lines said: "He came out of the stalls like a greyhound and that's what won him the race I should think. It's a fairytale end for me, terrific, and we'll have some champagne tonight."

Lines, who also rode Sonic Lady, Shareef Dancer and J O Tobin at home when working for Sir Noel Murless and then Sir Michael Stoute, added: "I was reasonably confident, although we thought the draw was bad. He was so well today.

"I've been so lucky. You just can't believe the feel those good horses give you. I'm 84 on Valentine's Day but I wouldn't change anything."

Doyle said: "Cliff has given me so many chances but that's the first winner I've ridden for him. It's a great way for him to end. He's so passionate about his horses."

Gay Kelleway, who saddled runner-up Global Goddess, is a near neighbour in Exning and said: "I don't mind finishing second to Cliff. I've known him all my life and he's ridden out for me. He was always a great judge."

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