Christian Williams strikes with first runner at the track as Stringtoyourbow impresses

Christian Williams struck with his first runner at the track when Stringtoyourbow impressively landed the 2m4½f novice handicap chase. 

The seven-year-old made the 16-hour round-trip from South Wales worthwhile with a four-length success under Sean Quinlan.

Williams told Racing TV: "I had one ride here ages ago for Evan Williams, but we were really excited to be coming back as they're great racing people up here.

"We entered a few last week and those who pay the bills were happy to travel to find some nice ground, which we didn't have down in the south, and this would be one of the last chances to get it. Thankfully they had a good journey up."

Stringtoyourbow was backing up a success at Southwell last month and it was his second victory in Scotland.

Williams added: "He won at Ayr's Scottish Grand National meeting a few seasons ago and then got injured, but he's found his mojo again. Like footballers who can't score, they go through tough times, but he's now got plenty of confidence."

Long wait ended

Trained Peter Atkinson ended a 400-day wait for a winner when Ribeye scored convincingly in the concluding 2m7½f handicap chase.

He completed a double for in-form rider Danny McMenamin, who also won on Smokeringinthedark in the 2m4f maiden hurdle. 

Impressive record

Conner McCann took his red-hot strike-rate at the track to 42 per cent after winning on Prince Of Perth in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

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