Can you split them? Dead-heat drama involving Tom Queally and Nicola Currie

Some thought Kendergarten Kop, others reckoned Batchelor Boy. In the end the judge could not split the two runners who fought out a dead-heat in the 6f handicap (3.55).

Kendergarten Kop, the 9-4 favourite trained by David Flood and ridden by Tom Queally, had the advantage of the rail against Batchelor Boy, partnered by Nicola Currie. The pair engaged in a duel from the front for the majority of the race, with both looking the likeliest winner at various points up the straight.

However, after a lengthy delay to determine the result a dead-heat was called, with three and a half lengths back to third. Both riders were completing doubles on the card.

Currie said: "Coming over the line I thought I had won the race until I saw it on the big screen. It really is an advantage on that rail. They both deserve it – they've been tough."

3.55 Brighton: full result and race replay

The opening day of June kept up the momentum for Currie after seven winners in May at a 22 per cent strike-rate, with Batchelor Boy's trainer George Boughey's flourishing Newmarket yard playing a pivotal role.

Currie had earlier been aided by the rail when partnering the Daniel and Claire Kubler-trained Zulu Girl to victory in the mile handicap.

Currie added: "I hope I've got some momentum behind me. I want to be riding winners every day if I can."

The first leg of Queally's double was Summer Valley, winner of the 1m2f handicap for Gary Moore.

'He completely disobeyed my orders'

Trevor Whelan, best known for his partnership with popular hurdler Lil Rockerfeller, ended a 130-day barren spell with a fine ride on Run Forrest Run – even if the winning tactics "completely disobeyed" his delighted trainer's orders.

The three-year-old had drifted to 6-1 (from an overnight price of 4-1) but the market got it wrong as Whelan, adopting plans different from those envisaged by trainer George Baker, kept his mount prominent throughout and was not for catching when sent to the front around a furlong from home in the 7f handicap (1.00).

Trevor Whelan could not be caught in the closing stages on Run Forrest RunCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Baker was thrilled to see Whelan ride a winner for him and said: "Trevor gave him a peach, completely disobeyed my orders, which all jockeys should clearly do! The plan was to drop in and get a lead because we weren't quite sure he would get the seven.

"It's lovely for Trevor. We've all talked about the one-meeting rule for jockeys; it gives people like Trevor an opportunity."

On Run Forrest Run, Baker added: "He's a lovely horse, the family always gets better with age. We've got a horse called Bowling Russian; he's a half-brother and won four last year as a three-year-old. Hopefully, this boy can do the same thing."

Magic Marco

Marco Ghiani's early charge for the apprentice title was boosted as he left the seaside track with two winners from a strong book of rides.

Spurred on by his family, including his 15-day-old son, Ghiani was the toast of the spectators at the sunbathed track as he partnered Arabic Charm for Saeed bin Suroor and Far Hope for Simon and Ed Crisford to victory in successive races.

Italian Ghiani is based with Stuart Williams but is clearly attracting plenty of interest from neighbouring yards in Newmarket, and it is little surprise given the straightforward rides he gave his two winners.

Marco Ghiani surges clear on Arabic Charm, the first leg of a double for the talented apprenticeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Ghiani said of Far Hope: "When I took her out she picked up very well, she probably improved from her [last] run. She was a bit green in front but I'm really happy with that."

Results, replays and analysis

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