'I told Callum not to get to the front too soon!' - Kings Merchant defies 999-1 in-running to nab 1.01 runner-up

Kings Merchant flew home for a thrilling success in the feature 6f handicap, despite trading at 999-1 in running after runner-up Hiya Maite hit the dreaded 1.01 on the Betfair Exchange.

The Roy Bowring-trained Hiya Maite led from the stalls and was well clear at the furlong pole. However, he began to run on fumes and was caught in the dying strides by the Ed Bethell-trained Kings Merchant, who won by a neck under Callum Rodriguez.

A total of £9 was traded on the winner at the maximum price of 1,000 on Betfair, while £14,000 was matched on Hiya Maite at the basement price.

"I thought he'd have been an unlucky loser," Bethell said. "He usually does just enough to win and I told Callum not to get to the front too soon, but he's given him a great ride, he was incredibly patient. 

"He travelled all over them and is a really progressive horse. He's only been out of the first three once this year, which is brilliant. He's great fun."

Smart stuff

Bryan Smart took his red-hot form to 30 per cent in the last fortnight with Managing Director's success in the opening 5f nursery.

He said: "This was fantastic as he's named in memory of Reg Bond [the late owner whose son Charlie now runs Bond Thoroughbred Ltd]. We've 30 horses in and have managed to win 15 times this year, so you have to be chuffed."

Watson treble

The well-backed Cymbidium kicked off a 44½-1 treble for Jason Watson with a game success in the mile nursery. Watson also won on Huscal in the 6f novice and Rajindri in the 7f fillies' handicap.

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