More joy for Jumby owners as 'Pattern horse' Sheer Rocks shines under Bishop

Owners Anthony Pye-Jeary and David Ian are enjoying a fruitful time and things got even sweeter for them when Sheer Rocks made it two from two in the mile novice.

Having seen Dreaming win at Kempton last week before the talented Jumby struck in a smart handicap at Newmarket on Saturday, the son of Iffraaj continued their fine period and maintained his unbeaten record with a three-quarter length success.

All three horses are trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, with her stable jockey Charlie Bishop aboard the 4-1 winner.

He said: "They've some really nice horses. They're great owners and Anthony Pye-Jeary has been very loyal. He used to own What About Carlo, who was a real favourite at the yard, and now he's in partnership with David Ian. They're investing a little bit more so it's fantastic the success they're having.

"Jumby is a Group horse as it was impressive to win a handicap off his mark the other day, and Dreaming and Sheer Rocks are potentially Pattern horses who will be better next year as three-year-olds."

Sheer Rocks, a winner at Chepstow on his debut, might not have looked a Pattern horse when pushed along three out, but Bishop never lost faith and added: "We were quite confident he'd take a bit of beating today."

Fun times

The petrol crisis did not prevent connections of Wholelotafun making the trip to see him land the 1m2f, as winning trainer Stan Moore joked "they only live three miles away".

Stan Moore: trainer was on target at Bath on MondayCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Moore, a popular face in Lambourn, trains the colt for Wendy Jarrett and reckons the experience of 53-year-old John Egan in the saddle might have been decisive.

He said: "He's a sensible, easy horse so I often put an apprentice on him and I thought not claiming 5lb might be the difference between coming second and winning, but he's won and I think having John has helped."

No time to worry

The off time of the 5½f handicap (5.00) was a concern for Malcolm Saunders but it need not have been as Ruby Cottage came home in front under Ryan Tate.

"She's not good in the stables, so being in a later race today was a slight worry," the trainer explained. "You'd like to say to her, 'just calm yourself'. The trouble up there is horses are coming and going and getting washed down, so she can get on edge.

"She is still a young filly, but it didn't seem to make a difference today and I'm so pleased as there are a nice bunch of people involved in her including Pat Hancock and Eric Jones, who also bred her."

Rain no pain

A heavy thunderstorm meant racegoers ran for cover, but Rossa Ryan was not complaining after winning division one of the mile handicap on the Grace Harris-trained Mabo.

"The rain helped," he said. "He actually put his head in front the last time I rode him here and threw it away. I told Grace I'd ride him a lot colder today. He still had a little think, but went through with it."

Results, replays and analysis

Read more reports:

'Lovely horse' Shang Tang brushes away rivals with impressive chasing debut

Game Exit Poll battles back after being headed to land Kilbegnet thriller

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here