Merry Poppins wins for Motherway and Robinson

It looked to be hard work on the soft ground for the youngsters in the MansionBet Faller Insurance 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle, and Merry Poppins (16/1, from 20s) benefitted from a patient ride before coming through to lead before the last.

She was driven out on the run-in by Dylan Robinson to score by a length and a quarter from Differentiate with Sweet Sixteen third and the 4/5 favourite Calidus Mirabilis a distant fourth.

The ground had changed from yielding to soft after further rain before racing, but the winner, unraced on the Flat, is certainly bred to stay well being a daughter of Authorized out of a Peintre Celebre mare.

It was a first winner for 3lbs claimer Robinson since returning the saddle earlier this year after a lengthy period of suspension.

Winning trainer James Motherway said: "She is a lovely filly who only came to us in March/April time and was a little bit weak when she came but has strengthened up nicely.

"I told Dylan take his time as the ground had gone plenty soft for her as she isn't a big framed filly.

"I spoke to Brian (Acheson, owner) about going down the flat route but I said she jumps like a stag and is a typical Authorised who jumps super. I said I'd love to go for a three year old hurdle and we did.

"We haven't exactly drilled her and there is still a bit to work on.

"We'll look at a winners' hurdle next and could also give her a spin on the flat. She is a nice filly and will progress whatever she does.

"That is Carmel's (Acheson) first winner for me but her husband Brian has had winners in the Robcour colours and they are excellent supports of mine."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes