RIPON 17:30

Non Runners: KAY GEE BE (IRE), SYRIAN, NONAGON. Race Distance Adjustment: +8 yds

Time: 2m 26.61s Closing Sectional: (4f): 53.75s (100.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 127%, Betfair SP 97%

A race notable for the Rules debut of Britain’s most successful female Olympian - Victoria Pendleton aboard Royal Etiquette adding interest to an otherwise poor handicap, one restricted to those who had not ridden more than 3 winners under any Rules of Racing; it was a messy contest to try and unravel, the early tempo modest before the aforementioned Royal Etiquette pressed on with Chocolate Diamond after 4f, the pair soon opening up a clear lead, Jordaura launching his challenge from a long way back as the principals bunched up late on, some of the jockeyship on offer leaving plenty to be desired.

JORDAURA returned to form from out of the blue to end a losing run stretching back nearly 2 years, definitely not an obvious candidate to follow up; held up, headway over 3f out, hung left 2f out, had to pick way through final 1f, stayed on to lead close home.

ROYAL ETIQUETTE (IRE) was the centre of attention due to the presence of his high-profile jockey, and under an enterprising ride, turned in his best effort of the season; dwelt and in rear, but was keen off steady pace and made rapid headway to press leader after 4f, kicked on with that rival home turn, led over 3f out, closed down over 2f out, tackled over 1f out, headed well inside final 1f, kept on; not certain to be in the same form next time.

BOLD HENMIE (IRE) strong in the betting, ran creditably back on turf, cementing a positive start for this yard; prominent, short of room as leader crossed to rail after 2f, ridden over 3f out, upsides over 1f out, led well inside final 1f, edged out close home.

INTENSIFIED (IRE) upped in trip, confirmed the promise of his last run despite being left with a lot to do, no surprise were new connections to find a winning opportunity for him close to hand; raced off the pace, headway approaching final 1f, edged right, ran on late, nearest at the finish.

ICE KONIG (FR) slight increase in distance was expected to be in his favour, but he could only run to a similar level as on his previous start; handy, ridden approaching 3f out, one paced.

SONORAN SANDS (IRE) back up in trip/in a change of headgear, showed that some ability remains, though never threatened, an element of passing beaten horses, it debatable whether he can build on this; dwelt, in rear, pushed along over 2f out, late headway; was subsequently disqualified and placed last as his rider failed to draw the correct weight.

CABUCHON (GER) with a visor replacing blinkers, followed a good run with a below-par one; mid-field, took strong hold early, brief headway 4f out, no further impression.

BOTANIST again ran below form, though did receive a rather strange ride; held up, crept closer home turn but jockey then delayed challenge, losing ground as race developed in front of him, shaken up over 2f out, made no impression.

FLAG OF GLORY enjoyed certain advantages when scoring at Brighton last week and had his winning run ended in comprehensive fashion under another 6 lb penalty; mid-field, not settle fully, struggling under 3f out.

YARD OF ALE upped in trip, was well held on first outing since leaving Kristin Stubbs after 4 months off; mid-division, took strong hold, labouring over 3f out.

MARY'S PRAYER again showed little; in touch, lost place over 4f out, soon beaten.

CHOCOLATE DIAMOND (IRE) hasn't been in any sort of form and fared no better for a return to forcing tactics; led, went clear home turn with eventual runner-up, headed over 3f out, weakened.