Johnny Murtagh© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Murtagh made a rare visit to Lingfield a winning one, as he took the 6f Maiden Stakes aboard the 4/11 favourite Valbchek.
The Jeremy Noseda trained 2yo colt was left in front a furlong from home when the 7/2 second favourite Aurens swerved badly and unseated his rider.
Murtagh pushed his mount out from there and despite him showing greenness he kept on well to score by two and three parts of a length.
Winning trainer Noseda said afterwards: "The owners have been very patient as I liked him last season but he had some niggly problems."
"The way I'm thinking he's a sprinter - seven furlongs, absolute tops - and we wanted to get him out early."
Asked whether Valbchek could appear next at the Newmarket Craven meeting, Noseda replied: "If I'm happy when I get him home.
"There is a race I had in mind."
