EDDERY AND WING CLINCH MILE As they get older, they nearly always get wiser and so it seemed as Right Wing consented to win today`s Doncaster Mile, the feature race on the opening day of the turf Flat season in Britain. The seven-year-old, who has never been the most straightforward of animals, looked ill at ease in the cold, rainy conditions and it was only Pat Eddery`s encouragement that kept him in contention in the early stages of the Listed race. But supporters of the 11-4 second-favourite began to feel cheerier as Right Wing joined his rivals with over a quarter of a mile of the race to travel, just as Willie Supple sent odds-on market-leader Albarahin to the front. By the time the runners reached the furlong-pole, Albarahin had taken the measure of Nicobar but Eddery had begun to get a sweet tune out of Right Wing, who swept into the lead. However the drama was not over as Right Wing proceeded to hang into his rival on the rails, forcing Supple to stop riding as the post approached. But the stewards were satisfied that the result was not affected and allowed he placings to stand. Eddery was found guilty of careless riding and cautioned by the stewards as to his future conduct. Owner Susan Roy, trainer Brian Meehan and jockey Brett Doyle completed the first double of the season when Tamiami Trail`s win in the Balby Handicap was followed by Gryffindor taking the Badsworth Maiden Stakes. Bryan McMahon has made a habit recently of taking the opening juvenile race of the season, the Ballyhane Stud Brocklesby Conditions Stakes, and Shuffling Kid followed up the victories of Nearly A Fool (1999) and Seraphina (2000) to make it a unique hat-trick for the Tamworth trainer. Les Eyre has found it difficult to attract success in recent months so Bawsian`s victory in the opening Racing Schools Apprentice Handicap came as a great relief.
