Akehurst magic works in the Roseberry Jon Akehurst proved to be a chip off the old block as Gentleman Venture seized one of the most historic races in the British calendar at Kempton Park today. The victory in the Coral Eurobet Rosebery Handicap stirred memories of the trainer`s dad Reg Akehurst, now retired, who made a habit of winning tough races like this race. Unfortunately the man known as the handicap king was not able to celebrate his son`s biggest win as he was fast asleep! Gentleman Venture (16-1) put up a sterling effort to land the spoils in the stg£40,000 contest. Leading three furlongs out he was kept up to his work to defeat Champagne Rider by one and three-quarter lengths to provide jockey Paul Doe with the biggest success of his career. Minutes after the win Akehurst called his dad who was at home in Tadworth, Surrey enjoying his Easter Monday with friends. 'Mum answered the phone but she told me I couldn`t speak to the old man as he was asleep on the sofa. The handicap king has missed it all!' he said. Border Arrow registered his first success for three years when scrambling home in the Magnolia Stakes. Stoked up by Kieren Fallon, he got up close home to deny Pawn Broker by a head in the Listed race. Border Arrow has the Coronation Cup at the Derby meeting as his mid-season target. Before that he could tackle either the Brigadier Stakes at Sandown or go to France for the Prix Ganay. Heretic was cut to 50-1 (from 100-1) for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas by Victor Chandler after a convincing defeat of Foodbroker Fancy in the Quail Classified Stakes. Derby entry Aquarius got the better of Rudder, another possible contender for the Epsom Classic, in the Daffodil Maiden Stakes to clinch a double for in-form John Dunlop. Zarin teed up a good day for Dunlop when bolting up by seven lengths in the Syringa Maiden Stakes (division one).
