Racing: Flight proves Fortune's flair

JIMMY FORTUNE played a key role in planning the defeat of a 1- 5 favourite at Pontefract yesterday. His mount, 11-2 shot Jamaica Flight, overturned hot favourite Grimshaw in the Phil Bull Trophy.

Fortune, widely expected to ride for leading owner Robert Sangster next season, contacted trainer Sue Lamyman pleading for the ride as soon as he knew Jamaican Flight was entered. "Jimmy rang us up earlier in the week," Lamyman said. "He rode the horse to be second last year and said he could win it this time. He's riding so well at the moment and you don't turn down somebody as good as him."

Jamaican Flight was pitted against just two rivals after the morning withdrawal of Candle Smile.

But he appeared to face a tough task against the Henry Cecil-trained Grimshaw, who was reckoned to have 18lb in hand by raceday sponsors Timeform. Grimshaw attracted pounds 31,000 in major bets alone.

At Lingfield, Marcus Tregoning saddled his first winner for his old boss, Dick Hern. The Thruster, bred by Hern and his wife Sheilah and still part- owned by the Major, proved far too good for his opponents in the Whisky & Soda Handicap. "That's my first winner for Dick. Let's hope we can get a few more for him," Tregoning said.