Staincliff steps up on debut to record first career success at Newcastle

A filly with a bright future made a trip to the north east more than worthwhile yesterday to confirm the hopes of everyone that she could be a three year old worth keeping tabs on in 2024.

STAINCLIFF cost more than a few quid and there’s always pressure to deliver under such circumstances but if her debut at Sandown back in November was pleasing, it can be said that victory in last night’s six furlong fillies’ maiden under Charlie Bishop was a great relief.

Chris Hirst’s STAINCLIFF (with Suzannah)

We are left now to ponder what might be to come next year with a juvenile that Jack has always been excited about.

“We’ve taken our time with her because she wasn’t a whizzing two year old - she just did everything very nicely at home but needed a little time.

“Her debut at Sandown set a decent standard having just been edged out by a highly tried William Haggas horse, but she travelled sweetly that day and answered several questions last night.

“She improved all the way to the line and was a fair way out of her ground at halfway. But she kept on all the way to the line to beat plenty of other inexperienced fillies chock full of promise.

“The winter takes forever but she’s one to look forward to next year and I’m delighted for Chris Hirst who will have the same optimism. He’s been a great supporter and has shown a great deal of faith in us.”