Herefordshire trainer celebrating early Ascot victory

THE win of Martator for the Kings Caple yard of Venetia Williams at Ascot on Saturday, heralded the beginning in many racegoers eyes of the arrival of winter, given the widely held belief her horses nearly always need soft ground.

Confidently ridden by Charlie Deutsch, Martator was sent off 6/1 in the 10 runner two-mile-one-furlong Handicap Chase and the partnership could be spotted making ground steadily over the final circuit to spark early celebrations.

An error at the second last fence seemed to give the initiative to the leader Issar d’Airy but responding to minimal pressure from Deutsch, Martator quickened up well to record his fourth victory in a row - following three last season to finish a length and three-quarters clear of Issar D'Airy.

A delighted Williams said afterwards: "That was amazing.

"He's one of the few I'm happy to run on drier ground. He's quite a small horse, light on his feet.

“Turning for home it looked like he had a chance but then he met the second-last on a bad stride before staying on well."

The Herefordshire trainer was also full of praise for work-rider and groom Meg Jones, who is engaged to winning jockey Charlie Deutsch, who regularly partners the seven-year-old Martator at home, despite being eight months pregnant.

Trainer Williams added: "Meg rode Martator three times this week. He's quite keen at home and Meg rides him better than any of the jockeys."

Expectant mum to be Jones commented: "I want to keep working but it gets harder by the day, I've not got long to go and will be watching from the other side of the fence."