Johnston has high hopes after colt’s powerful display at Redcar Races

MIDDLEHAM trainer Charlie Johnston looks to have a colt with a bright future after High Season impressed with a dominant display under Connor Beasley at Redcar today (Wednesday).

The son of New Bay finished five and a half lengths clear of Karl Burke’s well-backed debutante Last Galileo in the British EBF Supports Racing To School Future Stayers Novice Stakes.

Given that Last Galileo, a 200,000 euros colt by the legendary site Galileo, holds an entry in the Group One Futurity Trophy Stakes next month, the Johnston camp has every reason to be optimistic.

Beasley was clearly impressed, coming out with a succinct two-word verdict as he dismounted: “Nice horse!”

High Season had shaped well when second on his debut at Beverley but appeared to find his next start coming too soon when finishing down the field in the Convivial Stakes at York.

Assistant trainer Jock Bennett said after the Redcar victory: "Charlie rang me just before they went to the start and said to tell Connor to come up the rail, and that's what he did. We've always liked the horse."

Beasley secured a double when getting up close home on Michael Dods’ topweight Count Palatine in the Watch Racing TV Free For 31 Days Handicap.

The gelding joined the Dods yard from Brian Meehan’s stable at the start of the season and was bought by Anne Elliott. He’s now landed two wins in a row after a success at Thirsk nine days ago, and the owner admitted she was “surprised but delighted” that he’d won with 10st 3lbs.

The eight-race midweek card started with a decisive victory for the Craig Lidster-trained Force of Honour, under 3lbs claimer William Pyle, in the Start Your Racing TV Free Trial Now Nursery Handicap.

Dan Gilbride, manager of the successful Craig Lidster Racing syndicate, said: "We were as confident as we could be today and it's great that there are so many members here to see it.”

Pyle, who was riding his 20th winner of the season, said: "That was a big step up and he'll keep progressing."

Veteran trainer Geoff Oldroyd was on the scoresheet as Project Dante, ridden by Clifford Lee, beat favourite Maris Angel by a neck in the Racingtv/Freetrial Hcap.

Former jockey Geoff said: "He's had lots of problems and it's been a long time getting him right. He's not the horse he was, but he's come good and he's enjoyed that, so onward and upwards!"

The Showcasing gelding, who runs in the familiar colours of Bond Thoroughbred Ltd, is mainly a lead horse for Geoff's good handicapper Pocklington.

The Weatherbys Stallion Book Nursery saw a resolute performance from I Need Your Love to get up close home under Billy Garritty, beating Archie Watson’s Forteleza by a neck.

Steph Easterby, representing the winning stable, admitted: “We were quietly confident.”

Ghaihaban made the long journey from Berkshire pay off as he stayed on stoutly to defy hot favourite My Cloud in the Weatherbysshop.co.uk Novice. The daughter of Too Darn Hot is trained by Andrew Balding and was ridden by Jason Watson.

Ey Up Its The Boss, trained in North Yorkshire by Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood, bossed Division One of the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Handicap, leading from the start under David Nolan to deny favourite Liberty Coach by half a length.

Glistening Nights, trained at Malton by Richard Fahey, made it four wins in 2024 when striding out well under Oisin Orr to hold off course and distance winner Titainium in Division 2.