THERE is no stopping Barbury Castle trainer Alan King.
After having a successful Cheltenham Festival followed by his first winner at the prestigious Punchestown meeting with Blazing Bailey, the trainer has turned his attentions to the Flat racing scene.
At Ascot in midweek King saddled his first Group winner when Shipmaster (4-1), owned by the trainer's landlord Nigel Bunter, won the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes, ridden by inform jockey Richard Hughes.
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The rain-softened ground suited the five-year-old, who battled gamely in side the final furlong under strong pressure to triumph by a short head.
"I suppose I have had three or four runners in Group races before," King said. "But this was Shipmaster's day and I'm going to enjoy it."
Asked about any thoughts of going for a quick follow-up in next week's Chester Cup with just a 3lb penalty for a Group win, King said his charge would be left in at the five-day stage.
To complete a successful day for the yard, Emerald Wilderness (6-1) won the Epping Forest Handicap at Great Leighs' evening meeting in the colours of Terry Warner. The winner was returning to the Flat after a spell over hurdles.
Back on the jumps scene, King saddled Oh Crick, who made a successful debut over fences in the beginners' chase at Hereford the following day.
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