19 Abr. GB. Dubai Tennis Championships S. G3. Newbury. 12f. Turf. 50.000 £
1.- ROYAL AND REGAL (N.Callan)
2.- ZAHAM (R.Hills)
3.- TEMPELSTERN (T.Queally)


ON a mixed day for owner Peter Savill, the former BHB chairman enjoyed the rub of the green in the stewards' room to celebrate a winning start for Cup aspirant Royal And Regal, on his debut for Michael Jarvis, at Newbury yesterday.

The ex-Andre Fabre-trained colt, whose dam Smart 'N Noble died yesterday morning, successfully stepped back to 1m4f to capture the Dubai Tennis Championships Stakes - better known as the John Porter - but the result was confirmed only after a lengthy inquiry into his neck defeat of the unlucky Zaham.

Richard Hills, Zaham's rider, believed he had "a small chance" of persuading the panel to reverse the finishing order after his momentum was checked when Royal And Regal came across him a furlong and a half out, but after several minutes deliberation the stewards ruled it was accidental.

Victory in the Group 3 contest put Royal And Regal, winner of the Jockey Club Cup last year, on course for the Yorkshire Cup next month.

Savill said: "I brought him to England because I am convinced he needs a good strong gallop, and too many times in France they crawl then sprint.

"The sad news is the mare died this morning. She had produced a full-brother to this horse and was on the way to Green Desert, but didn't make it. She was 17 and had produced a number of stakes winners."