Kingston is crowned Queen at Market Rasen

Kingston Queen showed ample ability to win the Unibet Alan Swinbank Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race for David Pipe.

The grey is a three-mile point-to-point winner who made her British debut when third in a Chepstow bumper in November, with her next outing at Plumpton a step forward as she was beaten just a neck in second.

On Boxing Day she made her third bumper start in a Sedgefield contest and there she made all the running to secure an eight-and-a-half-length victory under 7lb-claimer Gearoid Harney.

The same jockey took the ride at Market Rasen, though his claim was void in a Listed event, and his mount started an overlooked 16-1 chance in a field of 10 promising mares.

Always prominent, the five-year-old was at the head of the field as they reached the home straight, but faced a challenge from the strong-finishing Charisma Cat in the closing strides.

She held on to prevail by a neck with Charisma Cat behind her and Dream Shadow, the 13-8 favourite, further back in third.

“She’s very tough and pretty straightforward,” said Harney.

“She is actually still quite green and she’s learning the whole time.

“After her last win at Sedgefield I said that whatever she does in bumpers, she’ll be even better going forwards and going up in trip.

“It’s brilliant that she’s got a bit of black type now. She was still green when she won the last day and she’s improved again today.

“I’d say the softer (the ground) the better, she’s as tough as nails and she’ll stay as well.”

Of the prospect of the mare lining up for one of the key bumpers at the spring festivals, the rider added: “I’ll let the boss decide that! I’m sure they’ll sit down and discuss a plan for
her.”

Harney had earlier been called before the stewards following the Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase, although it was not for his ride in the race.

The jockey avoided injury after mistakenly jogging on the course during the extended two-mile-five-furlong contest, with the runners and riders safely navigating around him on the bend.

The stewards report read: “An inquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding why Gearoid Harney was jogging on the bend into the home straight, in close proximity to the runners and riders of this race. The stewards noted Harney’s explanation and reminded him of his responsibilities.”