William Haggas was delighted to see Ilaraab return to the winning streak with a combat effort in the Virgin Bet St Simon Stakes in Newbury.

The four-year-old had six wins on the spin between July 2020 and May this year, but has since suffered four straight losses.

Wootton’s son Bassett, however, had run quite respectably to be third in his last two group three starts, and had an 11-2 chance for his last posting under Tom Marquand.

Morando, former winner of the race in 2018, then Max Vega challenged Ilaraab in the finals, but he held his task well to win by a length.

Haggas said: “It was great. I’m absolutely sure you better go left handed and he must have run a few right handed races (at Ascot) because those were the races available.

“When you get to that level, there isn’t a lot of choice, especially when you have to dig in the ground.

“He dug into the ground and was left-handed today and he had a good race so I’m very happy.

“He felt like he was still traveling as the winner. I think it will be him for this year.”

The light infantry maintained their unbeaten record in the Virgin Bet Horris Hill Stakes.

The youngster from David Simcock made his debut at Yarmouth racecourse last month but has faced a significant breakthrough in class for this group three competition.

As the favorite Noble Truth started to falter as they entered the last stadium, it remained for the light infantry, Cresta and Tacarib Bay to fight.

The light infantry crept under the pressure, hampering rivals and prompting stewards to investigate – but Jamie Spencer’s mount was a length and a half ahead of the line and the result stood.

Doyle in double form

Jumbly produced a performance of rare dominance in the Galloping To Give 10 Years With A Transplant Stakes – a Listed event better known as the Radley Stakes.

The Gleneagles filly won her first two starts for Roger Charlton, before finishing fourth when she moved up to group two for the Rockfel in Newmarket.

Coming back down to class, the 9-4 favorite barely escaped the bridle – moving away from her rivals at the hands of Hollie Doyle, who netted a brace a day after Gisburn won in Game 1 at Newbury.

Charlton said: “I’m very happy. I think it was a step up from Newmarket, where I don’t think it was really suited to the conditions and it was a bit cool.

“Today she traveled well and looked professional. I was worried about the pitch, but there was no need to worry as she lived it well.

“We’re going to put it away now and keep an open mind about next season.”