Fab day at Donny with Group-race double

Qatar Racing, trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Oisin Murphy were celebrating at Doncaster this afternoon after a Group-race double in consecutive races.

First Rich Legacy landed the Gr.2 May Hill Stakes for two-year-old fillies, then the superb Simple Verse raced back to winning form with victory in the Gr.2 DFS Park Hill Stakes. It was her first win since landing last season's Gr.1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies' and Mares' Stakes.

Simple Verse could bid for a repeat in that race next month, although Beckett feels the QIPCO Marathon is a better option for her on the same Ascot card.

These victories for Beckett at Doncaster helped bury the memories of a bitter/sweet day at the track 12 months ago, when Simple Verse was first past the post in the Gr.1 Ladbrokes St Leger, only to lose the race on appeal. The despondency felt by the trainer after that was lifted a few weeks later when Simple Verse was awarded the race on appeal, but he admitted today: ‚"I came up on the train, and when I got out I couldn't help thinking that the last time I was here I wasn't in a great way but it's great to have the filly back.

Rich Legacy (left) wins the May Hill Stakes under Oisin Murphy

‚"It didn't look good at the half-furlong pole [as leader Pretty Perfect maintained a strong gallop and Simple Verse was still two lengths down] but this is her optimum trip, and it is possible she will go up to two miles next time I'd be keen to go that way.

‚"She's had a few issues this year, and I'm grateful to all the team at home who have helped to get her back. I owe this win to them. She did a lovely piece of work on Sunday, and I knew if she showed that zip today we would be in business.‚"

Stablemate Rich Legacy also had to show stamina and tenacity in victory. Beckett said: ‚"She didn't seem to be going anywhere at halfway, but then really came forward and did it well in the end. She surprised us first time out [when winning at Newmarket], because she hadn't shown us anything special at home but horses like that are often the best ones.‚"

Photography: Dan Abraham