Highland Retreat and Tony McCoy on their way to victory at Doncaster

  PICTURE: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com/photos)  

Report: Doncaster, Friday

Betdaq No Premiums Charge Mares’ Chase (Listed) 2m4½f, 5yo+

HIGHLAND RETREAT kept up the scintillating start to the year for trainer Harry Fry, but only just as a late thrust of Emily Gray failed by inches.

Highland Retreat appeared to have the race in safekeeping with Pepite Rose held in second but Emily Gray came with a huge late run under jockey Jason Maguire to force a photograph.

After a nervy wait, it was confirmed that Highland Retreat had held on by a nose as the 5-6 favourite and take Tony McCoy and Harry Fry’s record together this season to five wins from seven rides.

Fry said: “In fairness to her she’s toughed it out and made virtually all.

“AP said he rode her to beat the other horse [Pepite Rose] and had her beat up the straight and Kim Bailey’s horse [Emily Gray] has come flying at the end and we’ve just held on.

“It’s good for a novice to come here and do that on ground quicker than ideal and we’re absolutely delighted. We might take her over to Limerick on March 15 for a Grade 2 mares’ chase.”

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