Halmahera ends losing run

A minute's silence was observed at Doncaster

Halmahera made up for some near misses by winning the Tote Trifecta Portland Showcase Handicap at Doncaster.

The 6-1 favourite overcame a slow start to win the five-and-a-half furlong race in a thrilling finish.

Darryll Holland, who replaced the injured Fergal Lynch, led Halmahera from four lengths down to snatch victory from 8-1 second favourite Injaaz on the line.

It was a long-awaited win in a big sprint for the Kevin Ryan-trained seven-year-old, formerly under the care of Ian Balding.

He had previously finished second in the Steward's Cup three times in four years and was also runner-up at the Wokingham Handicap in 1999.

Halmahera, who will run in the Ayr Gold Cup, had been beaten by Injaaz last time out at Goodwood.

Outsiders Kier Park (50-1) and Cyclone Connie (50-1) came in third and fourth place respectively.

Early lead

The favourite also won the other big race of the day - the Rothmans Royals Park Hill Stakes.

Alexander Three D, the 7-4 favourite, came through in the final couple of furlongs to win by two lengths from Treble Heights and Bright And Clear.

Missouri took up the early lead ahead of Ishtak, but both fell away in the latter stages of the one-mile six-and-a-half furlong race.

The Barry Hills-trained filly Alexander Three D looked a class above as she cruised home to win the £30,000 Group 3 race.