Portland win for Out After Dark

Johnny The Fish won under Frankie Dettori

Out After Dark took the honours in the Portland Handicap on the first day of Doncaster's St Leger meeting.

The 14-1 chance, ridden by Adam Kirby, came through on the far side in the final furlong of a competitive race.

Clive Cox's horse had to overcome a five pound penalty after a recent second place at Sandown.

Pieter Brueghel (11-1), who was challenging throughout the five and a half furlongs, got second, edging out stablemate Continent.

Veteran Halmahera failed in his bid to land the race for the fourth consecutive year with Kevin Ryan's battle-hardened 10-year-old finishing out of the places.

Cox said afterwards: "He's a very nice horse and is quite laid back at home. He's been a real superstar for us this year and has done us proud."

The trainer may now consider a tilt at the totesport Ayr Gold Cup later this month.

"He is going to get another 5lb penalty but the way he won today, we are going to have to think about it," he said.

"He's in a Listed race at Goodwood on Saturday, but we'll have to get him home for a day or two and think about it."

The Brian Meehan-trained Johnny The Fish landed the £300,000 St Leger Yearling Stakes with a powerful late surge.

Frankie Dettori guided the 20-1 chance to win by a neck over Mr Sandicliffe and give Meehan his second success in Europe's richest two-year-old race following Cape Fear two years ago.

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Portland Handicap
1. Out After Dark (A Kirby) 14-1
2. Pieter Brueghel (F Norton) 11-1
3. Continent (P Hanagan) 66-1
4. Sumora (D Holland) 33-1
21 ran. Dist: ¾, hd