North Light loses season opener

North Light failed to live up to last year's Derby win

Last season's Derby winner North Light was stunned into second place in his first race of the season.

Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, the 10-11 favourite was beaten by New Morning, which held off a fast-finishing North Light by a neck at Sandown.

The Michael Jarvis-trained New Morning got off to a flyer at the start of the betfair.com Brigadier Gerard Stakes.

Murtagh steadily moved North Light up the field before putting in a final surge towards the line.

Mubtaker was third - a further length-and-a-half behind.

North Light's trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: "He looked a bit rusty and at one stage it looked like he wasn't going to pick up at all, but he has run on well to the line and I'm pleased with that.

"He did have a hold-up a few days ago and that set us back a bit, so he should come on for this.

"There is no plan yet, but he has got plenty of entries."