Veteran sprinter Without Reg ended a run of outs when he scored a last-to-first victory for Oakford trainer Rhys Radford in the Afgri Equipment Hcp (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.

The gelded son of former Yarradale Stud sire War Chant (USA) wasn’t helped by a slow tempo set by front-runner Multinational (Zoustar) but he defied the clock and a $31 quote to collar even-money favourite Aberdeen Flyer (Astern) and then win running away by a half-length.

He was timed at 34.84s for the last 600m which was significantly faster than the splits set by Truly Royal (36.29s) and My Jimmy (35.96s) in the other 1400m events on opening day at Ascot.

Without Reg hadn't saluted the judge going back to the Mandurah Cup (1400m) at Pinjarra in January although a last-start third over his pet trip in the LR Hannans Hcp (1400m) in Kalgoorlie did put the writing on the wall for an 11th win in 64 starts yesterday.

“He’s been so consistent without winning and he pulled up well after the Hannans,” Radford said.  “It was a perfect ride by Holly (Watson).  They were within striking distance into the straight and the smaller field didn’t hurt, either.”

Radford will target the G3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) back at Ascot on October 31.  It’s worth $200,000 and would be another nice earner for his stable favourite who has banked $510,000 including $55,000 in Westspeed Bonuses since winning an Ascot 3yo maiden in November 2021.

Without Reg was bred and sold by Yarradale Stud’s Bernie Hamill for $29,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.  Radford prepares him for a large syndicate that includes Hamill and his parents Warren and Chris Radford. He’s one of four winners from Movie Queen (Bletchley Park) including full-sister Ladies Of London and The Great Hoya (Patronize) who was Belmont winner for trainers Paul Jordan and Jade Tangaroa.

Yarradale resident Shooting To Win completed a Saturday double at Ascot for the Gidgegannup stud with lightly-raced Peters Investments galloper Truly Loyal in the Swan Draught Hcp (1400m).

Like Without Reg an hour or two earlier, Truly Loyal came from the tail of the field off a quick clip set by Yarradale homebred Platinum Shot who is also by Shooting To Win.  “We were giving them a head-start and he really had to sprint hard to get there,” winning jockey Chris Parnham explained.  “He drew wide but it’s not a real disadvantage being out in the middle of the track today.”

Truly Loyal’s only loss in four starts this season was at Belmont last month and Parnham took the blame for going down a length to Silent Diva (Alabama Express).  “The winner was pretty good on the day but I tried to ride a bit of a race early.  That didn’t work and it brought me undone.”

Yarradale stands Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) alongside Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) and they’re both priced at $5,500 (inc GST) this season.   For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty on 0429 336 904.

WITHOUT REG WINS ON OPENING DAY AT ASCOT / PHOTO: WESTERN RACEPIX