Jockey Callum Shepherd gave The East a flying start on the opening night of this year’s Racing League at Great Yarmouth on Thursday evening.
The in-form jockey landed a double for the team, managed by ITV Racing's Chris Hughes, aboard the Ed Dunlop-trained Walter Hartright and William Knight's Royal Velvet.
Knight said: "Royal Velvet was impressive today. I think a flat track and easy mile really suits her. She is really coming to herself – she was quite backward last year – and seems to be thriving. It is hard to get a proper gauge on her, as she doesn't overdo it at home and turns it on when she comes to the racecourse. I think she could be quite useful. She will be entered for Racing League next week, so I'll have to have a word with the managers!"
Hayley Turner added her own winner for the team aboard the Dylan Cunha-trained Expressionless, which marked a landmark 1000th career success for the jockey. The first female jockey to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in Britain, Turner has experienced success at the highest level – winning both the Group 1 July Cup and the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes in 2011. She said: "It is really nice to do it. There are so many good girls riding behind me like Hollie [Doyle], and she will probably do it before the end of the season, so it is nice to get there first."
The three victories for The East put them ahead in the rankings at this stage of the competition, with 163 points, with Ireland second (153 points). The winners of last year's Racing League, Ireland includes trainer George Boughey, who achieved success in the five-furlong handicap with Thunder Moor.
He gave a positive review of the competition, saying: "Everyone complains about prize money, me as much as anyone, but Racing League offers great prize money. We will keep supporting it as best we can."
Racing League standings after week one:
The East 163pts
Ireland 153pts
Wales & The West 130.5pts
London & The South 126
Scotland 74.5
The North 59
Yorkshire 29
