Crystal Queen rules for Faheys in Hilary Needler

Crystal Queen ran out a clear-cut winner of the Hilary Needler Trophy EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes at Beverley.

Trained by the fledgling partnership of Richard and Peter Fahey, it was the most significant win to date since the father and son duo took out a dual licence.

Fahey senior had won the race twice before in his own name and had no qualms about heading for this £50,000 contest after seeing the daughter of Cotai Glory chase home a Wathnan Racing-owned hotpot at Ayr on debut.

Having settled beautifully in the hands of Connor Beasley, the filly quickened up smartly and had a length and a quarter to spare over Roots In Touche, who made late gains for second, to win at 5-1.

Beasley said: “I didn’t ride her the last day, but she’s come forward and obviously it looks to be a good race going forward.

“She jumped nicely today and just opened up a bit on one side and when I asked for a little bit under pressure she just hung a little bit. But once she got into top gear she was very straightforward.

“I’ll leave it to connections about where she goes, but there’s lots to like about her. She has the size and the scope and she was very good.”