Earl Of Sefton second for Folkswood

Folkswood continued his fine start to the year with a close second in the G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes over nine furlongs at Newmarket, UK, on Wednesday, April 19.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old, beaten a neck in the G1 Jebel Hatta Sponsored by Emirates Airline over the same trip on March 4, broke smartly and soon opened up a length advantage over his six rivals.

He drew further clear as the pace quickened with half a mile to race and stayed on well after being asked for his effort by William Buick passing the two-furlong marker.

Folkswood wandered around on the rising ground inside the final furlong and was headed near the line by Steel Of Madrid, who won by half a length in 1m 51.27s on ground described as good to firm, good in places.

Spark Plug took third, a further four lengths in arrears.

Charlie Appleby said: “Folkswood put up another solid performance and take nothing away from the winner, who had previously won a Listed race at Newmarket.

“The first two have pulled well clear and Folkswood will be competitive throughout the summer at this level on quick ground.

“We will keep him rolling along now and might have a look at the Huxley Stakes (G3, 1m 2f 70y) at Chester on May 11.”