Mark Johnston’s Making Miracles triumphs in Chester Cup

Making Miracles after winning the Chester Cup under Franny Norton.

In desperate conditions, the four-year-old turned the valuable marathon handicap into a procession to provide the veteran Norton – and Middleham trainer Mark Johnston – with their first victories in this historic race.

Despite being unfavourably drawn out wide in stall 16, Making Miracles was soon in control at the front end before going on to win unchallenged by six lengths.

“I was drawn 16 and they said I couldn’t win from there, but I had a good, willing partner. I was able to go at the fractions I wanted to go and then it was nice and easy,” said Norton. “It’s beautiful as it was a race I wanted to win, so I’m happy. No I’m not going to do a Ruby Walsh and retire – I’ve only just started!”

On another good day for Yorkshire racing, Malton trainer Richard Fahey’s admirably consistent Forest Ranger made a successful defence of the Huxley Stakes under Tony Hamilton.