Bryan McMahon, back in good shape after a heart scare, was responsible for the 25 to 1 winner Yabint El Sham at Wolverhampton yesterday. The filly, out of the frame in all seven previous outings this season, belied her status as outsider of eight in the Ladbroke Handicap.

She forced her way to the front in the final yards to deny old stager Palacegate Jack by one and a quarter lengths.

McMahon, also the breeder of the winner, did not make the trip from his base, but his son Edward reported: "Dad is very well and doing everything the same as before. He did have a scare and was incapacitated for a week but that was it. Since he stopped smoking he's been much better."

Speaking of Yabint El Sham's improved showing, McMahon junior said: "We've tried all sorts of things and she had the tongue strap off this time which might have made a difference."

Trainer Alan Bailey was full of emotion after Come On Murgy obliged at 20 to 1 in the Severn Selling Stakes. The disappointing filly was named after former jockey Sharron Murgatroyd who was paralysed after a bad fall at Bangor.

"I always said that I would name a horse after Sharron but never one that was going to be as bad as this," said Bailey.

"Sharron worked for me for 12 years and had a dozen winners - she was like a daughter to us.

"I often speak to Sharron and she has a wicked sense of humour. She said if the horse won on Channel 4 and she was interviewed she would say that the horse was named after her because it was a bad mover."

Come On Murgy failed to attract a bid at the auction and will stay in Bailey's yard.

Royal Expression left his rivals for dead in the Cuckmere Handicap (division one) finishing 10 lengths clear of Crash Call Lady at the line.

This was in marked contrast to his performance over the course and distance earlier in the month. "He is a bit of an old character and when I put a visor on him last time he just didn't want to know," said trainer Frank Jordan.