THE Grace Harris-trained Just Glamorous came in 11th in the prestigious Epsom Dash on Saturday, running prominently for a long way.

In a blanket finish, he was only beaten about three lengths.

Since the race there has been some debate about Just Glamorous possibly getting an unfair advantage at the start. He showed great early speed. A similar incident occurred a week earlier at Goodwood, when Zac Brown burst through the stalls fractionally early. A false start was called and the race was re-run without the offending horse. Milton Bradley’s Englishman was one of the others in the race, and the veteran trainer was disappointed that his horse’s chances suffered as a result of the race being re-run.

However, the latest matter appears to be a storm in a teacup. At Goodwood Zac Brown had broken out of the stalls before the starter had pushed the button to start the race. A report by the Epsom stewards said that Just Glamorous "anticipated the start and accelerated the gate at the same moment as the race had been started". The stalls had not malfunctioned, no rules had been broken and the start was a fair one.

Two course records were broken at Epsom, so it was a creditable performance from Harris’ sprinter, whose best form has been with some give in the ground. The stable entourage then drove on to Lingfield, where another of their horses finished fifth in the 8.45.

The latest win for the David Evans stable was with a horse that, strictly on the form book, had no chance. It was in a one mile claiming race at Wolverhampton on Friday. Scofflaw was rated 17 pounds inferior to his principal opponent, Calling Out, and was carrying a pound more weight. However, sometimes horses entered in claimers can be a little quirky and Calling Out was pipped at the post by Scofflaw. Mr John Abbey, who part-owns the winner, saw something he liked about the third-placed horse in that race, a seven-year-old called Pike Corner Cross. He claimed him for £4,000.

David Probert’s quest for a Group 1 winner continues, as his ride in the French Derby on Sunday finished well down the field. Raise You had won a maiden and a Listed contest this season, and the form of both of those races looked solid. At Chantilly he was well placed in midfield but after turning into the home straight the horse found nothing and was allowed to come home in his own time, in tenth place.

Chepstow racecourse is gearing up for the appearance of Madness after racing on Saturday evening. As usual, booking in advance saves money compared with paying on the day. They stage a conventional afternoon meeting on Friday week.

Fans of Welsh racing history should note that a new book about the creation of Ffos Las is being launched at the Carmarthenshire track’s evening meeting this Thursday.