DELSARTE proved one to follow, scooping the Listed Newmarket Stakes for his second win just six days after his successful Leicester debut.

Mark Johnston's charge, partnered by Keith Dalgleish, looks destined for greatness.

Richard Fahey's Lady Bear was second in the Dahlia Stakes, a Listed race for fillies and mares. She perhaps threw away her chance of winning by hanging left in the final stages.

On Saturday, David Nicholls' Bahamian Pirate was strongly fancied in the 5f Palace House, but could only finish second. Better was to come in the 6f Ladbrokes Handicap, however, as Fire Up The Band justified favouritism under son Adrian Nicholls.

Bryan Smart sent down Monsieur Bond to contest the 2000 Guineas and, at 100-1, this looked a forlorn hope. The Hambleton runner was an eye-catching sixth and finishing like the proverbial steam train, having run into difficulties when trapped on the rails. Better will come from this three-year-old.

Haydock held its mixed meeting the same afternoon and for Richard Fahey and owners Robin Jeffs and John Potter, the plan hatched six months back came to fruition when Altay landed the £70,000 Swinton Handicap Hurdle. Fahey continued in good jumps form all week.

The Butterwick handler also sent out Bee Health Boy to win the apprentice claimer on the level at Newcastle on Monday under young Charlie Poste. Brother-in-law Tim Easterby won the 6f sprint with Majestic Times, partnered by another handy apprentice, David Allan.

The May Chester meeting usually turns up some good winners for our area, but this year only Kevin Ryan kept us happy, springing a 66-1 surprise the first day with Petrula.

James Bethell missed by a head in the 12f handicap on Wednesday, Crathorne coming second. The Chester Cup had Mark Johnston's Knavesmire Omen third (16-1), with Chris Fairhurst's Rahwaan fourth at 50-1. Johnston's Penny Cross was third in the 7f maiden fillies stakes and should improve.

Redcar started its summer run last Thursday and chairman Peter Hill-Walker was rightly proud of the improvements made at the course, particularly to the loos and the drainage of the track.

James Bethell sent out his first winner this term there when Scotland The Brave, the first foal of his 1998 Lincoln winner Hunters Of Brora, landed the 7f maiden.

HOW THEY FARED

Thursday last week. - Redcar: Efidium (trained by N Bycroft, at Brandsby; owned by Hambleton Racing Partnership), ridden by S France (claiming 7lbs); Scotland The Brave (J Bethell, Middleham; Hb, R Gibbons), J Spencer.

Southwell AW: Blakeset (D Barron, Maunby; N Shields), D Holland.

Friday. - Newmarket: Delsarte (M Johnston, Middleham; Abdullah Saeed Belhab), K Dalgleish.

Musselburgh: Lualua (D Barron; Harrowgate Bloodstock Ltd), D Mernagh; Paradise Eve (D Barron; Menskip Merlin Partnership), D Mearnagh; Conquering Love (B Ellison, Norton; K Middleton), T Hamilton (5); Border Artist (D Nicholls, Sessay; F F Racing Services Partnership), I Wands.

Bangor NH ev: Brandsby Stripe (P Beaumont, Brandsby; Brandsby Racing 2).

Sedgefield NH ev: Royal Castle (K Walton, Middleham; S Clough and D Bendall), P Robson (3); Trooper (A Crook, Coverham; Wainwright & Bakes), P Robson (3); Vino Tinto (M Mulhall, Scarcroft; Mrs C M Mulhall), Mr C Mulhall (5).

Saturday. - Newmarket: Fire Up The Band (D Nicholls; P Crane, A Barker & S Short), A Nicholls.

Haydock (mixed meeting): Altay (R Fahey, Butterwick; R M Jeffs & J Potter), P Whelan (3).

Brighton: Stunning Force (M Johnston; Maktoum Al Maktoum), W Woods.

Thirsk: Shank On Fourteen (K Burke, Wensley; L Westwood), D Williams; Henry Hall (N Tinkler, Langton; J Marshall & Mrs S Marshall), K Tinkler; Cardinal Venture (K Ryan, Hambleton; T Fawcett), F Lynch; Coracle King (J Quinn, Settrington; Derrick Bloy), D Williams.

Hexham NH: Commanche Quest (M Reveley, Lingdale; The Eleven O'Clock Club), A Thornton; Kilcaskin Gold (R Ross, Consett; The Pavilion Syndicate), Mr N Wilson; Tickton Flyer (M Easterby, Sheriff Hutton; T D Rose & J S Dale), Mr G Carenza.

Sunday. - Hamilton: Rotuma (M Dods, Piercebridge; Denton Hall Racing Ltd), R Garritty; Tetragon (K Burke; I Bartlett), D Williams; Collier Hill (A Swinbank, Melsonby; R H Hall), R Winston.

Monday. - Doncaster: Morson Boy (M Johnston; G Mason & D Jackson), K Dalgleish; Carlton (J Quinn; Mrs G Page), D Holland.

Newcastle: Bee Health Boy (R Fahey; S Ryan), C Poste (3); Majestic Times (T Easterby, Great Habton), D Allan (5).

Tuesday. - Chester: Petrula (K Ryan; Mr & Mrs P Foden), P Fessey.

Wednesday. - Kelso NH: Tees Components (M Reveley; Tees Components Ltd), A Dempsey; Far Pavilions (A Swinbank; J D Abell), J Crowley; Mr Bossman (R Guest, Brancepeth; T N Siviter), H Oliver; Beseiged (R Fahey; M Caulfield), P Whelan (3).

Fakenham NH ev: Artemesia (F Murphy, West Witton; Beautifully Bred Partnership), D Russell.

Wetherby NH ev: Crownfield (M Reveley; Hb, B Brown), P Aspell (3); Blakeney Coast (M Reveley; Cristiana's Crew), A Dempsey; Henrianjames (M Reveley; Hb, K Benson), F King (5); The Butterwick Kid (T Tate, Tadcaster; trainer), Mr R Tate; Turn Of Phrase (R Fahey; Jacksons Transport (West Riding) Ltd), P Whelan (3).