Takes Tutu ended a losing run stretching back over two years with a gutsy performance in the Carlsberg Straight-Mile Championship Handicap at Redcar yesterday.

The six-year-old has run well on a number of occasions this year but his last win came in Dubai in February 2003 when he was trained by Mark Johnston.

However, the gelding came good here under a fine ride from Seb Sanders.

Sanders settled Tutu towards the rear before producing him with a perfectly-timed challenge to hit the front in the final furlong.

He held on gamely by a length from James Caird.

Takes Tutu (14-1) is now in the care of Johnston's Middleham neighbour Karl Burke, who said: ''I bought him off Mark a couple of years ago at the Horses In Training Sale after I'd seen him win out in Dubai.

"He seemed a sound type of horse to me.

''He's threatened to win like that ever since I bought him, but he's always been a bridesmaid.

''To be fair I probably cost him the last time Seb rode him.

"He finished second and Seb said he would have won if he had disregarded my instructions.

"So I left it to Seb today and he's done it well.

''They went a real good clip and he loves this firm ground.''

Frankie Dettori's mount Esquire - who holds three Group One entries - was sent off the 7-4 favourite but the Godolphin colt proved a major disappointment and trailed in a poor last of the ten runners.

The champion jockey reported afterwards that Esquire ran too free and did not get home.

Dettori's fans had reaped an early dividend when the popular Italian took the opening race on the heavily-backed Murfreesboro.

John Gosden's youngster had shown promise on his debut at Newbury last month and as a result was supported into 6-4 favourite from 2-1 for the Car-Boot Sales Here Every Saturday/Sunday Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Dettori had Murfreesboro smartly into his stride and after racing prominently, the market leader quickened clear from two furlongs out to score in good style by three lengths from Ten Downing Street.

Phil Machin, representing Gosden, said: ''Mr Gosden's two-year-olds come on for a run and this one has learned a lot from his first experience.

''He likes this quick ground and Frankie has given him a lovely ride today.''

Sake had encountered trouble in running when beaten at Haydock Park on Saturday but he enjoyed a smooth passage to lift the Anderson Barrowcliff Handicap.

Kim Tinkler always had the 16-1 chance racing in touch with the leaders on the far side before throwing down a strong challenge to hit the front a furlong out.

She kept Sake up to his work to foil a gamble on 4-1 favourite Arnie De Burgh by a length.

''He would nearly have won on Saturday if he'd got a run,'' said winning trainer Nigel Tinkler.

''He's had three quick races and he'll have a break now.''

Solo Star appreciated the drop in grade and step up to seven furlongs to open her account at the fourth attempt in the redcarracing.co.uk Selling Stakes.

Bermuda Beauty, the 6-5 favourite, cut out the early pace but she had no answer to Solo Star's finishing kick.

The Julie Camacho-trained 11-1 winner hit the front a furlong out under Royston French and despite hanging badly to her right, drew a length and three-quarters clear of Bermuda Beauty at the line.

The trainer's husband Steve Brown said: ''It's taken a little time for the penny to drop, but she stays well and doesn't mind this ground.

''Royston said she's still learning and there could be more to come.''

There was no bid for Solo Star at the subsequent auction.

Jaafi (11-4) confirmed the promise he had shown when fifth on his debut at Newmarket 18 days ago.

He gave a resolute victory in the Group-Discounts Booking Hotline 01642 484068 Median Auction Maiden Stakes for jockey Willie Supple and trainer Marcus Tregoning.

Kevin Darley moved on to 28 winners for the season with a near 15-1 double on Late Arrival and Michaels Pride in the last two races.