SHOCK 20-1 scorer Sovereign State provided Bolam-near-Darlington trainer David Thompson with his first-ever winner on the Flat at Catterick yesterday.

"That was absolutely brilliant. I've only had my licence for just under a year and Sovereign State has won five times for us over hurdles, and now on the Flat as well," said an elated Thompson.

The versatile seven-year-old gelding, who is owned by Sunderland businessman Jeff Greenbank, has proved a real money-spinner over the past few months and he won't be allowed to rest on his laurels.

"He's entered over the jumps at Stratford a week on Sunday and if he comes out of this race well we may go there with him," added David.

It was Dean McKeown who took the riding honours, booting home a 19-1 double aboard Oh Dara and Alchemist Master.

By far the most prestigious of the pair was Alchemist Master, an easy winner of the feature event on the card, the Derby House Stabling Handicap.

Successful trainer Richard Whitaker was not present to see the triumph following a hip operation, however his son, Simon, was on hand to greet Alchemist Master.

"This horse has been a bit unlucky finishing second on his last three starts. He jinked at the furlong pole at Beverley and then ran up against Goodbye Mr Bond, who went on to win the Carlisle Bell," revealed Simon.

Dean's other winner, Oh Dara, was supplied by Southwell's Paul Blockley, the filly ending a month-long drought for the stable by making every yard of the running to collect on her debut in the EBF fillies Stakes.

"My horses have had muck in their lungs, thank goodness this one was not affected because we really fancied her, she's very quick," said Blockley.

Although there were a stack of locally trained horses contesting the Project Management Scotland Handicap, it was the Lincolnshire-based raider, Wicked Uncle, who took the money.

"He's been slipping down the weights and deserved that.

"We might run him again at Beverley on Saturday if he comes out this in good shape," reported, Steve Gollings, greeting his inaugural Flat winner of the current campaign.

Leading jockey Kevin Darley had Wicked Uncle of the stalls like a flash and the combination never saw another rival as they scooted well clear to secure a four-length victory.

Mick Channon's juvenile Al Garhoud Bridge looked a two-year-old to keep on the right side after showing a decent turn of foot to nip past Mark Johnston's Jane Jubilee in the opener.

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