Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler enjoyed a brief moment of respite in what has been a season to forget when Zain Eagle won a maiden at Ripon.
Butler is embroiled in the long-running Sungate scandal and still awaits notification from the British Horseracing Authority of a date for his hearing.
He could face a lengthy suspension after nine of his horses tested positive for the product which contains the prohibited anabolic steroid stanozolol used to treat joint problems.
In addition to the horses testing positive, Butler admitted administering injections himself.
Zain Eagle was one of the nine horses involved.
“It’s been a pretty tricky time but at least I can go home with a smile on my face,” Butler said.
“This horse hasn’t been able to run as he’s been caught up in the Sungate issue (banned from running).
“He’s been ready to go for a while and has been training well the last few weeks.”
Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned for eight years after admitting to using Sungate on horses in his care.
