PINK Play followed up her Southwell success for Sparsholt trainer Harry Whittington with a gritty victory at Wetherby.

Sent off the 1-2 favourite for a mares’ novices’ hurdle over two miles on Saturday, the five-year-old dug deep under Nico de Boinville to confirm her superiority over Secret Door.

With Pink Play conceding 6lb to her rival following her victory at the Nottinghamshire track 55 days ago, she had to battle harder this time and had a length and a half to spare at the post.

The daughter of King’s Theatre carries the colours of Paul Jacobs, who also owns the unbeaten bumper filly Woolstone One with Whittington and smart sprinter Limato with Wantage trainer Henry Candy.

He said: “I thought it was a good omen when I took a call to say my mare, by Lawman, had just had a foal to Delegator.

“I also turn 70 in a few days, so it’s an early birthday present.

“Hopefully the handicapper doesn’t go mad, he shouldn’t do, and we can run her in the mares’ final.”