A VOTE for Brexit may have been a winner, but the horse named after the campaign to leave the European Union was put in the shade at Newbury by Funky Footsteps from Eve Johnson Houghton’s Blewbury yard.

Making her debut, the 25-1 shot stormed home under Charlie Bishop to beat Perfect Angel by half a length in a six-furlong novice auction fillies’ stakes, with Brexit, who had been specially prepared to run on the day of the EU referendum by Epsom handler Pat Phelan, back in sixth.

It was Johnson Houghton’s second success of the week after Frank Bridge opened his account with an easy four-lengths victory in a mile handicap at Brighton, with John Fahy on board.

The horse was an appropriate winner at the seaside track as he is named after the late English composer, who hailed from the town.

West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon’s faith in Opal Tiara proved justified when the filly made the long journey to Carlisle worthwhile by recording a Listed race success.

The 7-2 chance’s success sparked a 14-1 across-the-card double for the West Ilsley handler with Kassia (5-2) defying top weight in a five-furlong handicap at Bath.

Silvestre de Sousa made virtually all the running on the three-year-old filly before holding off Emerald Loch by a neck.

East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison also struck at the Somerset track when Madame Claud got off the mark by springing a 25-1 surprise in an extended mile and three-furlong handicap.

Appreciating the soft ground, the three-year-old filly stayed on well for Willy Twiston-Davies to beat Final Choice by three-quarters of a length.

Morrison enjoyed further success with Compton Mill in a Newmarket handicap with George Baker on board, and Ejayteekay, who ran out a five-lengths winner of a Windsor maiden fillies’ stakes.