TEA FOR TESS, third last year, made a successful return to Doncaster when winning the BGBF British Bred Oaks Final at the Yorkshire track on Monday.

The Category Two final was chief support to the SIS Yorkshire St Leger Final and the betting suggested a match between the eventual winner and the precocious talent of Queen Beyonce (Liz McNair), who went off favourite.

However, a slow start proved costly for the youngster, although she stayed on powerfully as 25-1 chance Watchall Winnie (Chris Akers) started quickly and almost made all before Tea For Tess wore her down on the run for home, winning by a head in 29.94sec (-30).

Winning trainer Richard Devenish, who bred the September 2015 daughter of Head Bound and Milliesupreme with partner Dilys Steels, was delighted to have scooped the £4,000 prize having gone close twelve months previously.

“It was great to be in the final again, and fantastic to have won it for Wendy Prince (owner) and Peter Band, who are great supporters of the kennel,” he said. “Once she broke so well, we always felt she had a chance.

“However, she lost out on the bend when Chris’s bitch chopped across her. But fair play to ours, she ran a determined back-straight to pull back the four, although I still thought she had plenty to do – she only just gets the trip. Thankfully she managed to grind out the win.”

Devenish praised the staff at his Glatton Kennels. “The kennelstaff sent her there tonight in great shape – Lisa (Samson) was there with Dilys and they’ve come home with the trophy, not to mention great prize-money.

“Not since the Sky meetings have we seen such good prize-money across the whole meeting. Well done all.”

Simon Pearson, Doncaster’s racing manager, summed up the evening: “It was a great night’s racing, and congratulations to all the winners.

“Watchall Winnie almost pulled off a shock in the British Bred Oaks. She blasted out of the traps and led all the way only to be caught by Tea For Tess, who was a very popular winner for Peter Band and Wendy Prince, both great supporters of the sport.

“The St Leger was, in my opinion, the best stayers’ final of the year. Fair play to Keplar Nine who showed great early pace and was determined not to give up his crown lightly and it was only Poppy’s class that saw her through.

“Another great race on the night was the marathon with Aayamza Breeze (Mark Wallis) leading most of the way, only for Looking Sharp (Pat Rosney) to come from at least eight lengths down on the back-straight second time to snatch victory. Fantastic.”

Yvonne Freeborn, Doncaster’s company secretary, said: “It was a fantastic night and we were delighted to welcome Gordon Bissett and Richard Ames from SIS – as well as a very pleasing crowd here.

“There was a good atmosphere and we’re obviously doing plenty right – because loads of people were asking if we’re going to stage the Derby now! The track looked immaculate, and thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/resultsMeeting.aspx?id=164898