GOOD people do win – Jedd O'Keeffe proved that last Saturday when he saddled the well-backed Shared Equity to land the Coral Trophy at York under PJ McDonald.

Backed at all rates into 7-1 just before the off, the four-year-old turned what is usually a competitive affair into a stroll in the park, receiving a fantastic reception on the way back in.

The popular Middleham handler, who has enjoyed a fine season, said: "He has been performing well in big handicaps all year, but we've never been that lucky with the ground or the draw.

"Things haven't fallen right for him. When I saw the draw I thought it might be a disadvantage and that you had to be in the middle or on the stands side, but when I saw the racing on Friday I thought we had a chance.

"Earlier in the year, he was a bit too keen, but we've put some equipment on him and over six furlongs you can just let him roll.

"I know all trainers say the gamble has nothing to do with us. I know the owner didn't have a penny on himself. With the prize money, he didn't need to.

"He seems to have been followed all year and I guess people have been trying to get their money back and eventually they have done.

"I haven't got any big plans, but he likes this ground. There a couple of handicaps, but now that he is more straightforward we could look at Pattern company.

"I always thought in the past we would need a big field, a strong pace where he could be held up, but now he can do it his own way it has opened things up for us a little bit.

"This is my biggest success by a long way."

Wetherby staged their first meeting after a short break, with the Bobby Renton Chase being the highlight, and it didn't disappoint as the Philip Hobbs-trained Village Vic landed the prize in a thrilling finish under Richard Johnson, who is clear in his quest to be champion jockey after the retirement of his friend and rival AP McCoy.

The delighted winning rider said afterwards: "Village Vic usually runs well fresh. We thought he was a smart youngster, but he's had his share of injuries and it's nice he's come back. He'll go on softer ground, so let's hope he'll have a good winter."

Tomorrow is the final day of the newly revamped Flat season, and it ends with a bang with the Qipco Champions Day at Ascot.

One horse I'm looking forward to seeing is the Andrew Balding-trained Elm Park, who is expected to feature in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile.

Last year's Racing Post Trophy hero has endured mixed fortunes this term, finishing a creditable third in the Dante before trailing home in 11th on quick ground in the Derby.

Elm Park returned to action after his Classic disappointment when winning a Sandown Listed race last month and Balding expects conditions to suit this weekend.

Sounding in a confident mood, Balding said: "I am really pleased with the way he is working and I think he will run a big race; he looked back to his best last time.

"He is in fine form. I am looking forward to seeing him going again with a bit of give in the ground."

One horse we won't be seeing for a while is The Grey Gatsby, who will miss the Breeders' Cup Turf later this month with his Thirsk-based trainer Kevin Ryan opting to give his stable star a break before bringing him back into training next year.

Owned by Frank Gillespie, The Grey Gatsby was 10-1 to capture the 1m 4f Grade 1 at Keeneland, but will not be making the journey to Kentucky.

Instead, the four-year-old will be given a rest, having started his season on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan in March.

Speaking on Wednesday afternoon, Ryan said: "Gatsby will not head to the Breeders' Cup and will now have a holiday. He will stay in training for next year."

The Grey Gatsby finished second on three of his six starts this season, including when only narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, when he endured a troubled passage.

His most famous scalp was that of Australia, last season's British and Irish Derby winner, who he defeated in last season's Irish Champion Stakes.