Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano (Fr) increased his lead at the top of the English second-season winners table when Thorkhill Star was successful at Beverley this week.

Thorkhill Star (3g Equiano – Reine De Romance by Vettori) tracked the leaders before Tony Hamilton sooled him to the front at the furlong to score by a head in the Driftwood Horse Maiden Stakes (1500m).

“He’s progressing and preferred the extra distance,” trainer Richard Fahey said.  “Tony has had a great start to the season and this horse was suited at the handicaps.”

Fahey sent out Equiano’s first winner this time last year when Moving Melody saluted at Newcastle.  He also prepares Equiano filly Ventura Shadow who has won at York and Redcar.

Thorkhill Star’s dam Reine De Romance won the G2 San Clemente Hcp at Del Mar and she has foaled further winners by Clodovil, Johannesburg and Manduro.

Equiano’s first English crop have flourished as three year-olds – he heads the current English second-season ladder with 11 individual winners ahead of Zebedee (10) and Paco Boy (9).

Swettenham Stud will stand Equiano for a $13,750 (inc gst) fee this year.

THORKHILL STAR