RICHARD FAHEY took the plaudits on the opening day of York's Dante Festival as he claimed a triple success.

The Musley Bank trainer bagged winners with George Bowen, Clubbable and Charming Kid to cap a great start for the local handler.

Meanwhile, star sprinter Harry Angel made a successful start to his campaign with an authoritative display in the main race, the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

Malton handler Fahey opened up his account with victory on 10-1 shot George Bowen in the Infinity Tyres Handicap ridden by Connor Beasley.

He was nearer last than first during the early throes of the six-furlong contest, but made rapid headway from the halfway stage and quickened up to lead with over a furlong still to race.

While his rivals jostled for minor money, George Bowen pulled further and further clear and passed the post with six lengths in hand over Foolaad.

Fahey said: "He was a sprinter out of form. He ran okay at Doncaster, but to go and win like that was a bit of a shock.

"Let's hope the handicapper doesn't take it literally or it will be another two years before he wins again.

"He won a 100 grand handicap in Ireland. The handicapper there didn't miss him and they struggle. He paid the penalty and they lose their confidence.

"He's guaranteed to get in all the big races now, at least, the amount he'll go up in the weights."

Clubbable (11-1) then outpointed stablemate Zap to give Fahey a one-two in the Conundrum HR Consulting Handicap.

Tony Hamilton looked to have timed his challenge to perfection aboard Zap as he came from a long way back nearest the stands' rail. But Clubbable dug deep on the far side of the track for Paul Hanagan to win the argument by a head.

Fahey said: "I'm delighted. She was busy last year and she was only small but she's done well over the winter.

"She (Clubbable) is tough and genuine and could be a filly for the Sandringham if she can prove she stays."

Even better was to come for Fahey and Hanagan as Charming Kid (11-2) brought up a treble for Fahey with a fine debut success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes.

The Malton trainer said: "He's naturally very speedy and it's been a good day at the office."

He added: "He could be an Ascot horse, the Norfolk looks his race. He'd shown a bit at home."

Star sprinter Harry Angel made a successful start to his campaign with an authoritative display in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes.

A dual Group One winner last season after landing the July Cup at Newmarket and the Sprint Cup at Haydock, Clive Cox’s charge was the 4-9 favourite on his first start since October, despite having to concede weight to each of his four rivals.

Ornate took the field along for much of the six-furlong journey, with Harry Angel racing with plenty of exuberance on his tail.

Adam Kirby asked the market leader to extend inside the final two furlongs and quickly settled matters, pulling two lengths clear of the high-class and race-fit Brando – without being asked for maximum effort.

Kirby said: “I was really pleased with him. We knew he’d be a bit fresh and he showed his well-being for the first quarter, but when I pulled him out and stuck into him a bit he found top gear and finished off strong.

“I think he’s definitely improving, his mind has definitely improved.

“He’s nice and relaxed and doing everything a lot better now.”

North Yorkshire trainer Kevin Ryan was pleased with Brando’s effort but paid tribute to the winner.

He said: “I’m delighted with him, it was a fantastic performance and he’s run a huge race.

“He’s been beaten by a sensational sprinter on the day who was giving us weight.

“He won’t go to Ascot, we’ll try to box clever. He’s in the Greenlands Stakes in Ireland in a couple of weeks.

“We’ll then probably skip Ascot and go for the July Cup – he loves Newmarket – and the Prix Maurice de Gheest which he won last year.”

Reverend Jacobs (4-1) looked the part in the Oaks Farm Stables Handicap with a neck defeat of Zeelander.

William Haggas said: “He got sweaty in the pre-parade so I rang the owner to tell him not to back it! Luckily, he thinks I’m clueless.

“If he got in he would go to Ascot, but I can’t see it.”

Hamada got the better of Crowned Eagle in a thrilling climax to the Sky Bet First Race Special Jorvik Handicap at York.

The Charlie Appleby-trained Hamada was the 5-2 favourite for the first race of this year’s Dante Festival, having made a successful return from an 18-month absence at Wolverhampton less than three weeks ago.

Crowned Eagle cut out much of the running and although he looked booked for minor honours when joined by Hamada entering the final furlong, the latter knuckled down admirably to set up a grandstand finish.

There was little to choose between the pair as the line approached, but it was Hamada who poked his head in front where it mattered in the hands of William Buick.