STABLE star Shampooed stormed to Sunday afternoon's biggest prize at Stratford for local trainer Robin Dickin, writes Mervyn Collins.

The nine-year-old mare recorded a popular 11th career success in the Birmingham Evening Mail Handicap Steeple Chase on Sunday.

The 9/1 shot took the lead two out when Dantie Boy fell and headed off a late challenge from outsider Flahive's First to win by half-a-length.

Steered home by Alscot Park stable jockey Ben Hitchcott, Shampooed was handicapped right up to her best form to leave last year's race winner Fear Siuil a well beaten third after 15 fences over 2 miles in scorching temperatures.

The delighted trainer said: "She's such a game mare that she found that little bit extra at hang on at the finish."

The winners' enclosure was engulfed by the Warwick Members Racing Club syndicate - owners of the winner - and the Stratford Summer Cup was left in safe hands.

Trainer Dickin revealed afterwards that he plans to retire the winner at the end of this year.

"She'll be kept on the go for the next few months but the plan is to send her to the breedmare sales in November. She's got every chance of being a big success at Stud."

The victory compensated somewhat for a second place finish at Luddington Road in May, on a day when another local trainer was seeking a swift Stratford double.

However, Barbara Waring from Welford saw Bronhallow pulled up in the penultimate Novices Handicap Steeple Chase.

Sovereign State and Ballycassidy upheld favouritism to land the opening two prizes, but, odds on Ollie Maggern, chasing a second win at the course, was beaten by Can't Be Scrabble who recorded a first win under Rules.

Shampooed then took centre stage before Hors La Loi romped home for Alvechurch handler Ian Williams to lift the Stratford Summer Salver.

Martin Pipe saw River Trix tip out Tom Scudamore in the sixth race - a tumble that left Sam Adamson to make it two wins in four runs as Bronhallow failed to make it an afternoon's local double.

Touchwood of Solihull added their name to the final race that provided a thrilling finish as Shifting Moon held off the challenge of Xellance - ridden by Richard Johnson who had a mixed afternoon after rides on Ballycassidy and Dantie Boy.

The top jockey added a second on Husky, but Shamsan failed to bring double delight for the Toddington jockey.

Punters don't have to wait too long for their next visit to Stratford.

There's a six-race card on Saturday, July 26 when the first of half-a-dozen National Hunt races gets under way at 2.15pm.

The afternoon's feature event is the Jenkins Caterers Handicap Steeple Chase with £12,000 of added prize money.

Gates open at 2.30pm when again quality jump racing and entertainment for the whole family adds up to a great afternoon's fun.

Admission starts from £6 and accompanied children under 16 are admitted free.

There's a chance to catch up with happenings at Dickin's stable yard at the annual Open Day on Sunday, August 31. The event gets under way at 10.30am.