APPRENTICE Sean Levey enhanced his burgeoning reputation in Britain by steering home Malton trainer Tim Pitt’s Dark Ranger to a 28-1 success in the Investec Stakes at York Racecourse.

Pitt nominated his five-year-old as his horse to follow in The Press’s Flat racing guide in March and Dark Ranger was an easy winner of the two-and-a-quarter mile handicap which closed the second day of the Dante Festival.

Levey, who joined David O’Meara’s Nawton stable at the start of the season after spending eight years working for Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle, Ireland, recorded his sixth win of the campaign – and his first on Knavesmire – in fine style.

A delighted Pitt said: “I nearly lost him in a seller last year. He won two races then and Donald McCain just missed out on trying to buy him. We have run him twice over two and a half miles and he is just so much better when he is able to travel.

“It was Sean’s first ride for me and that’s the way the horse needs to be run. He has given him a peach – just nicely on the bridle. It’s really opened up for him now.”

Levey added: “I got a feel for the track and I walked it beforehand. The horse had a bit of form. I had a great position. I thought there would be pace on. I didn’t want to be either too far back or forward.

“I have had an unbelievable trip – on the rail, the shortest way, all around. It was perfect running. He was great for me.”