Jason takes first steps to retain crown

Tonight saw first round heats of the Carling 3 Steps To Victory competition at Sheffield. The unique event for which the heats are run over the 480m trip, the semi-finals over 500m and the  £5,000 final will run over the 660m Stayers' course.


Defending Champion Head Iton Jason (3-1) pinged the lids and made the first bend infront. Jason then saw off a persistent challenge from Ballymac Xavi (forced to check third) and then held the late charge from  Kilmore Say Go by half-a-length in 28.05 .