Our seven-time winner Aspire To Glory returned to Southwell on Monday afternoon for the 5.00pm (Class 6) Apprentice Handicap over seven furlongs, with Jake Slawson back in the saddle for Dylan Cunha.

Nine runners went to post on the Tapeta surface and our boy was certainly keen to get on with things! Having settled in midfield during the opening stages, Aspire To Glory soon worked his way forwards to challenge the leader with more than four furlongs still to run. He was travelling enthusiastically but was doing rather more than ideal at that stage of the race and when the pressure increased approaching the final two furlongs, he was unable to sustain his effort, eventually finishing ninth.

It was Adrian McGuinness's Distillate who took the honours under Connor Planas, following up her recent course-and-distance success with another convincing victory. Sent off the 11/4 favourite, the six-year-old mare proved much too strong for her rivals, coming home three and a quarter lengths clear of Jessica Macey's Age Of Baroque, who ran a fine race at 10/1 to claim second.

Burford Beauty, trained by Charlie Clover, finished a further three and three-quarter lengths behind in third while Michael Dods's Camera Shy took fourth, narrowly ahead of Special Breeze. Rosemary's Rose completed the first six.

As for Aspire To Glory, it wasn't the afternoon we'd hoped for but there's certainly no reason to lose faith in a horse who has already given us so much to celebrate. Our boy knows his job and has seven victories to his name, including some memorable performances on the all-weather. He's a genuine character with plenty of racing experience and we know just how effective he can be when everything falls into place.

Monday's race was another opportunity for Jake Slawson to gain experience in the saddle and we're pleased to continue supporting him as he develops his career. Race-riding is a demanding business and learning to judge the pace, conserve a horse's energy and deliver an effort at the right moment is something that comes with experience. We wish Jake every success as he continues to learn his trade.

WATCH: Jake J Slawson reflect upon his ride on Aspire To Glory

The priority now is to see how Aspire To Glory has come out of the race and listen to Dylan's thoughts before deciding on his next assignment. With seven victories to his name, he's been an outstanding servant to the Club and has built a record that we're incredibly proud of.

He's given our members some unforgettable days at the races and one disappointing afternoon certainly won't diminish the tremendous amount he's achieved. Aspire To Glory has proved his ability, courage and battling spirit time and again and he's earned every bit of the admiration and affection we have for him. He's given us so much to celebrate over the years and his wellbeing and happiness will always come first as we look forwards to seeing what the next step will be for our wonderful seven-time winner!