THERE is nothing more infuriating than a horse who goes like the wind at home but then fails to deliver the goods on the course.

Prize Dancer fell into that frustrating category - until he finally showed what he is capable of doing in public by winning the Discover Racing Maiden Stakes at Salisbury on Saturday with Jamie Mackay on board.

On breeding, the chestnut should have had Classic potential being by 1991 Arc de Triomphe hero Suave Dancer out of Spot Prize who finished fourth in the Oaks but his owner/breeder Jeff Smith and Whits-bury trainer David Els-worth were wondering if he would ever win a race after just one third place was the best he could manage in his first seven outings.

But clearly Prize Dancer's forte is as a stayer and he relished every yard of the stiff 14 furlongs - the longest trip he has ever tackled - as he battled to withstand the challenge of favourite Shipton Wood over the final two furlongs.

"As a two-year-old he showed a lot of speed but he has never produced on a racecourse what he can do at home. We are still learning how to ride him tactically - he must be dropped out and Jamie probably hit the front too soon on him today but he stuck to his task well. Obviously he likes the longer distances and he may well be stepped up to two miles," said Elsworth.

Southampton businessman Smith, who bred the winner at his Littleton Stud near Winchester, has had his purple and light blue colours carried with such distinction by that doughty stayer and Ascot Gold Cup runner-up Persian Punch and although Prize Dancer in not in that mould, there may be more races to be won with him now that it is known that stamina is his strong suit.

Another Hampshire trainer in the winner's enclosure was Andover FC supremo Ken Cunningham-Brown after Birth of The Blues, who was in Elsworth's yard last season, held off Miss Fara (Tom Scudamore) in the amateur riders' race over 12 furlongs. The successful rider was Andrew Tinkler, 16-year-old son of Yorkshire trainer Colin.

Trilogy - third to Passing Glance at Salisbury last month - paid a mighty compliment to his conqueror when bolting home by five lengths in Division Two of the Queenpot Maiden Stakes, while Playful Spirit followed up her Goodwood debut win by landing the Smith and Williamson Novice Auction Stakes and Noon Gun - 13th in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot from a bad draw - took the day's richest race the Axminster Carpets Handicap.

The crowd of 5,700 was more than 2,000 up on the corresponding day last year.