Mike Smith finds right code at Folkestone

American Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith rode his first winner in Britain when steering home Gentlemans Code at Folkestone.

The victory was not quite as easy as had been expected for the American raider, trained by Wesley Ward, and he was pushed hard by Bear Behind in the ladbrokes.com Maiden Stakes.

Leading over a furlong out, the 1-6 shot was pushed out to score by a length and three-quarters from the Tom Dascombe-trained newcomer.

The first two pulled 27 lengths clear of Joe M, who was last of the three starters.

Smith said: "The course was very undulating and I wasn't really expecting that, but he was so well balanced that he handled it really well. Luckily the wind was coming more from behind so it helped us a little."

Gentlemans Code now looks to have a choice of engagements at Royal Ascot in the Norfolk Stakes over five furlongs or the Coventry over six.