And the market confidence was duly rewarded as Liam Keniry’s mount scrambled home by a neck in the two-mile event.

“It was the first real old-fashioned gamble that we’ve seen in a long time,” said David Hood, director of racing at William Hill.

“We took our first bet on Fade To Grey at 11.50 this morning, and after that the phones went crazy.

“It was a bad result for us and the rest of the industry, and Fade To Grey probably cost the bookmaking fraternity a high six-figure payout.”

Claire Comery is living the dream as a stable lass with her Muktasb – who she part owns – completing a hat-trick in the Kempton For Weddings Handicap.

Derek Shaw’s employee prevented the seven-year-old being sent to the sales in November by clubbing together with a friend to buy the gelding, and they have been rewarded with numerous victories.

The 7-2 chance came with his customary late burst to record a double at Kempton and a three-timer in all following on from a victory at Lingfield over Christmas.

Comery said: “He always tries and he does love it around here. He needs settling on the rail and when he gets a split you just let him go and he is off.

“He was due to go to the sales but me and another lad bought a half-share each in him, and he has won four races since then and I love him to bits.”

Sandra Colville was another lady owner to hit the bullseye as Certifiable (13-2) ran out a neck winner of the Panoramic Bar & Restaurant Handicap.

The seven-year-old has been running in Mrs Colville’s colours since being purchased in August 2006, and was winning for the first time for current connections.

Colville said: “He ran over a mile and a quarter last time and didn’t quite get home, so dropping back to a mile here has helped and it is brilliant to see him win.”

Northern Empire continued on an upward curve with a smooth victory in the five-furlong Day Time, Night Time, Great Time Handicap.

The Kevin Ryan-trained son of Namid has hit a rich vein of form during the darkest months of the year and struck again as the even-money favourite.

Jockey Neil Callan said: “He is growing up and I think there could be more to come from him.”

Steele Tango, the 5-4 favourite, opened his account at the third time of asking when nailing market rival Autumn Blades by a head in the Mix Business With Pleasure Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Winning trainer Roger Teal said: “I think he might have a break now and I’ll save him for the grass, where he should get a mile plus if we can get him to settle.”

On an afternoon where the market was informative, John Bridger ended a barren spell stretching back to the beginning of December as Megalala (7-1) broke through up the rail to take the Sponsor At Kempton Classified Stakes.

The market also got it right in the kempton.co.uk Handicap as Gary Moore’s Sahf London (5-2) rewarded favourite backers with a three-quarter-length call.