Twyford trainer Alan Jarvis, whose career lies in tatters after he lost his appeal against the British Horseracing Authority’s decision not to grant him a licence, had some reason to be cheerful when Navajo Chief won at York.

The victory on the Knavesmire came two days after the 75-year-old handler saw his appeal thrown out.

It came following the BHA’s licensing committee announcement in March that Jarvis was “not a suitable person” to hold a full licence.

The reasons for this included him being declared bankrupt for a second time in September last year relating to debts owed to Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd of £868,366.

He had previously been declared bankrupt in 1987.

However, having been granted a temporary licence to train until next Tuesday, he was able to savour seeing course specialist Navajo Chief (15-2) land the Betfred Hambleton Stakes for the second successive year.

The seven-year-old was scoring on the Knavesmire for the fourth time as he rallied gamely for Kieren Fallon to pip Fort Bastion by a short head in the Listed handicap over a mile.

It left Jarvis, not for the first time, praising the veteran jockey.

“I have had all the great jockeys ride for me over the years, Lester Piggott, Steve Cauthen and Kieren to me is the best jockey in the world,” he said.

Now Jarvis is optimistic his son, Tim, will take over the reins at Mill Race Stables.

“Hopefully my son will have the licence and if he doesn’t there is a life outside of racing, and I have had a great time in racing,” he added.

“People read what they read, but most who know me, know that isn’t true.

“I am writing a book and I am looking forward to the future.”