Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies to have first runner with joint-licence at Uttoxeter on Saturday

Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies will become the latest father-and-son training team to hold a joint-licence when Guard Your Dreams runs in the 3m handicap chase (5.55) at Uttoxeter on Saturday.

It’s exciting times for the pair, who insist “nothing will change”, and are determined to surpass last season’s Grange Hill Farm tally of 72 winners.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won a host of major races during his career, including the Grand National with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002), and the Gold Cup courtesy of Imperial Commander (2010), said: “It’s a proud moment for the family, but nothing changes – not one thing.

“Willy and I go racing together, we make the declarations together, we do all the day-to-day stuff together. Willy is much better at chatting with people and attracting new owners than I am. We work well together and are looking forward to the new season.”

Thirty-year-old Willy Twiston-Davies, who partnered more than 200 winners during his career in the saddle, has been assistant trainer to his father in recent years.

He said: “It’s exciting times. Hopefully the joint-licence is a signal we can push things forward. Dad and I have worked closely together over the last four or five years and I've learned loads working with him.

“We’ve never had an argument and are in complete unison. Dad has massive input and experience. If we can put it all together I’m sure we can have a great season.”

Guard Your Dreams will be partnered by Willy's older brother Sam Twiston-Davies, who has just completed an excellent season to finish fourth to Sean Bowen in the jockeys’ championship with 109 winners, his best total since 2016-17.

Willy Twiston-Davies said: “Sam could have gone and ridden at Punchestown, but he wanted to partner Guard Your Dreams. The horse won an International Hurdle at Cheltenham as a five-year-old and is in very good form. He’s been kept fresh for this, and we’re hopeful he can run a nice race.”

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