The first step to stardom for flying filly User Friendly

User Friendly’s career is an example of what keeps the racing game spinning furiously on its axis. It was the stuff of rags to riches, starting out from distinctly unpromising beginnings before reaching its zenith at the end of a three-year-old campaign as bold as any filly has undertaken in modern times.

It almost follows, therefore, that she was trained by Clive Brittain. Recently retired, Brittain was a horseman as adventurous as he was wedded to his profession. Two traits summed him up – he made pre-dawn starts each day and perpetually exuded an optimism before any big race he plundered – often against overwhelming odds.

Except User Friendly was no big-race imposter like Terimon, who defied odds of 500-1 when he chased home Nashwan in the 1989 Derby and who two years later upset 1991 Derby winner Quest For Fame in York’s International Stakes at 16-1.