'It's been hard but we can still do it' - Newbury winner fuels Greatrex belief

Warren Greatrex is hoping a winner screened on ITV can help showcase his training talents and kickstart a revival of his career.

Greatrex, a Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, saddled 50-plus winners for four straight seasons not so long ago, but his tally last term fell to just 13.

That period came as the Lambourn-based Greatrex moved from his Uplands base to Rhonehurst, while his operation was rocked by the deaths of stable staff Michael Pitt in July 2021 and David Thompson in February.

The father of five is, however, determined to make a name for himself once more and Bill Baxter's victory at Lingfield on Thursday was followed by the Friday success of Abuffalosoldier, whose performance at Newbury drew an emotional response from Greatrex.

He said: "It's been a hard time. We've had a difficult 18 months, but we can still do the job. It's a hard game and when you've been at the top you want to be there again. We haven't been there for a few seasons now, but we'll get there."

Greatrex rode a handful of winners as a jump jockey and started training in 2012. He enjoyed his biggest success when Cole Harden landed what was the World Hurdle at the 2015 festival, while One Track Mind and La Bague Au Roi have also provided Grade 1 glory.

Warren Greatrex celebrates Cole Harden's World Hurdle triumph with jockey Gavin SheehanCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

He spent much of last year renovating Rhonehurst, where Oliver Sherwood had trained, but building work is now complete so belief exists the stable can reach those heights again.

In Abuffalosoldier, Greatrex has a promising five-year-old whose owners, Mahler and The Wailers, were on hand on Friday to enthusiastically welcome him back into the winner's enclosure.

"He had a nice comeback run at Fontwell last month and we planned to either go to Exeter recently, a race at Ffos Las on Friday or Newbury," he added. "I wanted to keep three miles up my sleeve, but this horse likes good ground, so I thought we'd show our cards.

"It's not about now, it's about the future. It's a cliche but he's a chaser – he's the best jumper you'll see. He'll be a proper horse. I won this race in 2015 with Missed Approach, so knew what you had to have. He won off 123 and this horse was 2lb lower.

"He was always going to get the trip and the only thing I thought might get him was inexperience, but he travelled around beautifully and James Bowen, who rode him, was thinking he could do that over two and a half miles.

"James said the horse had to dig deep and he's tough as well. He's a lovely prospect – we've always adored him."

Watch a replay of Abuffalosoldier's success

Read this next:

'It's getting closer' - Shishkin pleases camp in final Tingle Creek workout

The Racing Post Annual 2023 is here! Look back on a star-studded year in this fabulous 208-page book packed with the best stories and pictures. The perfect gift at £19.99. Order from racingpost.com/shop or call 01933 304858 now!