A winner on snow, sand, soft and firm: extraordinary Berrahri makes 100th start

The ultra-versatile and consistent Berrahri gears up for his 100th career start at Chester on Sunday, making proud trainer John Best feel "unbelievably lucky" as the nine-year-old reaches the milestone.

White Turf Racing UK's son of Bahri has won 16 races in varying conditions, from firm to soft ground as well as on the all-weather, but his best days have come when racing on the snow in St Moritz. He has won five times in Switzerland, including in the course's feature Grosser Preis Von St Moritz in 2019.

Berrahri has been with Best throughout his career and, in addition to his 16 wins, he has posted 15 seconds and 17 third-place finishes.

"We've been unbelievably lucky to have had a horse like him," reflected Best. "He's not the best horse but he'd have to be one of the most consistent.

"He's extraordinary, especially as he's a horse who's never been rated higher than 85. The highlight for me is winning the Grand Prix in St Moritz. There's been plenty of good days with him.

"He's a gentleman at home. Everything you do with him is easy. He hates time off, he enjoys his work and that's why we run him so much. You can see it on the gallops, every day, and you know when he's really well because you can't pull him up."

Trainer John Best: 'Berrahri's enthusiastic at home and comes here off the back of a win'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Berrahri tackles the Horseradish Handicap (4.35) at Chester and comes here off the back of a surprise 40-1 win at Newmarket.

Of his chances, Best said: "We thought the trip was a little on the short side when he won at Newmarket so I'd think this will be right up his street. It looks a competitive race but he seems very happy with himself, he's enthusiastic at home and comes here off the back of a win. It'd be lovely if he could run well on his 100th run."

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