'Once I've had the first I'm fine' - Allen thrilled to get off the mark for 2023

Monday: Lingfield

Conrad Allen expressed his relief at swiftly getting off the mark for the new year as Incrimination landed the 6f fillies' handicap.

The four-year-old filly, who was making only her second start for the yard since joining from Ger Lyons in Ireland, justified favouritism by finishing three lengths clear of Girlswannahavefun.

Allen, whose 12 winners in 2022 was the most he had saddled in a calendar year since 2004, said: "It's always important to win because I don't like it if I've not had one, but once I've had the first I'm fine.

"It's amazing for the team at home because we're only small, but everyone works really hard and it's great we're being rewarded.

"It's also great for the owners because they're all great supporters."

Incrimination finished third of nine over course and distance in December and Allen was pleased to see progress from her first run for the stable.

He said: "She was a bit rusty on her debut, but she was fit enough to run well and we were still learning about her because she'd never run for us before.

"We were happy with her start and she came out of that race well, so we thought we'd have another go and thankfully she's gone and done herself justice."

Haaland again

The name Haaland is often seen on the Manchester City scoresheet, but in this case it was the Gay Kelleway-trained three-year-old namesake who scored in the 1m2f handicap.

A son of Royal Ascot winner Buratino, Haaland ended a run of three starts without a win by pulling two lengths clear of Gasman.

Results, replays and analysis

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