'It's a milestone I never dreamed was possible' - Clive Cox thrilled after saddling 1,000th winner

Clive Cox enjoyed his 1,000th winner as a trainer when Sergeant Pep landed the 5½f handicap.

Cox, a former jump jockey, started training briefly in the early 1990s and took over from his then-boss Mikey Heaton-Ellis in 1999 at Barbury Castle before moving to Lambourn a year later.

From Beechdown Stables, a premises owned by John Francome, the trainer has forged a reputation as a talented and ambitious operator who has enjoyed Group 1 success with world champion Harry Angel and star two-year-old Supremacy among others.

His winners include 972 in Britain on the Flat, 12 over jumps in Britain, two in Ireland and 14 in France.

"It means the world to me and I can't thank enough people for their help along the way as I haven't just done this by myself," he said. 

"It's a milestone I'd have never have dreamed was possible. The dream when I started training was just to survive and make a living out of the sport, which I'm so grateful I've been able to do.

Clive Cox (left) and Adam Kirby celebrate Harry Angel's Sprint Cup win in 2017Credit: John Grossick

"I'm very proud. The Group 1 wins we've enjoyed will forever be ingrained in our memories and souls, but this will be too and it's hugely important."

The 59-year-old Cox was speaking from Newmarket where he was at the sales.

His first winner came at Pontefract in 1992 via Ushba and he added: "I'm grateful to racing because I love my job. I don't know about another 1,000 winners but we'll continue to attack the future with the same enthusiasm that has helped us reach this goal."

Ridden by Oliver Timms, Sergeant Pep runs in the colours of Middleham Park Racing and former trainer Martin Bosley, who now works for Cox, said: "I first knew Clive in 1985 or 1986 when we were riding against each other. I wouldn't have had a clue if you'd asked me then if he'd go on to train 1,000 winners – he was too busy beating me!

"I've been back working for him for a year now and he's incredibly driven and brilliant at his job. He's been incredibly successful and this will mean a huge amount. It's massive. All of his Group 1 winners were special, but to train 1,000 winners is a brilliant achievement."

Bosley, who lured Timms back from a building site to work for Cox too, added: "Clive has done this from nothing. From grassroots, he's built and built and success has led to more success. There's no silver spoon in Clive's mouth and, through good training and management, he's got more horses and then better horses.

"I suppose I could see a trainer in him all those years ago because he was always a brilliant horseman."

Ebor aim

Trainers are not often in a rush when it comes to making plans for horses, but Dominic Ffrench Davis had something in mind after Dallas Star landed the mile novice – the only problem is the race is in 2025.

Owned by Amo Racing, Dallas Star was third on his debut at Haydock in June before a decent effort in the Chesham at Royal Ascot. Last time he was third again at Newmarket and he built on that effort under Rossa Ryan.

Rossa Ryan: rode Dallas Star to victory for Dominic Ffrench DavisCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The Lambourn-based Ffrench Davis said: "He's a lovely horse and has always been a big, raw type. His first run was good at Haydock and then we pitched him in deep in the Chesham, and he ran well, but I stress he's big and raw and has taken time. 

"Rossa says he'll be nicer again next year when he'll want further. I remember saying to someone at Haydock he could be an Ebor horse one day and I haven't changed my mind – he'll be a nice, staying type."

Joy for ex-gymnast

Gary Moore knows a thing or two about jockeys and Anna Gibson caught the eye when she won the apprentice handicap on the trainer's Asense.

She is based at Moore's Sussex yard and gave the 12-1 winner a prominent ride.

"That's my eighth winner and fifth this season," she said. "Things have definitely picked up and I'm really grateful for the boss and the owners [The Calculated Speculators] putting me up on that filly.

"I've been with the boss for nearly eight years now. I'm 23 and took my licence out a few years ago, but I feel I'm making strides now. I wasn't the strongest to start off with, but [jockey coaches] George Baker and Richard Perham have been a big help. I haven't got an agent yet, but might get one soon."

From Walton-on-Thames, Gibson added: "I remember going to have a look around the yard when I was younger and liked it, but I never rode as a kid - I was a gymnast."

Dream result

The weather verged on being miserable but investment banker Nick Bromley was happy to be out of his London office to see Dream Pirate win division one of the mile handicap.

"All my family are up in Newmarket and that's where I grew up," the owner said. "I've been involved in racing on and off for 30 years, but I've only owned a horse three times and when this lad won at Yarmouth last month that was the first time my name has appeared in the racecard next to a winner.

"The weather could have been better and we were worried about the easy ground, but he handled it well."

Dobie delight

Winning owner Fay Thomas praised jockey Georgie Dobie after Albus Anne landed division two of the mile handicap.

"Let's say the horse can be a bit sassy and Georgia has done brilliantly on her," Thomas said.

Read this next:

'She gave us some amazing days and we'll never forget her' - record-setting Marsha dies aged ten 

'Who could imagine this was going to happen?' - Marco Botti among trainers 'left in the lurch' by Newmarket manure crisis 

'His brilliance was seen to full effect on the drying ground' - expert analysis after Ace Impact's stunning Arc win

Subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months!

Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code WELCOME2023. First three payments will be charged at £19.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.