'It's massive' - childhood friendship the key to Moonlighter success

Keeping your owners onside is a key part of a trainer's job and Nick Williams seems to have things sussed with the team behind Moonlighter, who struck in a thrilling novice handicap chase at Newbury, although it helps he has known them since childhood.

"We went to prep school together, so we've been friends since we were nine-years-old," said the 63-year-old Williams, referring to owner-breeders Huw and Richard Davies and their other pal James Morton.

"When we were 18, Huw was at law school and had a share in a horse I owned – you could say he was my first owner. It means a lot to do it for friends – it's massive."