Daafr's quickfire course hat-trick shows Antony Brittain's got talent

Daafr reeled off his third course win in the space of ten days for in-form trainer Antony Brittain, who was in the good books at home as the hat-trick hero carries the silks of wife Charlene.

Brittain's horses predominantly race in the trainer's distinctive maroon and yellow checked colours which he inherited along with the family's York stable from late father Mel in 2015, but these grey and yellow silks have been seen to good effect of late.

Like many of the team, Daafr is a Shadwell castoff who has proved value for money after again showing his determination to deny Crackling by a head under Cam Hardie.

"We had a suspicion they'd try and take us on early and he's had to do it the hard way, and I thought Cam was strong on him," said Brittain.

"He's one of two horses who run in the colours of my wife Charlene – we've just watched it together – and I'm really pleased for everyone involved."

Brittain, 47, has made a flying start to the year, with Daafr his eighth winner of the month, and the five-year-old could head back to Southwell shortly to bid for a four-timer.

"With his high cruising speed, he's suited to Southwell and we'll look to go back there next month, possibly on the 7th," the trainer said.

"We've done well with the Shadwell horses – I think we've had 29 winners out of them – and it has worked well for us. Our horses do get campaigned hard, particularly on the all-weather, and we don't do a lot with them at home and just keep them sweet."

Brittain and Hardie gained a double when Qaaraat carried the trainer's colours to victory in the closing 5f handicap.

However, there was added frustration for Crackling's trainer Martyn Meade after he was fined £140 when a stewards' inquiry found his travelling head lad had urinated in the horse's stable.

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