Fahey treble brings seasonal milestone into view

In terms of the numbers, Richard Fahey perhaps set his own bar too high after a staggering 235 winners in 2015. This season, the yard has had its moments in the very highest strata courtesy of Ribchester and, though they will not make 235, they are hardly slacking in the winners column.

A quick-fire treble to start the card brought the yard to 182 for the year to keep them well on course for a second double century in a row.

One of those winners, Brian The Snail, who landed the opening 5f novice stakes, could end up being quite a bit more than a horse making up the numbers. He made it two from two with a convincing seven-length success and jockey Tony Hamilton had some warm words afterwards.