'I can’t believe it' - dream day for Danni O'Neill as trainer has first winner

Thursday: Warwick

Amazing was how Danni O’Neill described the feeling of sending out her first winner after 22-1 chance Commander Miller struck in the 2m3f maiden hurdle.

O’Neill, who has been training under rules since 2018, has had to be patient for a breakthrough success with the likes of Bardd finishing second five times for the West Berkshire-based trainer. She was, however, able to celebrate her maiden victory as Commander Miler got up late under the deputising Gavin Sheehan by half a length.

O’Neill said: "We’re absolutely over the moon. We’re quite a small team, we’ve only got four horses in training. My husband and I ride them out ourselves with another girl called Chloe, the kids muck out and it’s just amazing. I can’t believe it.

"He’s a gutsy little horse we bought off Nicky Henderson and I ride him myself, and he’s a sweetie."

Page Fuller had ridden the eight-year-old on his nine starts for O’Neill since the £5,000 switch from Seven Barrows and, despite being ruled out on this occasion through injury, shared in the joy.

O’Neill said: "Page sent me a lovely message to say well done and I’m gutted Page wasn’t riding him this time because she’s done such a lovely job on him. She was determined to ride our first winner but so was Gavin! We’ve got all the kids here as well because it’s the Easter holidays, so it’s perfect."

Durrell delivers again

Dan Skelton enjoyed a double after Ashoka followed up his Market Rasen win in the 2m3f handicap hurdle under Bridget Andrews, while amateur Tristan Durrell continued his fine run of form with a third winner from his last four rides aboard One For Billy in the 2m handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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