'I love racing, absolutely millions!' - Burley back and cheering Brennan home

Timberman was a fitting winner of the opening 2m½f novice hurdle for Fergal O’Brien as Kian Burley, known to the trainer’s Twitter followers as the honorary assistant, cheered him home on course.

It was a first day at the races since October for mega racing enthusiast Burley and even the persistent rain could not dampen the ten-year-old's spirits after seeing his favourite jockey Paddy Brennan ride Timberman to victory.

Burley, fresh from an interview with Racing TV’s David Fitzgerald, said: “I’ve missed going racing a lot so it’s great to be back. I love racing – absolutely millions – and have always followed it. We could just do with the weather getting better!”

Burley and his family were among 800 racegoers as Market Rasen opened its doors to a maximum of 1,000. The Lincolnshire course is planning to cap numbers at 2,000 for its meetings up to July before reviewing the situation.

Hogan heroics

A notable market move on bumper debutant Induro De Fontaine, who was backed into 9-1 (from 100) and returned 16-1, was foiled as he finished seventh behind Denis Hogan's raider Grozni.

Grozni had the benefit of previous experience in point-to-points and bumpers and showed a good attitude to prevail by three lengths under Brian Hughes.

Hughes said: "He was second in a point-to-point and second to a decent horse of Nicky Richards' at Ayr so has form in the book and it's been franked. He probably appreciated this bit better ground and he was professional."

Jockeys wore black armbands during the meeting following the recent death of North Yorkshire trainer Lynn Siddall.

Hughes said: "I never rode for Lynn but know her son Tom [former jockey] and my good friend Sean [Quinlan] only rode for her the other day. It's terribly sad. She was a lovely woman who enjoyed her horses and racing. My condolences go to the Siddall family."

Iconic victory

A tight finish to the 2m4½f maiden hurdle drew the greatest reaction from the crowd, none more so from the It’s Only Money syndicate, which was successful with Design Icon.

It was a first victory for the Kim Bailey-trained five-year-old, who prevailed by a head under Ciaran Gethings.

Syndicate member Kevin McGrath said: “We’re all made up after that. It makes it even better to have the public here too. We’ve been when it’s just been owners on course but it’s just not the same. It’s been a great atmosphere even with a small attendance.”

Feature for Fair

Fair Mountain was being assessed by vets after victory in the feature 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

The Mark Adams-owned nine-year-old, trained by Dan Skelton, scored for the first time since July 2018 but did not enter the winner's enclosure on veterinary advice.

Champion jockey Harry Skelton said: “He didn't pull up 100 per cent but the vets are taking a look at him and hopefully it's nothing too serious. He won well and is such a game horse. He travels with so much enthusiasm and loves the game.”

Results and analysis

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here