'I’m absolutely thrilled to get to such a number' - delight for Alex Hales after landmark success

Onwards and upwards to the next 300 winners was the message from Alex Hales after the trainer reached a notable milestone when The Secret Pearl scored in the 2m½f mares' maiden hurdle.

Hales began his training career in 2000 and has enjoyed some notable highs along the way, none more so than when Millers Bank won the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree’s Grand National meeting three years ago.

However, it seemed only fitting he should reach 300 winners at Market Rasen, a track where he has had more successes and earned more prize-money than any other in his 25-year career.

“It had escaped my notice, but David Fitzgerald is good at maths and let me know I’d reached that figure for Flat and jumps today,” Hales said. “I’m absolutely thrilled to get to such a number – it’s hard to train any winner, so to be able to have said I’ve trained 300, I'm delighted.

“We’ve had a solid season and I’m happy with how we are. It’s been a little frustrating with the weather the last couple of weeks as it means we’ve not been able to run as many, but we’ve got a few chances this week before the season ends. Onwards and upwards to the next 300!”

Memorable success

Dan Horsford saddled his first winner when Robber's Bridge landed the 2m2½f handicap hurdle.

Horsford was assistant to Alan King for 12 years and struck with the Henry Brooke-ridden seven-year-old, who was successful by two and a quarter lengths.

Lacey on the mark as part of Easter double

Trainer Tom Lacey won't want the jumps season to come to an end as he continued his strong finish with a 38-1 across-the-card double.

My Friend Sean did the business at Plumpton, and Walden came home in front in the 2m4½f maiden hurdle here under jockey Stan Sheppard in the colours of the Value Racing Club.

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