'It's a joy to be back' - Crate strikes again with his only active horse

Monday: Lingfield

Peter Crate expressed his joy at being back in racing after the only horse he has running provided him with his second winner since returning to the training ranks.

Surrey-based Crate, who also runs a waste management company, struck in the 5f handicap with the Shane Kelly-ridden Harb, who also gave him his return winner at Chelmsford in September.

Crate, who returned to training in August following a two-year spell away from the game, said: "I'm absolutely delighted. I'm so pleased for Pat Gallagher [owner] as he's invested a lot in the game. This is a lovely horse.

"I've got two horses in, but he's the only one running at the moment. He's an absolute joy and a pleasure to look after."

Crate quit training in August 2020, and while he said he did not miss the sport during his time away, he is happy to have the racing bug back again now.

Snow problem: runners battle their way through the cold conditions as Huberts Dream wins the 6f nurseryCredit: Mark Cranham

He added: "It's a joy to be back. Pat's my greatest friend and we both share interests in business together, but racing is our hobby. It's great to be able to have fun in both.

"I tragically lost a horse which upset me a lot and soured me, and with Covid, through no fault of anyone's, there was no pleasure in going racing. I had no problem stepping away."

Morris milestone

Luke Morris landed his 2,000th career winner with success on Recuerdame in the second division of the mile handicap.

The achievement capped a fine year for Morris, who enjoyed his greatest victory in the saddle when winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Alpinista at Longchamp in October.

Results, replays and analysis

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