'It's just nuts' - Patrick Owens feeling butterflies after securing record year

Tuesday: Brighton

Victory for Strawberry Belle ensured a career-best year for trainer Patrick Owens, who said he is loving his team of horses so much that it gives him butterflies.

The Newmarket trainer was expressing his delight after the 10-11 favourite held off Bonkersinabundance by a neck under Louis Steward in the 7f maiden, and victory was even more satisfying considering she had been placed on four runs already.

That seventh win of the year beat his tally from 2021 and it is horses like Strawberry Belle, last week's Yarmouth winner Almarin, and Solario second Wahaaj who are all contributing to the trainer's joy.

"I'm just buzzing," Owens said. "Every morning I go in [to the yard], switch the lights on and see the heads over the doors and it gives me butterflies. Days like this just cap it all. We're living the dream, it's just nuts. Every day is super, I just love it."

Owens was confident heading to Brighton that the day would finally come for the filly owned by GB Horseracing, and Stuart and Mary Carter, as she had worked well with the Group-placed Wahaaj.

"This filly is very genuine and has been tough from day one. She's just a solid horse," the trainer added.

"I've still got a couple of two-year-olds to come out and some nice ones to look forward to next season."

First success

Olivia Tubb rode the first winner of her career aboard 16-1 shot Knight's Gambit in the 1m4f apprentice handicap.

It was a first runner, and victory, for the family of Anthony Boswood following the owner's death in August. Knight's Gambit still carries the silks of Boswood, who had horses with Jonathan Portman for around 20 years.

Results, replays and analysis

Have you tried the new Racing Post app? Its new game-changing odds comparison allows you to check the price and place terms all on one simple screen. Make sure you get the best price on all your bets! The new app is available here.