Joseph O'Brien gains first Nottingham winner as Maximum Scepticism scores easily under Rob Hornby

Joseph O'Brien ticked off another achievement in his training career when Maximum Scepticism gave him his first winner at Nottingham in the 6f maiden.

The Melbourne Cup and Classic-winning trainer struck with just his second runner at the track with the two-year-old, who got off the mark at the third attempt with an impressive three-and-a-quarter-length triumph under Rob Hornby.

It was also the perfect start for Hornby on his first ride for O'Brien and it took the in-form jockey's strike-rate to 22 per cent in the last fortnight.

Hornby told Racing TV: "He's a fine sort. Joseph was confident that from whatever he did today, he'd step forward again and he's coped really well. He's still quite raw and there's so many undulations here, and he had to reorganise himself and quickened well through the line.

"I'm sure there's a lot of improvement to come as it's only his third start. It's nice it worked out well. It was a great ride to pick up for Joseph."

In-form trainer

Paul Midgley's strong form continued with Novello Lad's victory in the 6f handicap.

The four-year-old's length-and-a-half win took the trainer's strike-rate in the last fortnight to 21 per cent.

San Francisco shines

Henry Candy enjoyed his first winner since May with San Francisco Bay's fine front-running performance in the 1m2f handicap.

The six-year-old, who is also owned by Candy, was not for catching under Trevor Whelan to give the trainer a welcome success.

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