Lacey loving life as Equus Amadeus strikes - just don't mention coffee

Tom Lacey began his day cursing the bitter taste of two cups of coffee in the press room, but the trainer was soon able to savour the sweet success of Equus Amadeus in the £16,400 handicap hurdle.

Based in Herefordshire, Lacey enjoyed a coming-of-age campaign last season when his 39 winners included a high-profile double at Aintree's Grand National meeting.

Hands-on trainer Tom Lacey chats with Robbie Dunne after the victory of Equus Amadeus

He said: "Racing is a results-based industry and if you're training winners the phone will ring and it did. I've got 50 boxes and we're full with a great team of staff. It's a pretty slick operation and we can cope with our workload."