Norfolk to the fore as Dereham secures 'very special' win for emotional Berrys

The Norfolk feel at the track was not just restricted to the return of local racegoers as the appropriately named Dereham scooted to a fitting victory in the second division of the 1m6f handicap.

The five-year-old had been fairly well beaten in his first six starts but showed great improvement to strike by four and a quarter lengths under Thore Hammer Hansen.

His victory provided trainer John Berry with his first winner of the campaign and was made extra special as the winner was bred and is owned by his wife Emma, who was in tears of joy.

The son of Sir Percy is named after the Norfolk market town just under 40 miles from the track and his triumph was a timely boost for the Berry family, who lost stable legend Roy Rocket last month.

"This one was very special, especially for Emma," the trainer said. "Remarkably, he's a Norfolk horse too as he was born here and the dam lives at Hilborough Stud in the county.

"The name seemed a very sensible one to give him. Emma actually said to me this morning he's had six races, but none of them in his home county! What a fitting win.

"He's been a slow-learner, but he's coming together nicely now. He won like a stayer who can only go upwards."

Happy hunting ground

Burgeoning trainer Mitchell Hunt wasted little time in gaining his landmark first career winner as Raajihah battled to a game victory in the opening mile handicap.

The 26-year-old took over the reins from Kevin Bishop's yard just a few weeks ago and made an immediate impact with the four-year-old, who held on to score by a head.

"It's a big relief, I'm really lucky," Hunt said. "To do that after I've only had my licence for a few weeks is exciting. The more winners we can get this season the better.

"We've got quite a lot of young horses so it might be difficult. It's all about building a team for next year and hopefully we can pick up a few more on the way."

More local delight

The orange silks of local owner Bernard Westley were associated with talented miler Premio Loco and he picked up an emotional first victory in his colours since August 2013 when Castana Dia won the 6f maiden.

"That was amazing, we're so pleased with that, it means so much," a tearful Westley said. "It's my wife's mother's funeral tomorrow, so we've been looking forward to this for some joy. The emotions are all coming out."

Ascot agenda

Royal Ascot could be next for Sir Robert Ogden's homebred Tolstoy following his winning debut in the 6f novice.

Joint-trainer Thady Gosden said: "I wasn't expecting that on his first run. Ascot is definitely a possibility, it wouldn't surprise me if he gets further in time too."

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