O'Brien all smiles after well-supported landmark winner

Socksy was the toast of Towcester after she landed a decent gamble in the 2m3f novice hurdle for mares, in the process providing trainer Fergal O’Brien with a landmark victory.

Punters backing O’Brien’s runners blind this season will have been quids in and he was again their pal as Socksy returned the 11-8 favourite having been as big as 7-1 in the morning.

Although he was not part of the gamble, O’Brien was all smiles as he revealed the significance of the success. “In terms of numbers, it’s our best ever season with 48 winners and I’m delighted with that,” said the trainer.