Stan Sheppard eyeing half-century after double brings up number 40

Friday: Exeter

Stan Sheppard admitted he is determined to ride a half-century of winners in a season for the first time in his career after partnering a double on the card to reach 40 for the campaign.

The Betfair Hurdle winning-jockey won aboard Operation Manna in the 2m½f maiden hurdle, before Hititi justified favouritism in the 2m½f handicap hurdle for in-form trainer Robert Walford.

Sheppard said: "I'd be lying if I said that I haven't thought about riding 50, but we'll see how we get on as I'm trying not to get too carried away.

"It is a good time of year to be riding plenty of winners because there is plenty of racing not only next week, but the weeks after Cheltenham too."

Sheppard, who captured the Welsh Grand National on Iwilldoit, is enjoying a breakthrough season and believes having a personal trainer has helped showcase his ability.

He added: "I've had one for around 18 months now and I feel it makes me fitter and it gives me more confidence in my own abilities. I think that has made a big difference."

Drought over

Tim Dennis ended a run of 416 days without a win as Imperial Joe landed the other 2m½f novice handicap hurdle on only his fourth start for the trainer.

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