'The wins are massively important to prove you can do the job' - dual-purpose trainer bags third winner of fledgling career

Dan Horsford celebrated the third win of his fledgling career as a trainer when Nivelle's Magic landed the 1m4f handicap. 

This six-year-old relished the drop in trip and came home four lengths clear of Forest Hills to give his dual-purpose trainer a second win on the Flat. 

Horsford, who is based near Marlborough, said: "That was our third win in total. We're predominantly a jumps yard, probably a 80-20 split, which I'd like to be more 50-50 from a small business point of view.

"In the early days you're trying to make an impression and the wins are massively important to prove you can do the job."

Horsford was assistant to Alan King for 12 years before starting his own training operation at Sharpridge this year, where he is supported by owner Rupert Martin.

He added: "I'm fortunate that I'm supported by Rupert and Jenny Martin's horses. I always wanted to set up training one day but as the years have gone by it's become less financially viable so to be given an opportunity like this, I'm hugely grateful.

"Rupert set up the business about a year ago and Simon Earle was in place for six months, then I was brought in to take over. 

"We started with 14 but are looking to get 30 for the jumps season. Most of our horses are on holiday, but we were reasonably busy at the Doncaster sales."

Hot Hornby

Rob Hornby's win on Nivelle's Magic completed a double for the in-form jockey, who has ridden seven winners in the last week, after he landed the opening 1m2f maiden aboard Fantasy World for Andrew Balding. 

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