Trainer Seb Spencer ends 'bad year' on high note with first winner
Seb Spencer recorded a heart-warming first success of the season after battling a life-threatening tumour earlier this year when Desert Storm narrowly scored in the second division of the 7f handicap.
The six-year-old had failed to get his head in front since September 2018 and after surviving a stewards' inquiry, provided a much-needed victory under Cieren Fallon for the North Yorkshire trainer, who entered the winner's enclosure for the first time in 448 days.
"It was well-needed because I've been off work," said Spencer. "I had a tumour cut out from my face – it's been a bad year. I'm on the mend now. I was away from the yard for nine weeks and Luke Leadbitter and Kyle Walker [assistant trainers] kept the show running while I was off. It's great to end the year like this.
"He can be quite a pig at times and just when you think he doesn't want to race anymore, he becomes a different animal. The owners [The Racing Emporium] are great. They could've dropped out when it was announced they can't go racing, but they've stuck with us."
Roberts breaks barren spell
Dave Roberts ended his barren spell with Plumette, who gave the Shropshire trainer his first Flat success for 1,173 days when landing the opening division of the 1m½f handicap by a length and a half.
Read more:
No spectators in England as government tightens Covid restrictions
'I love everything about him' - our experts assess the Gold Cup dangers to Photo
Tramore task made easier for Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo as Monalee not declared
Nicky Henderson yard to enter short shutdown following Kempton flops
Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club
Published on 30 December 2020inReports
Last updated 18:52, 30 December 2020
- Punchestown: 'She was foot perfect' - delighted Gavin Cromwell hails Brides Hill at end of unbeaten season
- Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle: Willie Mullins becomes the winningmost Irish trainer as Ballyburn scores
- Newmarket: Outbox shows he still packs a punch at the age of nine to spring 50-1 shock in Group 2 feature
- Punchestown Champion Hurdle: 'He’s a star, isn’t he? I love riding him' - Paul Townend thrilled as State Man seals tenth Grade 1
- Musselburgh: 'He felt unreal' - age no barrier to success as gallant eight-year-old The Dancing Poet lands feature
- Punchestown: 'She was foot perfect' - delighted Gavin Cromwell hails Brides Hill at end of unbeaten season
- Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle: Willie Mullins becomes the winningmost Irish trainer as Ballyburn scores
- Newmarket: Outbox shows he still packs a punch at the age of nine to spring 50-1 shock in Group 2 feature
- Punchestown Champion Hurdle: 'He’s a star, isn’t he? I love riding him' - Paul Townend thrilled as State Man seals tenth Grade 1
- Musselburgh: 'He felt unreal' - age no barrier to success as gallant eight-year-old The Dancing Poet lands feature