Trump Lady gives Grade 1-winning trainer Nick Mitchell first win since return

Nick Mitchell, the Grade 1-winning jumps trainer who relinquished his licence at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, enjoyed his first winner since returning to the sport when Trump Lady landed the novice hurdle for fillies and mares.

Dorset-based Mitchell, whose father Richard also trains in the county, celebrated top-flight success when The Listener, a striking grey, won Down Royal's Champion Chase in 2009.

Having worked for Paul Nicholls and Robert Alner, Mitchell started on his own in 2008, but was forced to call time on that operation in April 2019 after enduring a difficult period when his yard was hit by a virus.

He had been doing some consultancy work for the National Trainers Federation and was potentially looking for employment with the BHA before the coronavirus pandemic meant opportunities became limited.

Mitchell, however, was granted his licence again in October, acting as a salaried trainer to owner Syd Hosie, whose horses, including Trump Lady, run under the banner of his drainage company, Sherborne Utilities Ltd.

Ellerslie George, who landed Wincanton's Badger Ales Trophy in 2009, was another horse of note for Mitchell, whose brother Tim memorably won the Foxhunter at the 1997 Cheltenham Festival on Fantus.

Williams wonderland

Jane Williams sent out her fourth course winner from just seven runners when After The Fox, ridden by her son Chester, proved too good for his rivals in the novice handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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