'We'll give it a good shot' - The Bay Warrior keeps Mark Usher in winning form as he bids to build on strong 2024

Mark Usher set the bar high with a career-best campaign last year but The Bay Warrior cemented a strong start to 2025 with victory in the 1m3f handicap.

The seven-year-old was the second winner for the Lambourn trainer in as many days when he scored cosily under Tyler Heard, following on from the success of Tomorrow Day at Newcastle on Tuesday. 

This sixth career win continued the solid form of The Bay Warrior, who has now been in the first three in six of his nine starts since July. 

"He loves the track and the trip, so this was tailor-made for him," said Usher. "I was a little worried as he'd gone up the weights for finishing second, but he overcame it. 

"I think if the grade goes up over these conditions he'll manage it. I don't see why he wouldn't go on the grass, but for now we'll stick to what's working."

Usher, who had 31 winners last year; added: "It's nice to get going again because last year is all finished now – it's a bit of a tough ask to try to follow it up.

"We've got about 35 horses in training and hopefully the two-year-olds can be okay, so we'll give it a good shot." 

Smart success

Our Havana continued his steady progress up the ranks with a smooth victory under Oisin Orr in the 7f handicap. 

The Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old notched his second win from four starts since being gelded, pulling easily clear of Legal Reform to score for the first time since Newmarket in April. 

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