Sue Smith saddles first winners of the season with Uttoxeter double

Sue Smith sent out her first winners of the season when Informateur and Silva Eclipse provided the Grand National-winning trainer with a welcome double at Uttoxeter on Sunday.

The smile was back on Smith's face after ending a barren spell stretching back to April and encompassing 81 runners and 215 days.

With four of Smith's previous six runners finishing second, the sought-after winner looked to be coming and 11-2 shot Informateur signalled the change in fortunes with a ten-length success in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

"It's nice to get a winner and get off the cold list," the trainer said. "We were nearly smiling yesterday when Midnight Shadow was just beaten at Haydock, and he was also unfortunate when falling at the last at Carlisle earlier in the month.

"The horses are on the up and that's the main thing. They've not been poorly or anything like that, it's just not been happening. Things are improving now and they are going all right."

Sue Smith looks on after Informateur's victory at UttoxeterCredit: Andrew Dietz

Smith and stable jockey Danny Cook did not have to wait long for another victory with Silva Eclipse staying on stoutly in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.

The race was run in memory of Stoke City and England legend Gordon Banks, who died aged 81 in February, with Smith, who also owns Silva Eclipse, receiving a sculpture by local artist Andy Edwards of Banks's wonder save from Pele's header against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup.

Smith, who won the 2013 Grand National with Auroras Encore, usually takes time to hit top gear with December, January and February traditionally her strongest months.

The recent wet spell might have been expected to suit her team, but she explained: "The ground has come very suddenly for all trainers. Last year we had a drought and this time we've had more rain than we've had for years and it's come as hard work to the horses."

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