'I enjoy it more now, I'd just like the prize-money to have changed since 1987!'

Friday: Lingfield

Newmarket trainer Conrad Allen is enjoying his best year since 2004 and celebrated an 11th winner with his 100th runner courtesy of 5f novice scorer Mick’s Spirit.

Martin Dwyer’s mount benefited from the removal of a hood and a drop back to the minimum trip to score by four and three-quarter lengths.

Allen, who undertakes some bloodstock work alongside training, has also saddled 16 seconds, 13 thirds and ten fourths this year. He started training in 1987, so does he enjoy it as much as ever?

Allen replied: “I enjoy it more now, but I’d just like the prize-money to have changed since 1987!

“I spent three years in Qatar from 2008 to 2011 and enjoyed it, but realised I wanted to spend my life around horses and training them – that’s what I love.

“We haven’t got many horses, so I’m really delighted with our form. We’ve had some extra support and new owners arrive, so hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.”

On Mick’s Spirit, who was winning at the eighth attempt, Allen added: “We took the hood off, dropped him back to five furlongs and he won quite nicely, but I don’t think it was a strong race. He should have a future in handicaps.”

All-weather ace

The feature mile conditions stakes also went to Newmarket as the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Intuitive prevailed under Jack Mitchell.

Duern delight

Jack Duern celebrated his first winner since returning to the saddle this year when striking aboard 40-1 outsider Pablo Del Pueblo for Simon Dow in the closing 6f handicap.

Double bubble

Jason Watson and David O’Meara struck twice with 6f handicap winners Muscika and Morty, who both backed up recent successes.

Results, replays and analysis

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