Trainer celebrates his first winner in more than two years from hospital bed

Julian Smith had the unusual experience of watching his first winner for 740 days from a hospital bed on Wednesday afternoon.

The Gloucestershire trainer was in hospital for a long-awaited operation to remove his gallbladder while Tom Bellamy steered 5-1 shot Caro Des Flos to a first win over fences at Worcester.

Smith's wife Nicky, who stepped in as trainer for the day, explained: "He has been waiting two years for this operation. With everything going on with Covid and all the hospitals being full up, they wouldn't do it.

"They rang him two weeks ago and said we've got a slot on the thirtieth. He said yes, but he told me he had two horses entered for Worcester that day and that I would have to go."

The nine-year-old was winning on his fourth try over fences and struck by five and a half lengths.

She said: "It's so nice because Caro Des Flos has been a bit frustrating and disappointing. He had a few seconds over hurdles but we put him over fences as he's obviously getting on now. It was now or never really."

See the full result and replay

Bellamy has been riding regularly for the Smiths after the retirement of Mark Grant in April, but was unable to make it a dream double on the afternoon as Diamond Rose, the horse who provided Julian Smith with his last winner in June 2019, finished seventh in the 2m7f handicap chase.

Nothing could dampen the spirits of Nicky Smith, however, who was delighted to reward the patience of owner and longtime supporter of the yard Janet Benson.

Benson has enjoyed success with the Smith's seven-time winner Fine By Me, including Wincanton's Lord Stalbridge Memorial Cup in 2009.

Smith said: "We're a family-run yard with only six horses in training but Janet Benson has been an owner with us for 18 years. She has been very patient with him."

For Julian Smith, who landed the 2018 Norfolk National with Emerald Rose, it is a case of rest and recuperation rather than celebration.

"He's got to take it easy for the next six weeks," his wife said. "We have also got an arable farm, so it's not the best time for that as we've got haylage to make and all the other crops, so we will have to get on a tractor and help out!"

Read more of the day's top stories:

High Court urged to award £286,000 to punter in Paddy Power disputed wager case

'Some reform likely' as consultation into use of whip is launched by the BHA

Jim Bolger tells committee he will not attend key hearing on doping allegations

Irish tracks allowed to host 500 spectators as government relaxes outdoor rules

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here