3 minute read

Trainer strikes with second runner after resuming career.

David Dennis registered his first winner from just his second runner since resuming his training career from his new base in Oxfordshire – as Flying Verse  won at Bangor.

Dennis, who handed in his licence in March 2020, subsequently worked as assistant trainer to Tom Symonds and Matt Sheppard, with both yards enjoying an upturn in fortunes.

He enjoyed success with the likes of Roman Flight , Final Nudge  and Deauville Dancer  from his former Worcestershire yard, and Flying Verse (9-1) was steered to a comfortable victory by former champion jockey Brian Hughes in the Nightingale House Hospice Handicap Chase.

"I'm very pleased for the owner, but unfortunately Chris (Barnett) is in Devon sat outside a car park in Sidmouth – he says it's a bit busy down there," Dennis told Sky Sports Racing.

"Along with the rest of my owners who have stayed loyal to me, I'd just like to say 'thanks'.

"I had to relinquish my licence just after lockdown. Then I was assistant to Tom Symonds and Matt Sheppard.

"I thought it was time, when the new year came, for me to stand on my own two feet again – but finding the right sized yard was the most challenging part.

"I moved to Edgcote near Banbury in Oxfordshire – there's 16 stables there, (and) I'm renting a barn. There are shared gallops, which is ideal, so it's onwards and upwards.

"They are good gallops – and for horses like him who have been in training all season, the change in routine does them good, as does the change of scenery.

"So hopefully it will work for the rest of them."