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At 82 years of age, Don Ryan is enjoying one of the special times of his life training in partnership with his son Andrew.

At Bathurst on Thursday, they will be out to build on their positive start as official co-trainers with recent winners Annecy and Nurture.

The lightly raced pair look well placed in suitable races on the seven event program.

If one or both could win, it would be a great start to a week where the Ryan’s stable star Somebody will resume racing in a Highway Handicap at Randwick on Saturday.

Andrew said it made sense to join up with his father even though they had been working together for many years with their horses.

“We have had a few wins together since we became co-trainers about six months ago,” he said.

Don Ryan has been training for half a century and before that he was a race broadcaster and former jockey.

Training on their private track not far from the Bathurst course, Don and Andrew are part of Ryan Bloodstock who race all three horses.

“My brothers Stephen and Bernard are also in the partnership. The horses have been consistent and if one or both could win at Bathurst it would be a good day,” Andrew said.

Champion jockey Greg Ryan, who is no relation, will ride Annecy while Eleanor Webster-Hawes is back aboard Nurture after a fast finishing last start win.

“Nurture showed plenty of courage to run down the leader last start on a wet track. The track is rated a 7 at the moment and that will suit her,” he said.

“Annecy ran third at Mudgee last start after winning her first race the start before at Dubbo.

“Both jockeys were on the horses in their maiden wins and it’s good to have them on again.”

The Ryan’s only have Somebody, Annecy and Nurture in training and between them have earned close to $100,000.

While Annecy and Nurture are just starting out, Somebody has proven himself and will head to Sydney for his first run back from a spell.

If either of his stable mates can win first, it will provide some added confidence.

“They are only in the early stages of their careers, but are going well, trained on nicely and should be competitive,” Andrew said.