JONATHAN Geake sent out his first winner under his own name when Latimer's Place comfortably took a novice chase at Folkestone yesterday.
It was only his third runner since taking over the reins from Toby Balding at Kimpton Down Stables, near Andover, earlier this month, and naturally he was delighted.
"He was unlucky at Ludlow last time and we were quite hopeful here," he remarked. "It was important to get that first winner and I'm thrilled."
Unfortunately Balding was unable to witness his son-in-law's moment of glory, having to attend a trainers' federation meeting.
Latimer's Place, who won a valuable hurdle at Sandown in 2002, was having only his third race over fences.
A bit of a quirky character, he can only go right handed and connections are now considering the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot.
Geake has about 60 horses at his disposal and will have his first big race runner with Desailly in the Hennessey at Newbury next week.
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