Top 40 winner Dreams of Home (11/8)

Former champion jockey Brian Hughes rode his 100th winner of the season when steering Dreams of Home to victory in the novices' handicap chase at Ayr. The former winning Irish pointer had only finished seventh over two and a half miles on his chasing bow at Carlisle last month and was dropping back in trip here. Making all, the Jet Away gelding jumped slickly and found plenty for pressure when challenged over the final few fences. Driven out for a five and a half lengths win, he looks effective over the minimum trip, although his trainer Donald McCain hasn't ruled out returning to longer distances in due course. His jumping is his biggest asset and that alone will ensure he wins plenty more races over fences. Successful here off a mark of 131, he is a smashing prospect for the rest of this campaign and beyond. 

Earlier in the day, I spent an enjoyable couple of hours in the company of owner Mike Newbould who kindly invited me to his home. Based in North Yorkshire, Mike has been a very successful businessman and is currently enjoying a purple patch with his string of horses, including Grade 2 winning novice chaser Third Time Lucki and Greatwood Hurdle winner West Cork. In addition to talking about his equine stars, we both have a common interest in Rugby League and Cricket and there was plenty to discuss. He is a proper northern and terrific company.