Bradley Gibbs reached the two hundred winner landmark at Howick this weekend with an emphatic win in the Restricted aboard the German bred Lassenkhan. There was some poetic justice in the victory as the twenty seven year old, who is due to become a father for this first time in July, rode out the win in the colours of one of his biggest supporters, Mr David Brace of Dunraven Stud. Despite being based in Lemsford, Hertfordshire, at his new training establishment Millstone Stables, Bradley is a proud Welshman and if he had the choice of hitting that score anywhere it would be on a Welsh track. There have been two David's influential in Bradley's career; David Brace was there to cheer him home along with wife Dawn, Brads partner Claire Sheriff and members of his family and friends; whilst father David  with whom Brad trained before branching out missed the occasion due to work commitments. One supporter who was there on the day and given the chance will always be there to cheer him home is grandmother Marlene Jones ; the octogenarian is a keen racegoer and will be found on a daily basis at the yard of her son in law David sweeping the yard and making sure everything is in place.

A long time employee of Dunraven Stud, where it is fair to say he became part of the Brace family, Bradley started his career as a sixteen year old aboard the enigmatic Cinnamon and has sixteen hunter chase wins to his credit as well as his pointing victories. Riding with as much enthusiasm as ever and one of the most talented amateurs in the saddle anywhere in the country Brad has his eyes firmly set on the National Title. Lassenkhan started his career across the waters in Ireland and already had useful form to his name and will surely be one that will progress through the ranks this season. The French bred Evron who started as 5/4 favourite filled the second spot with That's Me(IRE) coming home in third.

This was a poignant race for fixture secretary Liz Egerton as it was run in the name of her brother the must missed Andrew James who sadly crossed the finish line for the final time in December of last year. A popular figure of Welsh racing for many years he will be sorely missed.

Brads one hundred and ninety ninth winner had come earlier in the day aboard Hitroadjack (IRE) in the Maiden contest for another of his long time supports John Mathias. John, a former Welsh champion jockey in his own right was taken somewhat by surprise by the victory as he was of the belief that the horse was in "need of the run". The chestnut son of Wareed (IRE) has shown promise on previous starts and despite appearing to be short of room onto the turn going into the final circuit the gelding, who was led in the parade ring by professional jockey Richard Patrick, was always travelling well and appreciated the strong pace being set by the rangy Fubar(IRE) who unseated at the last when under pressure. Where's Mal (IRE) was a twelve length second with the best turned out Mix Master (GB) back in third.

The fastest time of the day was recorded in the NAF sponsored Men's Open by Foreign Secretary. The ex-Irish son of Galileo had shown form in previous years and was left the winner when Ozzy Thomas (IRE) who was finishing strongly for Scott Malson decided that enough was enough and departed through the wing. The free running Coquin Mans (FR) stayed on to finish second. 

Dan Bourne was on hand to manage his brothers Dandy Dan (IRE) to take the Ladies contest in emphatic style. Brother James was tied up with lambing but had done his homework as the Midnight Legend gelding gave jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins her first win. Having only had four starts in point to pointing the twenty-year old works for Kim Bailey from his Cotswolds yard. The ever-consistent Robin Des People (IRE) came home in second for Saskia Jones in the colours of David Brace. With Laura Richardson and Sergeant Brody taking the minor honours.

The Intermediate race saw the first leg of a double for Luke Price and Pete Bryan who had travelled from Lambourn to take the rides that day. This time he was on board Rose Iland (IRE) who was carrying the colours of the late Jason Warner. Rose Island was well fancied before the race having not been out of the frame on his six previous starts. Taaffe's Castle (IRE) put up a good battle but found the finishing speed of Rose Iland too good for him.

The final race of the day was a walkover but Oisin Radford, who works for David Brace was happy to take the win as it his first between the flags.

With two doubles being scored on the day and the landmark of the two hundred wins for Badley Gibbs racegoers had some good racing to watch, all underneath a cloudless sky. Racing returns to the track this weekend and thanks must go to the hardworking team of volunteers who have been making sure that the conditions will be as near perfect as possible.