Kevin Bell landed the first winner of his training career when Gain Line stormed home at Southwell yesterday. The 40year-old Irishman took out a licence nine months ago after a spell as head lad for Simon Sherwood and has a team of 18 - mainly jumpers - housed in his Upper Lambourn yard.
After 9 to 1 chance Gain Line had scooted clear approaching the final furlong to win the second division of the Tipperary Apprentices Handicap, Bell said: "We were beaten a short head twice here recently and it's good to get off the mark."
He hails from Kildare, where his father, also Kevin, trained successfully for years. Gain Line was having his first run for the stable.
Gain Line was partnered by apprentice Gabriel Hannon, who also took the opening division of the same event on Ring The Chief for an 89 to 1 double.
The youngster has ridden eight winners so far but this was his first double and he looked pretty stylish and effective on both winners.
Anthony Kelleway made it to the winner's enclosure with his first runner of the year when Westside Flyer scraped home in the claimer.
American trainer David Donk has unveiled a bold plan to aim unbeaten colt Incurable Optimist at the Irish 2,000 Guineas on May 22nd. His highly-rated three-year-old, unbeaten in four races last season, will bid to become only the second US winner of the Curragh Classic. Donk cited a lack of races on grass in America as a motive for competing here.
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