SUNSHINEANDBUBBLES returned to Lingfield yesterday, after a series of good runs at the track. She won the Betway Median Auction Maiden Stakes, and lost her “maiden” tag in the process. George Downing gave her a determined ride, and earned a nomination for “Ride of the Month” into the bargain. We had also entered her in a handicap on the same card, but when it didn’t divide we took our chance in the maiden. The outcome obviously delighted her trainer and all connections who are excited about owning a winning racehorse!

She made nearly all the running, and managed to hold off the challenge of the favourite in a tight and hard fought finish. Back in in maiden company after going close several times in handicaps, she had a stone to find with the favourite purely on the ratings. Her performance yesterday showed what she is really capable of, against a well-regarded favourite. Sunshineandbubbles has always worked a lot better at home than her rating suggests. This performance didn’t surprise us or her trainer Mark Loughnane, but it certainly surprised the bookmakers and racing journalists!