KAYLEY’S TEARFUL TRIUMPH

TOP NOVICES’ HDL LALOR captured the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle to trigger scenes of high emotion.

Twelve months ago, the six-year-old had won the corresponding card’s bumper for trainer Richard Woollacott, who was found dead at his stable in Devon in January after battling with depression.

Now in the care of Woollacott’s wife Kayley (above), the 14-1 chance, ridden by Richard Johnson, beat Vision Des Flos by two lengths.

Holding back tears, the winning trainer said: “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know how that just happened.

“It’s an emotional day, but I had a little help from above. Racing is one of the toughest games, but over the last few months it has also shown how supportive it can be.

“This horse has kept everything going, and me on the straight and narrow — having horses like him in the yard makes you want to do it.”

Johnson added: “Lalor was Richard’s first big winner so for the horse to come here and do it again for the family in Richard’s memory is fantastic.”