Ian Duncan, a trainer who has tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival, is optimistic that his luck has taken a positive turn following Celestial Fashion's triumph at Newcastle on Tuesday. This victory marked the end of a winless streak that extended beyond a span of two years.
Situated in Ayrshire, Ian Duncan, who achieved victory in the National Hunt Chase with Another Rum in 2005, had dispatched a total of 109 contenders since his previous triumph with Jessiemac at Catterick in January 2022.
Duncan, whose training career spans 26 years, endured a lengthy wait of 803 days for a victory. His most notable accomplishment occurred in 2015 when he secured the prestigious Eider Chase at Newcastle with Milborough. Despite the prolonged wait, he remains optimistic that his stable can now progress and build momentum following the end of his winless spell.
Expressing his satisfaction, Duncan remarked, "Obtaining a winner was a positive outcome. With any luck, we'll secure a few more victories shortly, as it has been an extended period. Throughout my training career, I have never encountered a spell comparable to this one."
Undoubtedly, it is a challenging endeavour. The key is to remain focused, put in diligent effort, and strive for excellence, which is precisely what we have been doing. The entire team exerts tremendous effort, and achieving victories is the ultimate objective. When you secure one or two wins, it not only provides a boost but also enhances the overall morale within the stable.
When you consistently settle for second place, it often doesn't yield a significant impact. It becomes crucial to secure a few victories, as they play a vital role in attracting new owners. Winning races serve as a compelling factor that draws interest and encourages potential owners to join the stable.
Elaborating on the reasons behind the stable's dry spell since his last victory, he further explained, "During the previous season, my horses were unwell, and I was dissatisfied with their condition and performance."
"The horses were experiencing persistent coughing, and despite our efforts, it was challenging to restore them to their optimal condition. However, I am hopeful that we have now made a positive shift, as some of them have shown promising performances in recent races."
Under the skilful guidance of jockey Joe Williamson, Celestial Fashion delivered an impressive performance in the 2m1f handicap hurdle for conditional riders. Duncan attributed her success to her unwavering consistency, particularly in light of her recent second-place finishes, highlighting that she is now reaping the rewards she deserves.
Expressing his satisfaction with Celestial Fashion's victory, Duncan affirmed, "She truly deserved that win. In her previous races, she narrowly missed out against horses slightly superior to her, but she consistently performed well and came close to securing a victory."
Duncan praised jockey Joe for providing Celestial Fashion with an excellent ride, emphasizing their good rapport. Although she may not be the easiest horse to handle, Duncan believes that as she matures, she is gradually becoming more composed during races and taking better care of herself. Anticipating a promising future, Duncan envisions more races ahead for her and plans to transition her to fences in the upcoming season, where he believes she will thrive.