Aficionado really dug deep to get his first win on the board at Beverley last night! Owned by the Red Book Partnership and ridden by Neil Callan this gelding by Halling had made an encouraging debut in November last year finishing second in a mile maiden on the all-weather. He had been a little disappointing on both his starts this year over a mile and a quarter and so the cheek pieces were used on this occasion. They certainly seemed to have the desired effect and he travelled well during the race making his challenge over the last two furlongs, just finding enough to finish the race in front by half a length. We were thrilled for his owners and hope that he can continue to improve.