DORSET trainer Anthony Honeyball believes that a win for five-year-old Ms Parfois at Uttoxeter on Saturday was “the icing on the cake” for what has been an exciting week for him both in and out of racing.

A cross-card double with victories for Royal Salute at Fontwell and City Supreme at Newbury came along for the Mosterton Handler on Friday, but that was not the only excitement for him and wife Rachael Green last

week.

“The celebrations started on Wednesday when Rachael gave birth to our first child, a little boy weighing in at 6lbs 1oz,” Honeyball posted on his official website.

“Both are doing well and returned home from Dorchester Hospital on Friday evening.

“Rachael was still riding out two days previous to giving birth and those who know her well will not be surprised to hear that she plans to be back in the saddle as soon as possible.

“I was still on Cloud Nine heading to Fontwell on Friday and was still bubbling a few hours later after the success of Royal Salute in the handicap hurdle followed the earlier victory of City Supreme at Newbury.

“I am so pleased that the

enthusiastic members of the San Siro Six partnership were at Newbury to cheer City Supreme home.”

And while the red-hot trainer is also having to take on his dad duties, he was quick to praise new charge Ms Parfois, and is expecting big things from the chestnut mare in the future.

He added: “In providing our third winner in just over 24 hours, Ms Parfois offered plenty of promise for the future when she starts racing over hurdles.

“We bought her for 40,000 guineas at the Cheltenham sales just over six weeks ago and soon passed her on to a new client Martyn Chapman, who was keen to become more closely involved after having shares in a few

syndicate horses with other trainers.

“The experience Ms Parfois gained in winning an Irish point-to-point on her debut was definitely a help in testing ground at Uttoxeter as she gradually stretched her rivals out behind her.

“A strapping big scopey mare who stays very well, she still showed plenty of signs of greenness in front as she kept on in determined style to beat Calling Des Blins by 10 lengths.”

He added: “Once at home with us she settled in well to our routine and I would like to think she will be just as effective on better ground.

“She is a lovely prospect to have for next season.”