Trainer Ian Duncan, who achieved success at the Cheltenham Festival, is optimistic that his luck is changing following Celestial Fashion's victory at Newcastle on Tuesday, ending a winless streak that lasted over two years. Based in Ayrshire, Duncan, known for winning the National Hunt Chase in 2005 with Another Rum, had sent out 109 runners without a win since his last triumph with Jessiemac in January 2022 at Catterick.
Duncan has patiently waited for 803 days for a victory, with his most significant career win being the Eider Chase at Newcastle with Milborough in 2015. However, he believes that this recent win marks a turning point and is hopeful for more success in the future.
Expressing his satisfaction with the win, Duncan said, "It was gratifying to secure a victory. Hopefully, we will achieve several more in the near future because the wait has been lengthy, and I have never experienced such a prolonged period without a win since I began training."
He acknowledged the challenges of the dry spell, emphasising the importance of perseverance and hard work. Duncan stressed the significance of winning races, as it boosts morale and attracts new owners to the stable.
Regarding the recent barren period, he explained, "Last season, my horses were unwell, and I was dissatisfied with their condition. They had coughing issues, and despite our efforts, we couldn't restore them to their optimal form. Thankfully, it seems that we have turned a corner now, as some of them have been performing reasonably well recently."
Celestial Fashion, ridden by Joe Williamson, delivered a strong performance in the 2m1f handicap hurdle for conditional riders. Duncan highlighted the mare's consistency, noting her previous close finishes in second place against slightly superior competition.
"She deserved this victory," Duncan expressed. "In her recent races, she narrowly missed out on winning against horses slightly better than her, but she consistently produced strong performances. Joe provided her with excellent guidance, and they have developed a good rapport. Although she can be challenging at times, as she matures, she is becoming more settled during her races and taking care of herself. I believe she has the potential for more wins, particularly over fences, which will be our focus next season."