Path takes Tim Easterby on same route as father

On his first day with a training licence, Tim Easterby made his mark at Sedgefield yesterday with the victory of Bridle Path in the novices' hurdle.

Easterby, 33, stepped into the shoes of his father, Peter, who retired on Wednesday. The 66-year-old is the only modern-day trainer to reach 1,000 winners both on the Flat and in National Hunt racing. His last and 1,002nd jumping success - Balhernoch - was eight days ago also at Sedgefield.

"I'm delighted to have done it so quickly, even though it was unexpected," Easterby said. "I knew the horse was fit but I didn't think he'd be good enough."

The rookie trainer's best chances of landing a major event in his first season rest with Thornton Gate, a probable runner in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury tomorrow week.