LAST Saturday proved a fantastic day for three of our local trainers, starting down at Newbury when Karl Burke and Michael Dods enjoyed their biggest wins of the season.

Burke sent out Toocoolforschool to make every yard in the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes.

The Acomb Stakes runner-up turned in a really sharp display in this Group Two over six furlongs to account for an admittedly depleted field by upwards of seven lengths.

Even accounting for two non-runners, including likely favourite Limato, Toocoolforschool has clearly made boundless progression since he finished second in a Listed race at Doncaster last Friday.

The trainer was winning the Mill Reef for a second time after Lord Shanakill had obliged in 2008.

He said: “The ground has played a factor in the winning distance, but we weren’t sure he’d even handle it.

“My inclination would be to put him away for the season, although I’ll be surprised if the phone doesn’t ring with offers from abroad for him.

“As you know, money talks.

“There was a bid for him from Hong Kong after the Acomb, but there was a small issue with the vet and it fell through.

“I’ve always known he has a lot of ability, and also that he was saving a bit for himself, which is why I put cheekpieces on.

“He’s obviously a high-class horse.

“We’ve done really well with our two-year-old colts – 14 of the 15 we have have already won.”

For Dods, it was Mecca’s Angel who took another impressive step forward when holding off all challengers to take the Dubai Airport World Trophy.

Winner of a good Listed race at Doncaster last week, the three-year-old filly showed impressive resolution and considerable raw talent in pocketing this Group Three sprint over five furlongs.

Jockey Paul Mulrennan stated his intentions quite early on as the partnership went for broke three furlongs out.

Justice Day emerged from out of the pack to throw down a challenge that looked like it might prove successful a furlong out.

But Mecca’s Angel was asked for more again and quickened on to score by an extending two and a half lengths.

Outsider Ajaadd stayed on for third place, just ahead of Take Cover, who was giving weight to all his rivals and also performed with credit.

Speaking from Ayr, winning trainer Michael Dods said: “Paul has given her a great ride.

“She’s picked up and quickened up well.”

Owner David Metcalfe added: “We are looking after her and you won’t see her in the Abbaye this year – it’ll be next season that we do that!

“We’ll stick to five furlongs with her for the time being and I expect the Nunthorpe will be on her agenda. “I don’t think she’s ever been out of the prize money in any of her races. She’s a remarkable filly and although she’ll be sold when her racing career is over to go to stud, there’s no rush in that respect as my horses are bought to race.”

Up at Ayr it was Ann Duffield who was all smiles after Dark Reckoning nipped through on the stands rail to snatch victory in the William Hill Firth of Clyde Stakes.

Graham Lee managed to get the filly in the clear just in time to force the 25/1 outsider past the line first to take the Group Three spoils by a short head from Parsley.

Ainippe, the Irish-trained 3/1 favourite, was a nevernearer third, two and a quarter lengths away.

Lee said: “I got on to the fence and it was just a case of riding her for luck.”

Duffield added: “This filly has done nothing wrong. She’s won two races and deserves her rating of 90.

“I’m glad she’s justified our faith from day one and has managed to win a Group Three.”

So, from one Saturday to the next and it’s hard to believe that Ripon stage their final meeting of the year tomorrow.

The seven race card is due to get under way at 2.10pm and it seems a good card to round off what’s been another great season at The Garden Racecourse.