A Shropshire racehorse trainer has come in from the cold! John Groucott, based at Bourton, near Much Wenlock, got off the “cold trainer’s list” when Pret A Thou gave him his first winner in 367 days at Hereford yesterday.

Hereford is proving something of a lucky racecourse for Groucott.

Having enjoyed his first winner there under rules when Ikemba struck in January 2007, he was smiling again when Pret A Thou raced away with yesterday’s opening two-mile novices’ handicap chase.

Groucott has been training under rules at Bourton, near Much Wenlock, for just over two years – but had gone 367 days and 30 runners since his last winner.

However, the five-year-old was a convincing 21-length winner at Hereford, having been backed in from 33 to 16-1.

Winning owner Clive Tipton admitted he had been in on the punt, saying: “We have all had a few quid on him. We brought the fan club here and they are all happy as they backed him at 33-1 as well!”

Ridden by seven pound claim amateur Harry Challoner, Pret A Thou had failed to get home on softer ground at Hereford last time. But a drop in trip and sounder surface paid off yesterday.

Oliver Sherwood admitted to being “over the moon” after he notched up a near 109-1 treble at Hereford, with jockey Dominic Elsworth riding two of those winners.

The Lambourn handler felt all of his four runners would run well, but he could scarcely have believed he would secure three winners and a second on the day.

“It’s just great when it all comes together,” said Sherwood.