KENT racehorse trainer John Best took his winners for the year to 48 with another success on the all-weather surface at Lingfield on Wednesday.

Otago, ridden by Sam Hitchcott, won a one mile, five furlong handicap in great style.

It followed Best’s quickfire double at the Surrey track days earlier.

Kingsgate Bay stormed home in a seven furlong nursery handicap and two races later Smokin Joe was successful in another sprint.

Kingsgate Bay, who won at 3-1, was ridden by Richard Quinn and is owned by businessman John Mayne.

The consistent Smokin Joe won for the third time in succession. Ridden by George Baker, Smokin Joe is owned by the GG racing syndicate which is based at The Windmill public house at Hollingbourne.

Best, who trains at Hucking, near Maidstone, has had a phenomenal year, more than doubling his previous highest tally of winners.

“I would have been delighted with 35 and so 48 is way beyond my expectations,” said Best.

He hopes to expand his yard to accommodate 70 horses, but first has to obtain planning permission from Maidstone council.