AN EMOTIONAL afternoon at the races became a poignant reunion when a Barnsley trainer’s underdog victory was witnessed first-hand by a special guest in the crowd – the Macmillan nurse who helped save his life.

Nina Corfield, the cancer nurse who supported inspirational trainer Peter Winks through his grueling battle with throat cancer, was enjoying a day out at Beverley.

She ended up with the best seat in the house for a fairytale finish, watching Peter's 66/1 long-shot, Anfica’s Beauty, storm home to an incredible victory.

Peter, owner of Homefield Racing Stables, on Rotherham Road in Middlecliffe, and has enjoyed a glittering career in the sport.

But he was dealt a cruel blow in April 2024 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer after scans found a T4 tumour.

Thankfully he was given given the all-clear in January last year.

With Peter’s voice box removed, it’s left him to ‘let the horses do the talking’ - and Saturday’s result did just that.

Anfica’s Beauty, bought for just £800 after failing to attract a bid at a sale in Doncaster, has become the beating heart of Winks’ six‑horse stable.

Peter’s partner, Karen Vickers said: “Anfica’s Beauty came to us a bit lost, but in a small yard you can give them love, time and attention.

“Peter has been through so much - three operations in ten days, weeks in hospital, then 30 rounds of radiation.

“To see him back in the winner’s enclosure again, and with Nina there to witness it, felt like the universe giving something back.”

Peter, who fell in love with racing as a boy, described the moment through his prosthetic speech valve as ‘magic… just magic’.