IT may haver been a humble apprentice handicap but Pettochside's success carried significant sentimental value for Chris Gordon.

Every year his father took him to Goodwood as his birthday co-incided with the Festival.

Last night Gordon enjoyed his first success there as a trainer when Pettochside got up close home to land the six furlong handicap.

"I'm over the moon with that," said Gordon, who trains at Morestead, near Winchester. "My old man brought me here from the age of 12 until he died when I was 17."

Gordon, whose yard predominately houses jumpers, quipped: "I would have had a few more winners here if there were hurdles!

"He likes juice in the ground and conditions tonight were right."

Pettochside provided a 95th career win for jockey Cam Hardie who was posting his first success since recently losing his claiming allowance.

"Early on he was a bit keen and I thought he was doing too much," said Hardie. "I tried to get him behind when they quickened. Fortunately those in front started to stop and I just got there."

Gordon has Pettochside entered in another six furlong handicap at the track on Tuesday but will see how he comes out of last night's race before deciding whether to run him.