NEW trainer Sean Curran got his career off to a flying start when his first Flat runner, Explosive Fox, won at Wolverhampton.

Having had time to digest the 16-1 success, the National Hunt jockey-turned-trainer is even more determined to carve out a career for himself as a trainer.

He explained: "I have been given the chance by Charlie and Sue Cox, who own New Barn Farm at Faringdon. They have several horses around the place that they have bred themselves and suggested I gave it a go as a trainer.

"A good mate of mine, ex-Norwich City and Republic of Ireland soccer star Lee Power, sent me Explosive Fox to have a rest in the winter, and hearing on the grapevine I had taken out a trainer's licence, he gave me the nod to put the horse in training and the rest was a dream come true.

"He has not been the easiest of horses to get fit, and I thought perhaps he would run into a place at Wolverhampton. However local jockey Alan Daly gave him a beautiful ride and he won quite cosily in the end.

"Lee was doing cartwheels over the victory and they almost ran out of beer at our local, The Woodman at Fernham."

The owners of the farm, together with the new trainer, worked hard over the winter laying down a six-furlong all weather gallop, and in between rides over the jumps, the 35-year-old Curran was working hard attending courses in Newmarket to enable him to get a licence.

He said: "I kept chipping away at things and although it was a bit hectic at times it has worked out well so far."

Asked if he thought he was following in the footsteps of jockey Carl Llewellyn, who recently took over from Mark Pitman at Lambourn, Curran replied: "Carl had a ready made yard full of horses and good luck to him. I'm starting from scratch with around a dozen or so in training and a few others around the place looking for owners.

"But, like Carl, I intend to keep riding until hopefully I get too busy and training takes over."

No stranger to the jumps circuit, Curran rode his first winner for Jack Doyle at Worcester in 1989 on Rowhedge, and has ridden in three Grand Nationals for Highworth trainer John Manners on Killeshin and Cavalero.

He said: "I was not quite as successful as my late father Matty Curran, who rode two Irish Grand National winners in the 70s. Had he been around no doubt he would have been cheering Foxy all the way home at Wolverhampton like the rest of us."

After a spell with National specialist Ginger McCain, he came south and worked for Jeff King at Broad Hinton in the early 90s. "I get quite a few rides these days for my mate Martin Bosley and Jo Davis, and ride for whoever wants me.

"Looking to the future, Explosive Fox has been treated pretty fairly by the handicapper, who put him up just 4lb for his victory. Hopefully he will be in action again on Monday week at Wolverhampton.

"Lee Power has another horse with me having a rest, Toledo Star. Hopefully I will be able to train him as well, if I get the nod, and who knows, we could have a Power double."

The likeable Irish jockey/trainer will not fail in his new career for the lack of trying, and owners would be more than put at their ease by him.

Quite aware that one swallow does not make a summer, Curran has his feet firmly on the ground, and is aware of the big task ahead of him.

Having the last word, as most of his fellow countrymen seem to do, he added: "Charlie and Sue Cox and Lee Power have enabled me to make a good start. Hopefully we can chalk up a few more winners as the season progresses."