On an otherwise gloomy day at the Ashburton trots, the smiles of one family brightened things considerably.

And while most moments from the final meeting of the season for the Ashburton Trotting Club will be quickly forgotten, for young Danni Alfeld, it’s a memory that will stick around forever.

Alfeld, the daughter of well-respected horseman Ricky, picked up her first win as a trainer with just her fourth starter at the races when consistent mare Sans Le Sou held off all challengers to win a competitive fillies and mares mile event.

And making the moment all that more special for the entire family was that Dad, Ricky, was sitting in the sulky handling the steering duties.

“It’s a pretty cool moment,” the quietly spoken Danni said.

“Hopefully there’s a few more to come too.”

One of the major reasons behind Alfeld getting her licence was the introduction of the new young trainer incentives from Harness Racing New Zealand which make getting a trainers’ licence a lot more appealing.

“It made sense for her to get in and get it while that was available,” Ricky said.

“It’s a pretty special moment for us, one we certainly won’t forget for a while that’s for sure.”

The raw emotion of the moment was evident in the birdcage after the race - understating the significance of the success.

A 79-start veteran, Sans Le Sou has long been a consistent performer around Canterbury.

The daughter of Mach Three has now won seven and placed on 21 occasions - often flying out of the pack late.

“She’s only got a short sprint and we were all out at the finish there, I actually thought we had gotten beat by the horse down the outside.

“It’s a good race to win though - there’s a nice stake attached.”

Alfeld has four horses in work at home currently, a full sister to Sans Le Sou as well as progeny by Bettor’s Delight and Art Major.

Sunday’s winner will head to the breeding paddock next season, with a booking to Art Major at the ready.