Jamie Hamilton gains his first victory under National Hunt Rules......

Jamie Hamilton, who is based in Ryedale, enjoyed a red-letter day at Kelso last week in front of a local crowd of supporters.

The 17-year-old amateur rider, who hails from nearby Hawick, gained his first win under National Hunt rules aboard Tartan Snow, who belied his 25-1 odds by a convincing margin under an accomplished and stylish display from her young pilot.

Hamilton, who was riding for trainer Stuart Coltherd in the amateur riders’ handicap chase, always had Tartan Snow well positioned and grasped the nettle from the final fence to send him clear to win by nine lengths.

“It was a great feeling,” said Hamilton, “and it made it even better that my first winner was on my home course. I grew-up only fifteen minutes journey from Kelso and, apart from family, there were lots of people there that I knew last week. It couldn’t have worked out better.”

Hamilton, who had previously ridden three point-to-point winners, took a professional stance on proceedings. He explained; “I went up the night before, stayed at home and walked the course in the morning before racing. And then I spoke to (leading jump jockey) Brian Hughes on how best to ride the course. He gave me some sound advice. “Apart from making one mistake – at the fence in front of the stands – Tartan Snow gave me a good ride and won really well in the end. Mr Coltherd said that he would try and find another amateur riders’ race for him so that I could ride him again.”

Hamilton’s father Michael works as a clerk of the scales on all the Scottish courses, but was not on duty at Kelso last week, though he did attend the meeting to cheer home his son, whose win on Tartan Snow came just half an hour after his uncle Gavin and his wife Alison had won with 16-1 shot Bow School.

Hamilton is attached to Richard Fahey’s Malton yard and his boss was delighted to see his name on the scoreboard. “Jamie is a smashing lad, who works hard and rides well. It was great to see him ride a winner.”

by Tom O'Ryan as featured in today's Gazette & Herald

No runners today but stay in touch with results & more >> Latest