16-year-old jockey punches the air after claiming first victory on horse trained by his dad

Prairie Diamond: won for the first time over hurdles at the seventh attemptCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Amateur jockey Freddie Keighley punched the air in celebration after claiming his first victory in the saddle on Prairie Diamond in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

The 16-year-old, who has a pony racing background and rode in point-to-points before starting out under rules this year, was on the front end throughout and kicked clear before the last to score by four and a half lengths on Prairie Diamond, trained by his dad Martin.

The winning trainer said: "It's fantastic. It's always what he wanted to do and he's a real hard worker and deserves the chances he's getting. He's had all the experience in pony racing and he's only 16 – it's just great to get his first winner for him.

"He gave the horse a lovely ride. He was quick to get the inside, he's gone a sensible pace, filled him at the right time and got him jumping, so I'm thrilled for everyone."

In-form yard strikes

Ben Clarke made it four winners from his last six runners when A Perfect Day landed the 2m5½f novice hurdle by 13 lengths under David Noonan.

Clarke told Racing TV: "The one who finished third yesterday at 22-1, we had the winner of the race, so we couldn't win the race twice! We're delighted. We've moved yards and everything has gone fantastically. I can't emphasise enough that I've got a very good team of people behind me at home. We've just got to keep it going now."

Super Sunset

The Joe Tizzard-trained Sunset Marquesa romped home by 11 lengths in the 1m7f mares' maiden hurdle under Brendan Powell and was introduced into Paddy Power's Mares' Novices' Hurdle market at 25-1.

Tizzard and Powell completed a double when teaming up to take the 1m7f handicap hurdle with American Land.

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