'It's been special' - family values going into overdrive with Hamilton success

Commonality was stretched to the limits by the heroics of Into Overdrive in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day, with his charming story entirely manufactured in the Scottish Borders.

Jamie Hamilton was steering the progressive and likeable front-runner home in the colours of his parents, Michael and Wendy. Into Overdrive’s own breeding straddles the career of the jockey’s grandfather Billy and represents a living link back to Earls Brig, one of the region’s most accomplished jumpers who was produced on the family farm near Hawick.

While Earls Brig, who died after a long and happy retirement in 2005, should need no introduction to more seasoned viewers of northern racing, Michael Hamilton can dutifully fill in any gaps.