Apprentice Crouch aims to lose claim after lighting up Lingfield

Apprentice Hector Crouch was on Sunday morning reflecting on the finest moment of his career following a four-timer at Lingfield on Saturday night, but is determined not to rest on the achievement, instead using it as a springboard to more success.

Crouch, who is based with Gary Moore and also rides out for Clive Cox and George Baker, struck on Hermosa Vaquera and Sussex Ranger for his boss before completing a hat-trick on the John Best-trained Hiorne Tower.

A memorable evening was capped in style when the 20-year-old guided Arctic Flower home.

Crouch, who has 20 winners to go before losing his claim, said: "I was getting plenty of stick from the lads and Silvestre [de Sousa] said to give someone else a go, but I said, 'This is what it's like riding against you most of the time!'.

"Before last night I was a bit frustrated with how things were going. I expected it to be going a little better, but it was a big boost so hopefully things will start to pick up and snowball. It just takes something like that to get your name in the paper and provide some attention. Hopefully it will help me get on some more horses and ride more winners.

"The aim at the start of the season was to ride out my claim. It's not gone to plan so far, but I did very well the backend of last season, so I don't think it's beyond reach to ride it out before the end of the year."

Lingfield results