Abbey gets in the winning habit for racing family Williams

Not even the inclement weather could wipe the smiles off the faces of proud parents Evan and Cath Williams after their daughter Isabel brought Abbeygrey with a well-timed run to take the honours in the concluding 2m5½f amateur riders’ handicap hurdle.

The victory made up for an exceptionally unfortunate incident when Williams, 19, was unseated from Abbeygrey at the penultimate fence at Ludlow when looking all over the winner in October.

Williams jnr said: “It might take some time for this to sink in as it’s my first winner under rules from my fourth ride over jumps. I couldn't be more pleased and relieved all in one go as it means a lot getting this one on the board.”