Flat jockey Haynes gets a taste for jumping and targets Grand National ride

Tuesday: Lingfield

Flat jockey Joey Haynes has his sights set on one day riding in the Randox Grand National after winning the two-mile Flat Jockeys Can Jump Handicap Hurdle on the Sarah Humphrey trained-Glimpse Of Gold.

Haynes, who finished second in the race last year, picked up the ride on the 18-1 shot in a stroke of good fortune.

Humphrey said: “I originally wanted my son, William [Humphrey], but apprentices aren't allowed to ride in it, so I thought I'd go for Dougie Costello, but he couldn't do it because he has a dual licence.

"His agent said to me; 'try Joey Haynes' and I said, 'does he jump?' And he said; 'he was second in it last year, he loves jumping'.”

On the winner, she added: “He did surprise me, I thought the ground would be too soft and he needed to drop in the handicap to win. But he threw all that out of the window and proved me completely wrong.

“He loves life and tries 110 per cent, you can't really fault him. All I said to Joey was keep kicking, if you keep asking he'll keep trying.”

Haynes looks to have caught the jumping bug and the winning trainer said: “He told me he's available for schooling and for any future rides, he wants to ride in the Grand National.”

Across-the-card treble for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls continued his fine form as 13-2 chance Milan Bridge landed the 2m3½f novice hurdle under Harry Cobden in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings. The leading trainer also bagged a double at Hereford.

Results, replays and analysis

Sign up to receive The Ante-Postman, Robbie Wilders' new weekly newsletter. Get weekend tips, Cheltenham Festival fancies and big-race selections delivered straight to your inbox.