'I have a lot of people to thank' - Coltherd moves to career-best tally

Thursday: Carlisle

Sam Coltherd revealed that his "confidence is sky high" as Ard Chros provided his 20th winner of the season in the 2m4f handicap chase.

The jockey has recorded four winners from his last nine rides and is enjoying the best campaign of his career.

Trainer Stuart Coltherd, Sam’s father, is also having a career-best campaign on 21 winners.

"The horses are all running well, the trainers I'm riding for are great and it’s 20 for the season. I have beat my own best score," said the jockey.

"Confidence is sky high and I have a lot of people to thank such as my agent, my dad, Brian Harding, who has helped me a lot, and my jockey coach as well."

Ard Chros after his latest win at CarlisleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ard Chros is a horse full of confidence too as he earned a third successive victory. He will likely be aimed at the Go North Monet's Garden Series Final at the same course.

Sam Coltherd added: "He has been great the last three times and I think the blinkers have made the difference. He's done it nicely. I’d say he'd go for the final in a couple of weeks' time."

McCain trebles up

A third win from three starts for Maximilian in the bumper sealed a treble for trainer Donald McCain and a double for jockeys' championship leader Brian Hughes.

Hughes, who is now on 176 winners for the season, partnered hot favourite Malpas to victory in the 2m1f novice hurdle, while Peter Kavanagh steered Taragrace to success for McCain in the 2m1f mares' novice handicap hurdle.

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