Matt Chapman's London & The South crowned Racing League champions for the first time

London & The South were crowned Racing League champions for the first time at Southwell on Thursday night.

Led by team manager Matt Chapman, London & The South began the final meeting with a 125-point advantage. Although nearest rivals The East fired in three winners, the league leaders sealed their triumph with a race to spare, having finished third for three consecutive years.

Chapman said: "I'm absolutely over the moon that our trainers, jockeys, owners and horses have managed to be the best of the best. I've worked tirelessly, while my team has worked tirelessly for me. We've been a real team. This is not about one person. To a man and woman, we've represented one of the greatest cities in the world as few others could have done."

The newly crowned champions amassed 840 points across the six weeks of the series, with The East (765) and Scotland (646) taking second and third. Wales & The West, who have won the Racing League twice in its five-year history, could manage only fifth.

Despite not winning on the final night, London & The South had already secured eight winners. They also had 20 placed runners during the series, which included a significant 202-point haul at Windsor in week four.

Chapman added: "I want to highlight some particular performances from my horses, because they are the stars of the show. 

"Fantasy World, Jimmy Speaking and Andaleep at Great Yarmouth – three terrific performances. Fantasy World, with give in the ground, is a really progressive handicapper, while Jimmy Speaking was so tough. Andaleep, almost a pensioner, brought it to the table at the age of nine.

"Shamrock Bay and Great Acclaim were glorious at Chepstow. Shamrock Bay stuck his neck out, while Great Acclaim backed up from his win at Glorious Goodwood the week before. Kodi Fire and Siempre Arturo could not have tried harder at Windsor."

Richard Kingscote, who is now riding in Hong Kong, secured a cheque for £20,000 after claiming the top jockey title with 299 points while representing London & The South. That was 51 more points than runner-up Danny Muscutt for The East.

Racing League final standings

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