Owner-jockey Lt Cdr Vicki Sollitt enjoys second win in Military Forces race at Wincanton

Lieutenant Commander Vicki Sollitt enjoyed a memorable success on military day at Wincanton when she partnered her own Hidor De Bersy to the second win of her riding career.

Trained by Mel Rowley, the eight-year-old ran out a 14-length winner of the 2m4f amateur jockeys’ handicap hurdle, taking the lead with two to jump and running clear to land his first success under rules since January 2022.

“I’m so chuffed for Vicki because she’s worked so hard and today it all came together,” said Rowley. “We’re absolutely made up for her. The horse wasn’t very well last year, so to see him blossom is wonderful. Vicki has put so much time and, dare I say, money into getting him back to tip-top form.

“She was in the military, so is eligible for these races. She brought the horse to us, explained what she wanted to do from the start and planned to campaign him through the military series, which concludes with the big event at Sandown [on February 4].

“There are relatively few riders who are eligible, capable and have the horse power to compete in these races, and she saw this as a good extra alongside the point-to-pointing, so she can pay her way as she goes and she’s certainly done that today.”

Another for Scott

After Golden Ace gave Jeremy Scott his first jumps winner of the season in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on Saturday, Pilsdon Pen provided his second in the 2m4f handicap chase at 14-1.

Ridden by Lorcan Williams, the eight-year-old came out on top of a tussle to the line with Scorsese to score by a neck.

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