'They’ll be screaming at the telly' - apprentice Wright rides first winner

Thursday: Lingfield

It was a day to remember for Liam Wright as the apprentice jockey rode a first career winner aboard Lilkian for boss Darryll Holland in the 6f handicap.

Wright, who came close to securing the landmark win when second on the same horse at Wolverhampton last month, secured the breakthrough success in style with a cool hands-and-heels ride on just his fifth mount.

The 20-year-old, who started out with John McConnell and had a spell with Dermot Weld before making the move to Holland’s in Newmarket in September, said to Sky Sports Racing: “We knew there’d be plenty of pace so when I saw the two go off in front I was happy to just sit in behind and then as soon as I turned in I kind of knew I’d pick them off.

"He’s a game horse and I knew he’d stick on so I couldn’t have been on a better animal today. I think I’ve improved so much since I’ve come over here and I couldn’t be working for a better man so I'm delighted.

"They’re [Wright’s family] all back home in Dublin watching me so they’ll be screaming at the telly. My nan always watches so she’ll be delighted.

Holland said: "He’s just a nice kid. You want to be giving those boys chances and he works really hard. I’m just thrilled for him and his parents. This is only his fifth ride in public and this is the only time they’ve not flown over from Ireland so we better keep them away now, it might be a winning omen!"

Happy Heather

Jason Watson helped Heather Main land a first winner of the season on the Flat aboard the fast-finishing Secret Glow in the mile handicap, before steering the Andrew Balding-trained Sir Henry Cotton to a narrow success in the 6f handicap to complete a 103-1 double.

Results, replays and analysis

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets