JUST two days after returning from his first Cheltenham Race Festival outing, local trainer Stuart Coltherd got back to business by saddling four runners at Thursday’s Hexham meeting.

With son Sam riding all four of the Clarilawmoor yard’s entries, it proved a highly successful day for the Selkirk trainer.

After notching two second places with Hurricane Rita and Tankurk Bank, plus a third spot for Darsi Dancer, the final race of the day saw Achill Road Boy grab a thrilling four-length victory.

Trailing six lengths behind favourite Knocknamona in the home straight, jockey Sam showed grit and determination to push the eight-year-old gelding past his tiring rival for a stunning win – Achill Road Boy’s second since arriving at the Coltherd yard in August.

“It’s been quite a week!” Stuart said after the race. “Taking Captain Redbeard to Cheltenham was a great learning experience, and it says a lot for Sam to get straight back on board at Hexham and secure placings in all four of his runs.”

In fact the Hexham win was Coltherd Racing’s fourth victory this month. Kanturk Bank started the ball rolling with victory at Carlisle on March 9, while at Ayr the following day Stuart landed a winning double with Surprise Vendor and Hurricane Rita.

Still only 18, conditional jockey Sam has now ridden 25 winners in his career, and on this form looks certain to add to this total, sooner rather than later.