HARBRO have recently offered to support young local National Hunt jockey Sam Coltherd, and in return Sam will race across the country displaying the company logo on his breeches.

Harbro’s equine feed specialist, Kevin Mercer, says: “As a company we are always looking for ways to spread our name further afield, and to increase our brand awareness.

“Having recently increased our network of country stores throughout Scotland to 21 outlets, including four in the Scottish Borders, it is an exciting time for everyone within the business.

“I would like to wish Sam the best of luck for the rest of the season, and I’m sure he will add many more wins to his career total.”

For his part, the 19-year-old Selkirk jockey says he is extremely grateful for Harbro’s support.

Sam rode his first winner of the season at Carlisle on December 3 - the Susan Corbett-trained Ebony Rose, which romped home at odds of 10/1.

The victory took Sam’s total career wins to 29.

He said: "“I’ll be doing everything I can to be successful for them, and greatly appreciate the faith they’re showing in me.

“Under the agreement Harbro’s name will appear on my riding breeches, coat, gilet and other items of riding apparel, so I’ll hopefully be able to publicise the brand at all my engagements both on and off the racecourse.”

For the past three years Sam has been supported by Eric Gillie, who along with wife Jane founded horse transport company Eric Gillie Ltd.

“Eric helped me launch my career at a time when a lot of people wouldn’t have made that commitment,” says Sam.

”Our parting of the ways has been very amicable, and Eric was the first person to wish me well with my new arrangement with Harbro.”