Ben's First Winner

BEN BENTLEY, a 17-year-old Eastbourne College schoolboy, rode his first-ever point-to-point winner at Parham on Saturday. Aboard his father's ICE COOL LAD, he led most of the way to beat favourite El Viejo in the Novice race, with Native Performance third. It was also the first win for the 14-year-old gelding, who was promptly retired by his grateful owner-trainer John Bentley. Ice Cool Lad used to be schooled by Ben (just 12 at the time!) when raced under rules from professional trainer Richard Rowe's yard.

  A cold, wet afternoon saw Nick Pearce score a double on JACK'S PRESENT and KOMMETJIE for his patron Simon Tindall, and CARRYONHARRY won his third Ladies' Open of the season (and 14th race in all) for Cynthia Haydon.

  Philip Hall, reigning area champion and leading jockey at the course, won the Intermediate on KNOCKARRON but on Little Farmer could only manage second to Essex raider THOUTMOSIS.