Young jockey takes crown

9:00am Friday 22nd June 2007

YOUNG Thornbury jockey Harry Derham took his tremendous season to an even higher level on Saturday when he was crowned Westcountry champion.

Twelve-year-old Harry won the Westcountry Pony Racing Championship aboard G'Whizz at Torrington in Devon.

He reached the final after going unbeaten through five qualifying races at Point-to-Point meetings around the South West.

Riders aged between ten and 16 were eligible for the championships but the Year 7 student from Castle School again proved that he was a class act.

Harry led the seven furlong race from the start and beat the nearest of his nine rivals by four lengths.

However, grandfather Brian Nicholls explained that the youngster still has several targets that he wants to achieve.

Mr Nicholls said: "The next aim is to qualify for the Charles Owen Pony Race Championships - Harry was fourth in this competition last year.

The qualifying races take place on racecourses around the country with the final at Aintree - the home of the Grand National.

Harry - the nephew of champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls - is determined to continue his development in the sport.

Mr Nicholls added: "Harry really wants to succeed in racing. He has ambitions to go right to the top."