Ewing makes his mark over fences

Sam Ewing made a quick start to his new career over jumps when winning the Metcollect Metal Recycling Handicap Steeplechase in Down Royal on School Lane for.

The gambled on 6/1 chance (from 12s) found plenty before the penultimate fence and stayed on well to lead close home.

He got up to beat Hollybank King (11/2) by a length and a quarter.

Ewing said: "It is only my second day riding over jumps so I'm delighted to get off the mark on a good day's racing.

"We have always been schooling the pointers at home (Warren Ewing's). I'm getting plenty of schooling down in Gordon Elliott's, the experience all helps.

"I have grown a lot in the last year and the weight has gone against me a bit. It is looking like it is going to be this path eventually. I still have both licences, I'll hopefully ride a good bit on the Flat next year - hopefully still ride for Ger (Lyons) and Mr Weld has been very good to me and Matthew Smith.

"It happens a bit slower (over jumps) but it is a great buzz!"