The recent disqualification of Buster Edwards, first past the post in the Novice Riders race at Bitterley on 1st April, means that Amber Jackson-Fennell (pictured above) is now officially champion female novice rider for the 2022-2023 point-to-point season.
Amber finished second on Coolloney in the Bitterley race, but has now been awarded the win. This takes her to 13 wins for the season which – alongside 18 second place finishes – gives her the novice title on countback in an incredibly tight contest ahead of Molly Landau, who also rode 13 winners but had 17 seconds.
The extra winner also takes Amber in front of Molly to second place – behind champion Gina Andrews – in the Ladies Riders title, with Izzie Marshall (13 wins and 16 seconds) close behind in fourth.
Amber will be presented with her awards at an early season fixture, while Molly will also be able to keep the trophies with which she was presented at the National Dinner & Dance in July.
On a related note, a review of the countback of placings has seen Olive Nicholls confirmed as leading Hunter Chase rider for 2022-2023. She will also receive a presentation early in the new season.