On a night of firsts for numerous riders, owners and trainers at Cheltenham's hunters' chase meeting, none could match the achievement of Lauren Keen-Hawkins who won the £10,000 Ineos Grenadier Hunters' Chase on Dandy Dan.
Bubbly moment for Keen-Hawkins on her first ride under Rules **photo Carl Evans
Keen-Hawkins, who works for Gloucestershire trainer Kim Bailey, had not ridden under rules before, her race-riding experience being limited to five point-to-point rides all on nine-year-old Dandy Dan. Keen-Hawkins timed her winning run to perfection, collaring leader Caryto Des Brosses at the final fence (main picture, far side) before winning by six and a half lengths
It was also a stunning first for Pontypool trainer James Bourne in his first season - Dandy Dan is the only horse he trains. He was joined at Cheltenham by various family members, including his brothers Daniel and Mark. Daniel enjoyed great success with his first pointer, Asockastar, and now holds a permit. The family intended heading home after racing, but following this famous win they hit the town and stayed overnight at the racecourse stables. Breakfast this morning was taken at services on the M4
left to right: Mark, James and Daniel Bourne with Dandy Dan's owner Philip Andrews **photo Carl Evans
Dandy Dan's win was a first at Cheltenham for owner Philip Andrews, who was joined on the winner's podium by his good friend Stuart Ballantyne.
Dandy Dan's owner Philip Andrews (centre) is joined by (left to right) Stuart Ballantyne, trainer James Bourne, Lauren Keen-Hawkins and Mark Tennant the Commercial Director of INEOS Grenadier **photo Carl Evans
A full report of the meeting by Carolyn Tanner will be posted on the site soon