16-year-old jockey pays tribute to mum after emotional first win

WINCANTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Freddie Gingell riding West Approach clear the last to win The Colin Lewis Memorial Open Hunters' Chase at Wincanton Racecourse on February 03, 2022 in Wincanton, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Freddie Gingell got off the mark on just his second ride under Rules by winning the Colin Lewis Memorial Open Hunters’ Chase at Wincanton today (3 February).

The jockey, who turned 16 on 21 December, won by 21 lengths on West Approach for owner-trainer and Freddie’s grandfather Colin Tizzard, beating the odds-on favourite, Alcala, who was ridden by Ben Bromley and trained by reigning National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.

16-year-old jockey pays tribute to mum after emotional first win

“It was absolutely amazing,” Freddie told Racing TV after his race. “I had 56 winners pony racing, but this one is the best of them all.”

It was an emotional victory as Freddie’s mother Kim, Colin’s daughter, died in 2020 having been diagnosed with cancer. There were great cheers of support for Freddie after his win, and a handshake from Paul.

“[This win] means so much – I lost Mum two years ago and I’m sure she’s up there looking down on me and probably crying today,” said Freddie.

West Approach, a 12-year-old gelding who has won almost £200,000, took a keen hold at the start of the race, but his good jumping helped to secure the victory.

“As long as Freddie and the horse came back in one piece, that would have been lovely, but to win is lovely fun,” Colin said afterwards. “He’s won it and we can move on and have another race now.”

You might also be interested in:

‘I’m sure she was looking down on me today’: 16-year-old jockey pays tribute to his mother after scoring his first victory

Festive stars: the 20-year-old jockey winning big in his first season