Leading jockey clocks up 1,000 win

Peter Niven became only the sixth jump jockey in history to ride 1,000 winners when he booted home Colourful Life at Wetherby this week.

He joins an illustrious roll of honour comprised of Stan Mellor, John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody and reigning champion A P McCoy.

Scottish-born Niven, 36, who is based in Yorkshire, spent a long time in the nervous 90s.

He rode his 990th winner back in December and did not make it 999 until 16 April.

Following his moment of glory on Colourful Life in the Massingberd Audi Novices’ Hurdle he said with a beaming smile: “It is nice to finally get there, but it has tended to drag on a bit.

“When I saw I was in the 900s, I made it a goal of mine to reach this landmark,” and added: “there is still a bit left in the tank and obviously I want to be riding good horses. So we’ll see how things go.”