Tinkler honoured for Folly triumph

But what makes the Malton horseman's accodolade even more special is that the shortlisted rides were judged by John Francome, the former champion jockey, respected television pundit and one-time weighing room rival of Tinkler's father Colin and uncle Nigel.

From a seemingly hopeless position turning for home,

Tinkler, 24, galvanised a winning run out of Sherwoods Folly to land a famous New Year's Day victory at Cheltenham.

He had kept enough in hand for the relentless grind up the final hill which has seen the outcome of so many races change over the years.

It was a ride, said Francome, that would have been eulogised if it had been produced by McCoy, the 14-times champion jockey, and was a reflection of Tinkler's growing maturity and confidence in the saddle.

Having ridden his first winner on his 16th birthday, and quickly gained a precocious reputation, riding suddenly became more difficult when Tinkler found himself competing on level terms with the senior professionals from such an early age.

There was also the pressure of expectation – former Yorkshire jockey Jamie Osborne, now a trainer, even named Tinkler as a future champion.

His relative lack of big race opportunities at top trainer Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows stables was clearly exasperating.

But, having won on leading Champion Hurdle hope Zaynar earlier this season, Tinkler has been riding with great confidence.

So far, he has ridden 24 winners in this truncated season, including Wogan at Doncaster a week ago. He has also been booked to ride Henderson's Pepsyrock in tomorrow's high class Blue Square Handicap Chase on Town Moor.

His successes have been predominantly for Henderson, Henry Daly (Sherwoods Folly's astute handler) and George Baker, an up-and-coming trainer who provided the rider with a winning opportunity when his career was seemingly at a crossroads two summers ago.

Typically, it was a magnanimous Baker who was the first to recognise the importance of the award even if it means the bigger yards having first call on his rider's services.

"It has been fantastic, and no surprise, to see our No 1 jockey having such a fantastic season," said Baker on his website.

"'Tinks' is riding with great confidence and composure and being given the task of guiding home some of the classier inmates at Seven Barrows has clearly bolstered his self-belief.

"As John Francome said, he is a jockey who has improved massively over the last couple of years.

"One of the factors of success is that, quite rightly, you become more sought after but I hope that in the next few weeks we can put him up on a winner or two."

TODAY's meeting at Catterick will have to pass an 8am inspection if it is to avoid becoming the ninth Yorkshire fixture to be lost to bad weather this winter. Chepstow's meeting has been abandoned because of waterlogging.

AS the Cheltenham Festival approaches, a preview night in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research will be held at the Beverley Arms Hotel on March 10.

Panellists will include trainer Richard Fahey, jockey Brian Hughes, Hull City manager Phil Brown and Hull Kingston Rovers coach Justin Morgan.

Tickets cost 8.50 and are available at the venue or from organiser Ken Brooke on 01964 551335.

The Middleham Trainers' Open Day is on Good Friday – April 2 – and not April 3, as reported yesterday.