Dobbin reaches memorable milestone

Tony Dobbin notched his 1000th British winner after Alfy Rich took the Metrocentre Handicap Chase at Hexham.

Dobbin, who landed his first success on these shores in 1990, hit the crossbar with a third and a second on his first two rides at the Northumberland track.

But the Martin Todhunter-trained Alfy Rich never looked like being beaten once they turned into the straight, with a good leap sealing an eight-length victory over Mr Laggan.

Dobbin won the Grand National on Lord Gyllene in 1997 and finished second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Take The Stand this year and Go Ballistic in 1999.

The rider expressed his delight at reaching 1000 winners and is now targeting more success in the future.

“It’s great. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while so I’m glad to get it over with,” Dobbin told At The Races.

“I have been very lucky to ride for some good trainers and have some nice horses.

“Obviously the National was a big highlight for me and if there was one race I would like to win again it would be the National.

“There’s been a lot of highlights like riding One Man but probably the biggest highlight of my career was being offered the job at Greystoke by Gordon Richards.

“I’ve had a few job offers but once the Greystoke job came up that was it, there was no comparison and I’ve been very lucky.

“Last year I had my best ever season so I’m hoping I’ve got four or five years left in me.

“I’m enjoying it and I hope I will be around for a while yet.”