Voy Por Ustedes wins Order of Merit

Voy Por Ustedes has been crowned winner of the 2008-2009 Order of Merit, scooping the £200,000 (€224,075) first prize.

The eight-year-old, owned by Robert Ogden and trained by Alan King, clinched the series with victory in two of the races - Ascot's Commercial First Chase and the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree. He also finished second in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

Third in the Order of Merit last season, he ended this campaign on 76 points with dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded (60) second and Snoopy Loopy (58) third.

The cash will be divided between Voy Por Ustedes' connections as well as 20% going to a charity of the owner's choice.

Ogden has nominated two charities close to his heart, the National Autistic Society and Macmillan Cancer Support.

His racing manager Barry Simpson said: "Sir Robert Ogden is absolutely thrilled about winning this season's Order of Merit.

"The introduction of the charity element is great idea and obviously, Sir Robert is delighted about being able to give £20,000 to both the Robert Ogden School in Rotherham and the Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.

"Voy Por Ustedes has been phenomenal to watch this season and it is thanks to a brilliant team at Alan King's yard for all their hard work this season. That is what is great about the Order of Merit, it recognises everyone involved with the horses."