3 minute read

Eddie Greatrex became the envy of apprentice jockeys when winning a race on Investec Oaks day.

Greatrex, 16, landed the Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap on Elbereth, trained by his boss, Andrew Balding, and the rider's biggest winner to date.

He is a twin, whose brother, Tom, works for David Pipe. The teenagers are sons of Lambourn jump trainer Warren Greatrex.

The winning rider, whose mount scored by a neck and a length from Fire Fighting and Master Of Finance, said: "It's an amazing feeling to win here in front of a big crowd and for the boss. It's brilliant and a big change from riding on the all-weather tracks. I've been at Kingclere just under a year and I've been glad of the chances I've been given, and to ride a nice filly like her [Elbereth] was great.

"She jumped [from the stalls] really well and got a nice position on the rails. The gaps opened in the straight and she went there on her own. She took a false step at top of Tattenham Corner but she was fine after a couple of strides and went on to win.

"I've never ridden around a track quite like this - it's unique and to ride a winner here feels very unique."

Although diminutive in stature, Greatrex, who claims a 7lb allowance, put up 3lb overweight to ride at 7st 10lb. He turns 17 year of age on June 19.