ASCOT race horse owner Peter Ridgers enjoyed a big win on his local track last Friday.

Bobby Wheeler won the sixth race on the card, the Class 3 JLL Handicap Stakes, carrying a first prize of more than £7,500.

Trained by Clive Cox at Hungerford and ridden by Adam Kirby, the three-year-old flew out of the stalls and was never headed in the mile race on the round course.

Following a win at Salisbury last August, Bobby Wheeler had finished last in his two previous outings and consequently was the 25-1 outsider of the eight-runner field at Ascot.

“It is a question of how you ride him, as you really need to ride him confidently in front without giving him too much of his head,” explained Ridgers on the horse’s return to form.

“We considered him potential Guineas material, but it didn’t quite work out in March and April prior to the Guineas.”

Ridgers, who once played football and cricket for the Bracknell clubs based in Larges Lane, added: “We knew he was a good horse, but we had to hold on to find a nice little race for him – and he took his opportunity.

“He was fresh from the start and held on brilliantly.

“I have no idea where he will go next, but he will obviously go up in the handicap and may even move into listed company.”

Trainer Cox added: “It (the race) went as we hoped. The right-handed course here suited him.”