‘That’s what dreams are made of’ – Our Champ gives Freddie Gordon reason to celebrate on his 18th birthday

Freddie Gordon will never forget his 18th birthday, as on the same day he became an adult he was also becoming a Cheltenham-winning jockey.

On the strongly fancied Our Champ, trained by the jockey’s father Chris, he surged up the straight to break his course duck on the seventh attempt in the 2m½f conditionals’ handicap hurdle.

“That’s what dreams are made of”, he said. “It’s my 18th birthday, my dad’s let me have the spin and he’s gone and done that. It’s amazing.

“My old man just said jump out and try to make it or get a lead. They went a lovely gallop and all he does is stay. I got round the bend, held on to him a bit more and then he picked up after the last. It’s surprised us all really.”

Our Champ leads the runners in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle into the home straight at CheltenhamCredit: Edward Whitaker

The conditional is already proving to be a name to follow. He rode for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls last season and joined up with Nicky Henderson at the start of the season. This was his fourth success of the season.

The winning trainer said Our Champ could be campaigned at Graded novice level following his seven-and-a-half-length victory. He had his trainer confident following an impressive piece of work with stable star and last season’s Betfair Hurdle winner Aucunrisque.

“I came here pretty confident,” the trainer said. “I’m usually a pessimistic bugger but I rode him myself in a bit of work the other day with Aucunrisque he went extremely well. We don’t usually have them off the bridle but Aucunrisque was struggling and I weighed two stone more than the lad on him.

“There’s loads of options for him. I might look at those novice Graded races as time goes on, he’s a very experienced jumper and races like the Dovecote could be an option. He’s got plenty of pace.”

Of his son, he added: “He killed my day a bit. I worked three horses this morning, dashed in the shower, had to go to Nicky Henderson’s to pick him up as he can’t drive yet and gone flat to the boards. I got him here late and he’s said ‘Dad, you’re ruining my life’ – he’s a typical teenager! He’s loving life at Henderson’s as he was at Paul’s. I could do with him getting his driving licence – it’s wearing me out.”

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