Jack Mitchell was all smiles after celebrating a landmark winner at Southwell on Sunday.
The emphatic success aboard the David Loughnane-trained Exotic Escape in the Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap brought up the rider’s maiden century of winners for the year, and could hardly have been achieved with more ease.
Mitchell told Sky Sports Racing: “She won well, obviously the surface is a query the first time they take their steps on to it, but she went beautifully to post and took it all in her stride.
“I didn’t actually know how far clear I was, but you have to make sure to keep pushing to the line.”
On hitting his century, Mitchell said: “It’s a great effort from my agent and the trainers and owners who have supported me. It’s the first time I’ve ever done it, so I’m over the moon.
“I’ve been stuck on 99 and there’s a joke in the weighing room that my favourite ice cream is a 99 and I need to get a flake! It’s done now and I’ll just keep going.
“Every year has got better and better and this year has really put the cherry on the cake.”
Asked for a highlight, the rider said: “I think that day at Salisbury, when I had my first four-timer.
“There’s lots of horses to look forward to, novices for my main trainers and Ocean Wind of Roger Teal’s – I’m really looking forward to next, he’s going to be even better and stronger. There’s a lot to look forward to.
“It’s my little girl’s birthday today, too.”
