JOCKEY Freddie Gingell paid an emotional tribute to his late mother after riding his first winner aged just 16.
The grandson of famed trainer Colin Tizzard, Freddie's mum Kim Gingell passed away at 43 in May 2020 after a short battle with cancer.
Freddie spoke brilliantly after guiding 6-4 West Approach to victory at his local track Wincanton on just his fourth ride under rules.
The teenager's dad Dave – who had to reply to an email from his boy's school asking about his son's absence on Thursday – was in tears nearby and proud Colin was there too.
Asked about how much victory meant to him, Freddie told Racing TV: "It means so much.
"I lost mum two years ago and she's up there looking down, I know it.
"She'll be up there crying as well probably."
Viewers were quick to praise the jockey for his composure in front of the camera on such an emotionally-charged day.
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One said: "Wow! What a lovely lad! Brought a tear to me eye."
Another commented in response to a clip of the video: "I'm not crying… much."
One post read: "Happy for the lad, I’m sure his mum is watching down on him and is as proud as punch. Wish him all the best."
Top trainer Philip Hobbs wrote: "Very well done Freddie. Your mum would be so proud."
While another comment read: "What a fantastic advert for racing. Articulate, thoughtful and how he’s managed to compose himself in that interview.
"One for racing to be proud of and has a great racing pedigree.
"Well done Freddie, @JoeTizzard and @colintizzard must be very proud."
'WORDS CAN'T EXPLAIN WHAT THIS MEANS'
Colin said Freddie could be put in an amateur race at Plumpton next week in a bid to follow up his first win quickly.
But speaking of how much this victory meant, the trainer told the Racing Post: "Fred was loving it and that goes through the reins
"The horse, I've never seen him jump like that. I know it was only a two-horse race but it was beautiful to watch and lovely for Fred.
"We never forget Kim. If she's watching, she'll have loved every second of that. My heart's still beating now."
While dad Dave said: "Words can't explain what this means. He's been chucked in at the deep end a bit but he's responding all right.
"He loves his farming as well, Fred. When he finishes this, he can come back farming. If he can make a few quid in the meantime, good."
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