EASTNOR jockey Julian Pritchard has made racing history with his 346th winner, setting a new British record.

The landmark achievement was particularly special as it was secured on home ground, at the Ledbury Hunt's point-to-point event on Sunday.

Pritchard has amassed the winners over a riding career stretching almost 20 years, including a year's enforced lay-off due to restrictions brought in because of the foot and mouth crisis.

His second victory on Sunday afternoon signalled the end for David Turner's 16-year-old record.

Pritchard, of Upper House Farm, and Turner are the only men in history to have ridden 300 point-to-point winners. Pritchard was forced to wait for his record, suffering a blank day at a meet in Worcestershire on Saturday and then two rides without a winner at the Ledbury Hunt's Maisemore Park event the following day.

However, rides on The Brooklets in the Restricted and Royal Jake in the Mixed Open set the new standard.

Pritchard said: "It's just a lot of luck really and I enjoy every race."

Looking back on his career to date, Pritchard singled out his win at Aintree in the Foxhunter National four years ago as perhaps his most memorable, when he beat a strong field on the horse Gunner Wellborn.

He said: "That race, really, is the amateur Grand National."

Most point-to-point riders are aged between 25 and 30, but Pritchard, at 36, is still keen for glory. He hopes to become national champion for the fourth time in a decade this year.