Shropshire’s Alex Edwards was all smiles after riding his first winner – aboard the James Unett-trained four-year-old Prince Golan in the hands and heels apprentice handicap at Leicester.

Alex, aged 18, lives in Cressage and was a pupil at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock. He started his career working for his uncle Trevor Wall, who trains near Church Stretton.

He began riding as an amateur, and in June was offered the opportunity to become apprentice to Unett at Uffington, near Shrewsbury, and got off the mark on only his third professional ride on Monday afternoon.

Alex has his feet firmly on the ground and his short term target is to catch up with his older brother Lee, who has now ridden nine winners.

Lee was also given a start in racing with uncle Trevor and, after riding winners for Wall and John Groucutt (based near Much Wenlock), he is currently a National Hunt conditional with Worcestershire trainer Tony Carroll.

Prince Golan provided welcome relief for Unett as he ended an 11-month wait to return to the winner’s enclosure.

The Shropshire handler hopes he has found the key to success with the four-year-old son of Golan.

And a return to Leicester on October 7 is currently the favoured option as he attempts to follow-up.

The Flat trainer is looking to build up his team for the winter all-weather season at Wolverhampton, where he has enjoyed particular success in recent years.

By Jon Babb