Shropshire jockey Richard Burton is the best of British point-to-point racing – for a fourth time.

Burton wrapped up his latest national jockey’s championship title by seeing off his nearest challenger Phil York by 37 winners to 34.

The 34-year-old sealed the title – to add to his victories in 2003, 2005 and 2006 – at Umberleigh in north Devon at the weekend where neither he or York rode a winner as the curtain came down on the season.

It has proved a memorable year for Burton who became the most successful point-to-point rider of all time in March when he passed the previous record with his 385th career success.

And he admitted a fourth title was beyond his wildest dreams.

“I gave up really pushing for the title four or five years ago so this was a real bonus,” said Burton, who was born in Shrewsbury but now lives in Bunbury, Cheshire.

“It’s very sweet to win it again. My mind goes back to 2007 when I was 10 clear in mid-May and then I broke my leg.

“I always felt I was robbed of that championship but this season a couple of the younger lads got injuries early in the season so maybe I benefitted from that.”

Burton, who was joined by wife Hannah and daughter Bella in Devon, will continue the celebrations at the annual presentation night in Stratford on Saturday week. And he has no intentions of retiring just yet.

“I don’t think I will win a fifth title but then I didn’t think I would win a fourth,” he added. “There is a few things to check with the family, my work and the stables I ride for but I imagine I will be riding again next season.”

By JAMES GARRISON