Wilson proves he's a man to follow

He celebrated two victories at Wetherby on January 20, and added a further success at Ayr the following afternoon. He won Wetherby's three-mile handicap hurdle race on 10-1 chance Stickleback, before adding the concluding 2½-mile contest on Rayadour.

At Ayr the next day, he brought home Warriors Tale to head the maiden hurdle race and his victory trail continued at Doncaster on January 23, when he rode Nefyn Bay to win at the Yorkshire track.

Two days later, on January 25, he added a further victory to his tally when riding Sir Mangan to win the three-mile novice handicap chase at Sedgefield.

Hawick is noted for its jockeys and the Borders town can take credit for other successful riders this month. Callum Whillans rode the Venetia Williams-trained Kincgora to victory in the 2m 6f handicap chase at Market Rasen, on January 15.

Two days later at Taunton, Whillans was back in the winners' enclosure after riding Abundantly to win the two-mile novice hurdle race. Then, on January 24, Whillans won the two-mile maiden hurdle race at Uttoxeter, riding John Louis.

Another Hawick jockey in winning form at Taunton was Kieron Edgar, who landed the three-mile handicap hurdle race on Virtual d'Oudon, who also rode Obistar to head the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle race at Plumpton on January 26.

On just his second handicap outing, Always Tipsy landed the 2m 4f handicap hurdle race at Musselburgh on January 16. "He should continue to run well and might be able to step up to three miles, especially over a track like this," he added.

Outsider of the four runners, Quito Du Tresor, posted a third course success when accounting for the 2m 4f handicap chase.The winner carries the colours of the Kelso Lowflyers and the trainer's father, Peter Russell.

East Lothian owners, Ray and Anita Anderson Green, then saw the Pauline Robson-trained Full Jack head the three-mile handicap hurdle race.

The concluding bumper went to Catching Shadows, a new recruit to James Ewart's Langholm stable. Recently purchased for £65,000 out of Paul Cashman's yard, the six-year-old was ridden to victory by Langholm jockey, Dale Irving, and is owned by Nicholas and Jill Sperling, from Hawick.

Samstown stayed on strongly to land the Grade 2 Peter Marsh chase at Haydock on January 17 for Hawick handler, Alistair Whillans, scoring by a neck in a thrilling finish.

Lucinda Russell added a further success to her tally when One for Arthur was the 3-1 victor of the 2½-mile novice hurdle race.

She then completed a double at Wetherby on January 20. Rowdy Rocher, with the benefit of cheekpieces, won the 2½-mile handicap chase in the hands of Graham Watters. "The cheekpieces helped, and Graham gave him a great ride," said Lucinda, who also saddled Clondaw Knight to land the three-mile handicap chase.

St Boswells owners Paul and Clare Rooney saw their colours carried to victory by The Last Samuri in the three-mile novice chase.

Northumberland trainer, Michael Smith, won the two-mile handicap chase with Cango, while Adam Nicol rode Deny to clinch the two-mile handicap hurdle race.

On January 23, Lucinda Russell continued her winning run, when Present Lodger landed the 2½-mile handicap chase under stable jockey, Peter Buchanan.

The Rooneys also enjoyed further success when Three Faces West headed the two-mile hurdle race.

Royal Regatta scored in the two-mile chase at Doncaster on January 24, for Hawick breeder, Bruce Mactaggart

At Sedgefield on January 25, Sa Suffit won the 2½-mile handicap chase in the hands of Lucy Alexander.

"He has been a bit in the wilderness," said Langholm trainer, James Ewart, "but if I had 10 horses like him I´d be very lucky."