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photo: David Dew

The National Hunt amateur season finished on Friday at Stratford, when the champions were presented with their awards by Tony McCoy.

The ladies' title went to 19-year-old Gina Andrews, who is also assured of her first Point-to-Point championship - she is currently nine ahead of her nearest challenger, Louise Allan. Gina works alongside her sister Bridget and their father Simon running a yard at Lilley in Hertfordshire. Lucy Horner's six successes left her in second place, four behind Gina.

Ryan Mahon, who is based with Paul Nicholls and is in his last few days in the amateur ranks, took the men's title. Ryan, who has worked in France during the summer for Guillaume Macaire, rides in Auteuil tomorrow (Sunday) before having his final outing between the flags on Monday. The following day he becomes a conditional jockey.

With just two Hunter Chases left this season, at Cartmel on Monday and Wednesday respectively, Ryan is one ahead of Mikey Ennis and Will Kinsey in that particular championship. The latter pair will both be hoping to grab a share of the spoils, as both may have at least one ride apiece at the Cumbrian track.

Tom Cannon, who finished second in the Amateur title, six winners adrift of Ryan, is also joining the paid fraternity, with the coming week set to see him changing status.

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