COMING from a family background steeped in equestrian history, William Midgley was certain to have riding in his blood.

He has quickly developed a passion for the sport since taking to the saddle just one month ago.

At just six-years-old, William is already hitching up his stirrups to perfect his riding technique and looks set to follow in the footsteps of his father, former jump jockey turned trainer, Paul Midgley.

Wendy Midgley, Paul’s mum, said: “Will was riding in the training ring at home last week when he took up a jockey position and shouted over ‘look at me nan, I’m riding a finish!’”

William was on board his muchloved pony, Misty, a six-year-old grey Welsh section A mare.

Paul said: “Will shows no fear and has already been riding out with the Middleton Hunt. He enjoyed it so much that he wanted to be right up at the front with huntsman Tom Holt.”

Paul learned to ride at roughly the same age that William is now, but his first mount was the family donkey, named Toddy. Toddy didn’t particularly like going out for rides and always returned home at a much faster pace than he went out. Paul progressed on to a loan pony called Mary Lou, but it was to be his second pony, Copper, that really developed his competitive edge.

After teaming up with Copper, Paul joined the Middleton Hunt Pony Club and discovered the thrill of jumping.

The pair proved a formidable combination, notching up countless victories at showjumping competitions and hunter trials around the area.

Having enjoyed nothing better than an adrenaline-fuelled round of crosscountry, it came as no surprise when, at the age of 16, Paul went to work for trainer Paul Blockley and saddled up for success over jumps as a conditional jockey.

Since becoming a trainer, Paul continues to go from strength to strength, reserving his place in the winners enclosure at racecourses up and down the country on a regular basis