IT was a double triumph akin to the stuff of fairytales...

A jockey who had battled back from cancer to claim his sport's biggest prize on a chestnut horse, which had itself fought back from a severe leg injury.

Now nearly two decades on from Bob Champion's historic Grand National win on board Aldaniti, the sportsman was in Doncaster to recognise others' achievements. He was at Rossington High School, which has growing links with the nearby Northern Racing College, to reward the success of year 11 students during a special presentation evening.

Youngsters were handed Doncaster Partnership and HSBC awards, bronze achievement awards for commitment and excellence to work, Trident gold awards and recognition for 100 per cent attendance. Commented head teacher David Rowsell: "We are proud of the achievements of young people at this school. "To have these endorsed by the presence of a role model for success and personal endeavour in the shape of Bob Champion was an added bonus."

Winners...legendary jockey Bob Champion hands certificates to
(from left) Scott Goodman, 15, Peter Utting, 16 and Gareth Crabtree,
16, for their 100 per cent attendance at Rossington High School.

(June 2000)