A jockey at the Cheltenham Festival has responded in hilarious fashion after his mother made a very public attempt to find him a girlfriend. Bellamy was riding White Noise in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on day three and shocked punters by emerging victorious, having been priced at 40/1 before the race. Afterwards, his mother stole the limelight by making an unusual request on live TV.

When asked what Tom could achieve going forward, she told ITV Racing: “A girlfriend! Anyone out there… he’s a nice lad.” The exchange went viral and Bellamy issued a hilarious response ahead of the Gold Cup on Friday. He posted a short video that was shown on ITV, putting his case forward to any ladies who might be interested in dating him and making his mother happy.

In the video, he said: “My name’s Tom Bellamy. Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey. My hobbies involve riding horses… regularly.

“I play the odd game of golf. I enjoy watching sport, cricket mainly. I’m an all-round good guy. And in the words of my mother, a nice lad. Six foot. Thirty one. What a catch! What’s not to like?”

Afterwards, ITV Racing showed an image of a fake Tinder profile depicting Bellamy riding his winning horse, alongside the caption: “Cheltenham winner and nice lad – says mum.”

Bellamy’s victory in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle marked his inaugural Cheltenham triumph and he was lost for words when speaking post-race.

“I’ve waited my whole life for this day,” he said immediately after guiding White Noise across the finish line. “I genuinely am speechless, I cannot believe it. Delighted for the team at home who’ve helped my whole career.”

His mother also emphasised her pride, adding: “”It’s what dreams are made of. It’s amazing, a big price, great for the yard, the lads, the lasses and the mother who has to put up with him on the way home because it has gone badly.”

The horse fell at the 25th fence, catapulting Bellamy off of his back and onto the deck. The jockey was then whisked away to the Aintree University Hospital for further examinations.

It later transpired that Bellamy had suffered a broken wrist, while Broadway Boy was treated by the veterinary team on the track and later returned to his stables.

Bellamy won’t be competing in the Gold Cup on Friday, with Gaelic Warrior the favourite to win the showpiece event and secure further glory for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend.