Fenna's win was a real family affair for Kate, Mark and Marcus

We always say that Ursa Major Racing is like a family - but that was taken to a whole new level on Sunday with the win of Fenna’s Loss.

For not only was it a first win as Ursa owners for Kate and Mark Haigh, they also had the added bonus of the horse being led up by their son Marcus.

Mum Kate, who was at Hexham to see the five and a half length bumper win, said: “It was just incredible really to have our first win as owners with Ursa Major and for him to be led up by Marcus as well was just the icing on the cake.”

Marcus riding in the Battenberg silks on Take A Break at Kelso in 2019

Marcus is no stranger to Ursa Major owners - he has worked for Mark Walford for a number of years and is always one of the first cheery faces you see when you get to Cornborough Manor or at the track.

He has also ridden in the Battenberg silks himself - taking the ride on Take A Break in an amateur riders’ hurdle at Kelso back in 2019.

And Marcus isn’t the only offspring who have made their mark on the racing world - daughter Lauren won a race at Yarmouth when riding for the legendary Clive Brittain and still works in racing down at Newmarket, while their other daughter Nicole has previously worked for bookies BetFred.

Kate said: “Neither Mark or I have ever worked in racing and the kids have got there on their own merits.

“As a family we have always enjoyed going racing and that is why the kids chose it as their line of work. Marcus has actually ridden for Ursa at Kelso and he got his conditional licence about three years ago, but he is 6ft so he made the brave decision to not pursue a career as a jockey.

“It was a tough decision, but we are so proud of him and everything he achieves with the best team ever at Mark’s.

Kate, Marcus and Mark with their West Ham themed silks Marcus carried to victory in a point to point

“A few years ago we got him a couple of point to point horses who ran in our colours - you can see the West Ham influence in them as we are all fans and he actually rode a point winner in them which was a huge day - and Fenna’s winning yesterday was right up there.”

She added: “We could not ask for a nicer yard for Marcus to work in. Mark, his family and the team there are like an extended family to him and good friends of ours.

“So that is why we now have shares in the Ursa horses - and we are so pleased to be a part of the team.

Lauren Haigh riding in Clive Brittain’s famous silks

“We are so proud of Marcus, Lauren and Nicole and all they have achieved and to be able to share in the success has been amazing.”