An Oxford-based syndicate are celebrating after their horse, Rowan River, won at Newmarket.

The syndicate, made up of clients of Oxford bookmakers River Racing, cheered the three-year-old filly - a 7-2 shot - home in the Lloyds TSB Agriculture Handicap at Flat racing's headquarters.

However, their success didn't come without a scare as the daughter of Invincible Spirit, trained by Mark Tompkins at Newmarket, swerved violently right across the course under Martin Dwyer before holding on by a neck from 11-4 favourite Venir Rouge.

River Racing managing director Steve Jones said: "It's fantastic for me personally and for all the River Racing customers who have joined in the syndicate.

"It shows how much fun you can have owning a horse at the fraction of the cost.

"And to have a winner at Newmarket - the headquarters of Flat racing - is like a dream come true."

Around 65 shareholders are involved in the syndicate, and Jones is hoping the success of Rowan River, who was bred at the Rowan Farm Stud, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, will be just the start.

"This may well be the first of many as it has encouraged us to have another horse and maybe more," he added.