Aston Rowant rider Joe Hill is celebrating after winning two national titles in his first season in the saddle.

The 16-year-old captured the Wilkinson Sword prize – sponsored by the Racing Post Weekender – for the leading novice rider aged under 21 without a winner at the start of the season.

And he also shared the men’s novice title, backed by Fuller’s Brewery, with Harry Bannister.

Hill came out on top in both championships with nine winners – eight of which came on horses trained and owned by his father, Alan.

But it was only when the rearranged Torrington Farmers’ Hunt meeting at Umberleigh in Devon – which was due to bring the curtain down on the season last Saturday – was abandoned, that he realised what he had achieved.

“When I found out the second time it was off, it sunk in what an amazing season not only I have had, but my dad as well,” said Joe, who has just completed his GCSEs at Cokethorpe School, Witney.

“I thought at the start of the year if I could have four or five winners, but I knew I would struggle in the first half of the season because our area takes off later on, and was hoping for a stronger finish than start.”

And that’s how it panned out as a flurry of winners in the spring saw his challenge blossom.

He was also the South Midlands Area leading novice rider, and finished runner-up to Tom Ellis in the senior men’s title race.

“I never thought at the start of the season I would be anywhere in the area,” he added.

“I maybe hoped I would win the novice riders, but I never thought I would come second in the area senior men’s.”

His triumphant season began at the end of November, when he made a dream start with a winner on his first ride as Ravethebrave scored at Black Forest Lodge, near Exeter.

The eight-year-old went on to provide four of his wins.

“Ravethebrave only became my ride because he lost his confidence with Alan King (National Hunt trainer),” said Hill, whose father had purchased the gelding last year.

“He has loved pointing this year and is a completely different horse, and has not been out the first two when he has got round.”

With two wins on Fly Direct and Ocean Du Moulin plus a walkover aboard Dr Cerullo for his godfather, Michael Raynor, Hill kept up his chase for silverware.

“I am very lucky to be riding good horses and very lucky to have up-and-coming horses like Fly Direct” he added.

And at the same time, his sister, Gaby, helped his title challenge by giving up her ride on Ocean Du Moulin.

It epitomized what was a real family effort, with Hill’s mother, Lawney, the professional racehorse trainer, also heavily involved.

“It is in our blood and we are all really into it and we have been very lucky for the last couple of years,” added Joe.

“The last two seasons have been very good – I think my dad had 22 winners this year.”

Standing at 6ft tall, Hill realises his days in the saddle could be limited, but he has a number of targets before he focuses on his long-term ambition to train.

“I want to get a category B licence, which means I can ride against professionals,” he added.

“Next year I would like to start riding in a few hunter chases as well because of the experience of going there and riding on big days.

“I would love to have a ride in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham.

“I know everyone wants to ride in the Aintree Foxhunters, but I would personally rather ride in the Cheltenham Foxhunters because I am more of a Cheltenham man.”