Sam jets off in pursuit of a winner in US

» SAM Twiston-davies has taken the most unconventional of journeys, from Cartmel to New York, in pursuit of another Grade One winner.

After two rides in Cumbria on Monday, the jockey made his way to Heathrow for a flight to America ahead of Thursday's AP Smithwick Memorial at Saratoga.

In one of the best steeplechases the track hosts, he will be aboard Vosne Romanee, who has made the 3,337 mile trip afrom Dr Richard Newland's Worcestershire base.

The 151-rated chaser travelled via Liege on a cargo plane and he has spent the past six weeks acclimatising at Jack Fisher's yard.

Twiston-davies' agent Chris Broad said he is eagerly anticipating today's big race.

“He was riding at Cartmel, then travelled to Heathrow,” he said.

“He's dedicated to riding as many winners as he can, wherever they are. He's young, keen and you don't get these opportunities very often.”

Twiston-davies recently celebrated 1,000 winners in Britain with a double at Southwell.

Weighing room colleague Aidan Coleman has also joined the exclusive club and they will mark the feat at a special event ahead of the National Hunt season.

As well as his American adventure, Twiston-davies has had chance to break new ground this summer by competing in Jersey.

He has successfully teamed up with trainer Neil Mulholland on several occasions.

Several members of Foxtrot Racing will be in America to see if the Gloucestershire-based jockey can enjoy another top trip.

Vosne Romanee has won more than £160,000 in 50 races and is expected to stay in America to contest two more races in August and September before returning to Grand National-winning trainer Newland.