IT SEEMS this fellow can’t stop winning for Wales.

That’s ex-racehorse Celtic Boy. Owner Laura Grey has put another title on the mantelpiece following the recent Machen Show.

The pair have only been to a handful of contests since Grey started training him following a 36-race career over jumps for Pembroke-shire handler Peter Bowen.

But Celty, as he is known at his cosy stable near Llantrisant, has started where he left off on the track.

Just a year after his last race, the Boy was a winner in his first show.

A notable feat was beating Sherkhan in the Wales and Border Counties region, a regular on the circuit.

Success at Machen recently only cemented Grey’s faith in her Boy, who has surprised people with his love for a challenge.

She told the Argus: “A couple of people who knew him when he was younger have been shocked how well he has taken to this new life. He used to dump his jockey and be strong on the gallops.”

From his race record, it is clear the son of Arctic Lord didn’t fancy the obstacles on many an occasion.

A quarter of races under rules he failed to complete, but the wins stacked up, as did £61,236 in prize money.

He was owned by Ffos Las founder Dai Walters who Grey rode for at his pre-training yard near Cardiff.

“He gave him to me as he knew I was looking for a schoolmaster. He was quite high in the handicap and he wanted him to go to a nice home,” explained Grey.

The trainee vet decided to try her luck at point-to-pointing, the amateur version of racing.

Celtic Boy was soon back in the groove.

Two years ago, the pairing struck at Bonvilston, her local hunt’s meeting.

“We won and to be honest he did it for me,” she laughed.

“It was brilliant, a dream come true. It’s got to be one of the best things I have ever done, it’s a real adrenaline rush.”

Now he is a little older, Celtic Boy is indulging in slower paces in the showing circle, but his robustness is still there.

“I have owned him for three years and he hasn’t had a day of lameness, while my other ex-racehorse Gray Knight is feeling his age a bit,” said Grey, who rides out for National Hunt trainer Tim Vaughan.

“I think he likes doing work and keeping occupied.”

Grey will be doing just that tomorrow when she supports a charity which has helped dozens of horses like hers. She lines up in the British 10K London Run. With other owners she will be raising money for the Retraining of Racehorses charity, which looks after their welfare on retirement.

Grey is aiming to collect £500 so other horses can enjoy new careers like Celty.

Donations gratefully received at www.justgiving.com/Laura-Grey1