Without needle and thread, Jason Hart has sewn his name into the fabric of British racing.
The jockey's pattern of success was completed with a first Group 1 victory. Highfield Princess became the Queen of Deauville, reigning in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. Her crowning glory on August 7 mirrored Hart's journey from humble beginnings.
Defeated from a lowly mark on handicap debut just two years ago, she had a three-quarter length cushion over her top level rivals.
John Quinn's sprinter is 7-1 to plunder the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes back on home turf.
"She is getting quicker all the time," said Hart, 27.
"When a horse gets to her girth, she keeps finding more."
From a town known for its quality knitwear, Hart started out with jumpers of a different kind. He rode for Donald Whillans' stable in Hawick, after some education from a pony named Paddy. A present from his father Rodger, a saddler, the diminutive equine taught Hart in the basics. Common riding, which celebrates the capture of an English Flag in 1514, was a traditional pastime with the locals growing up.
As well as its roots in wool and horses, the Scottish Borders town has also produced its fair share of international rugby players.
"It's rugby or racing in Hawick and I like both," said Hart, who reached a century of winners for the first time in 2021.
"Donald's son Callum got me on the scales one day and said I should focus on the Flat I sat down in his living room at the age of 15 and filled out an application form for a job at Mark Johnston's."
From there, then 7lb claimer Hart joined forces with Declan Carroll, the trainer who also kickstarted Danny Tudhope's career. His first winner in 2011, on Spice Bar, was a sign of things to come – and two years later the apprentice title was his.
Subsequent three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy finished third, before he added his own name to the trophy. But the following year, disaster struck and Hart was sidelined with a nasty injury.
He ruptured the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments one of his knees.
"My horse fell and brought two down. The other jockeys went off to hospital and I went to Newcastle," he said.
"I rode for a week and something wasn't right. Jack Berry House sent me for a scan which revealed the damage. I had it reconstructed and was off for around six months."
Just as he was reestablishing himself, after losing his claim, a chance encounter on a night out was the springboard to his current partnership.
"I met Sean Quinn (trainer John Quinn's son and assistant) at a hunt ball, he said I should ride out for them," said Hart.
"I thought nothing of it and he rang me a week later to say he was serious. A couple of years later and I was on most of their horses."
Hart revels in his role for the family, whose lives revolve around the thoroughbred. He has been blessed with riding some of the toughest horses on the northern circuit – sprinter El Astronaute, the equally speedy Liberty Beach and plucky Group 2 scorer Safe Voyage.
"I got a massive kick out of riding them," said Hart. "All three liked York and it is one of my favourite places to ride. With El Astronaute, if you removed the blindfold a second too late it was game over."
With the support of longtime agent Alan Harrison, Hart hopes to reach 100 winners again this year.
It may round off with a trip to the Breeders Cup with the jewel in the crown.
Both Hart and head will be rooting for the reigning Princess of the sprint division.
