ZAC Payne battled through wet conditions to win the British Riders Championship, capping a stunning breakthrough season.

The 20-year-old Horspath Hammer had already scored heavily in the Elite League this year, earning his first England cap, helping Team GB to victory in the Federation Cup and qualifying for his first world final.

In Ipswich, Payne just survived the qualifying rounds, but came into his own in the latter stages.

By the halfway point he was up with the leaders after a win and two second places.

And heat 14 proved pivotal as Payne won a fiercely-contested race, before beating fellow Hammer Lewis Osbourne to finish on 18 points overall.

When Birmingham’s Chris Timms passed Ipswich’s Charlie Rumbold, Payne was crowned champion.

Three other Hammers also made the final, with Osborne, former champion Mark Boaler and Elite League rider Chris Timms, who came third representing parent club Birmingham, all getting through qualifying.