AMATEUR FLAT CHAMPIONSHIPS HOT UP
20-09-2009
With only a handful of amateur Flat races left before the season comes to an end, how brilliant to see so many declarations for Beverley on Tuesday that the amateur race has been divided, giving us an extra race to help determine our amateur champions.
Current leaders are familiar names being past champions: SIMON WALKER on 8 winners for the men and SERENA BROTHERTON on 4 winners for the ladies. This is no mean feat for either jockey with Simon having won 5 Flat Amateur Championships out of the last 6 seasons, and Serena having won concurrently in 2005 and 2006. Simon is 5 clear of his nearest rival, Marcus Price, and nothing short of a miracle will rob him of a sixth amateur Flat championship – an amazing achievement.
Current rankings as at 20th September:
|
Mr Simon Walker |
8 |
|
Mr Marcus Price |
3 |
|
Mr Ross Birkett |
2 |
|
Mr John Ennis |
2 |
|
Miss Serena Brotherton |
4 |
|
Miss Wendy Gibson |
3 |
|
Miss Gina Andrews |
2 |
|
Miss Victoria Barr |
2 |
|
Mrs Carol Bartley |
2 |
|
Miss Katie Cooper |
2 |
|
Miss Lorraine Ellison |
2 |
|
Mrs Victoria Fahey |
2 |
After 2 races at Beverley on Tuesday, there are only 3 gentlemen’s races left: Ascot 25th September, Nottingham 30th September and a new addition to the calendar: Leicester 26th October. In addition, 4 mixed races remain in the calendar (Warwick 29th September, Catterick 6th October, Newcastle 13th October & Musselburgh 28th October) which could add interest to the final results, together with 3 ladies’ races (Redcar 15th October, Newbury 24th October and Nottingham 28th October).
Serena has the threat of Wendy Gibson (currently only 1 win behind her) who makes a welcome return from injury on Tuesday with a ride in each of the two divisions. And don’t overlook the names of 2 past champions currently on 2 winners apiece – Carol Bartley (2001, 2002 & 2003) and Lorraine Ellison (2007)! There will be plenty of interest within the ladies ranks for some weeks to come!