AMATEUR FLAT SEASON ENDS WITH SIMON AND SERENA CHAMPIONS AGAIN

28-10-2009

The Flat season drew to a close today for amateur jockeys with SIMON WALKER securing the gentleman’s championship several weeks ago having forged clear of his rivals and finally completed the season with a magnificent total of 10 wins.  MARCUS PRICE was his nearest rival on 3 wins and takes the vice-champion slot.  This is no less than Simon’s 6th Gentleman’s Flat Amateur Championship (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) as well as him being the current All-Weather Amateur Champion and is an extraordinary performance.

The ladies title was a less predictable challenge with SERENA BROTHERTON also enjoying a fantastic season and taking both the Ladies Derby at Newbury and the inaugural running of the Ladies Derby at Epsom.  However, with three lady jockeys – VICTORIA BARR, WENDY GIBSON and PIP TUTTY – all on a total of 3 winners to Serena’s total of 4 in recent days, there was an exciting end to the season but Serena’s win last Saturday at Newbury of the Frank Osgood Memorial took her total for the season to 5 wins and secured her the third ladies Flat championship of her career (2005, 2006, 2009).  This is a terrific achievement for Serena and congratulations must go not only to our 2 new champions but also to all amateur jockeys who have ridden winners this season.

Today at Musselburgh the mixed amateur riders’ race saw the final appearance in the saddle for the time being of past triple lady Flat amateur champion CAROL BARTLEY (2001, 2002 and 2003) as she takes maternity leave from her illustrious career.  Carol is the most prolific winning lady Flat amateur jockey holding a licence, with a career total of 52 wins so far.