2012 amateur races confirmed at last

23-12-2011

The BHA have today confirmed the Racing Calendar for January to March 2012 and these are now listed on this site.  The BHA apologise for the delay in publishing these race fixtures.

Rachel King ends Fegentri season joint 4th

14-12-2011

Congratulations to Rachel King who enjoyed the final ladies race of the Fegentri season with the customary trip to Mauritius where she was unplaced and finished in joint 4th place overall, sharing this slot with France’s representative.  Rachel enjoyed being part of the team to participate in the first ladies race ever in Macau in November as well as many other trips, details of which can be found at www.fegentri.com.

 Rachel took an early lead in the ladies world championship at the start of 2011 with a winning ride in Qatar as well as enjoying some placed rides but her season was interrupted when she found herself unable to ride in our Fegentri ladies race in Nottingham in July as she had not renewed her amateur licence.  However, she subsequently rode a winner in Cologne (Germany) and Istanbul (Turkey) which gained her some valuable points, but as in previous years Great Britain was denied the title with Rachel being drawn on a horse for the final race who was unplaced.

Rachel winning in Doha Qatar

FEGENTRI & AMATEUR RACES ABROAD 2012

10-12-2011

Applications are invited from AJA members who are UK licensed amateur riders to represent Great Britain and ride not only in the Fegentri series 2012 but also in other international races.  In 2008 our selected riders, Danny Cook and Gemma Gracey-Davison, were runners up to the Fegentri World Champions and in 2009 and 2010 Claire Allen and Ruth Jefferson also achieved this status.

You will need an understanding guv’nor and strong home support as Fegentri demands regular weekend trips abroad.  You will also need stamina as travel, delays and time changes can sap your energy!  All thoughts of turning professional will have to wait until the end of the Fegentri season (October for men, December for ladies).  You must have ridden 5 wins under Rules and do 9 stone for ladies, 10 stone for lads.  The AJA will cover travel expenses and the host nations will pay for accommodation abroad.

If you think that this is something that you would enjoy, please contact Sarah Oliver as soon as possible by completing and returning: applicationformfegentri2012.doc.  E-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com or call 01886 884488 for further details.  These forms have been posted out to all AJA members.  All applicants will be kept on file for future consideration of any invitation races and also for future representation.  Applications for Fegentri 2012 close on 31st December 2011 but the sooner you send in your form the better!

Many support Issy & Dickie @ AJA Champions Ball

05-12-2011

Many thanks to everyone who came along and supported Isabel Tompsett and Richard Hawkins at the AJA Champions Dance on Saturday.  It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and especially to have both Isabel and Richard with us – something beyond our wildest hopes not so long ago.  A great mix of both the amateur and professional ranks were there to support our two injured jockeys who both continue to astonish us by continuing from strength to strength on their roads to recovery.

Isabel Tompsett greeted by Jonjo O’Neill

Richard Hawkins (centre) joined the celebrations

The incomparable Luke Harvey excelled as compere

Chris Martin, All-Weather Amateur Champion 2010/11, receives his cup and trophy from Mick Fitzgerald

Ryan Mahon, NH Amateur Champion 2010/11, receives his cup & trophy from Jonjo O’Neill

Gina Andrews, NH Lady Amateur Champion 2010/11 receives her trophy & cup from Andrew Tinkler who was able to attend the event being out of action with a broken hand.  (Gina is of course also reigning Lady Point-to-Point National Champion.)

Robert Williams, Flat Amateur Champion 2011, presented with his prizes by AJA director & Ludlow supremo Bob Davies

Serena Brotherton,  for the 5th time (& 3rd successive) Flat Champion Amateur Lady Jockey, presented with her cup and trophy by Carl Llewellyn 

Carol Bartley received her runner up trophy from Aiden Coleman for the Flat Lady Championship 2011.  (This was Carol’s first outing since breaking both arms and she is still unable to straighten her right arm.)

Emma Sayer received her Weatherbys Flat Ride of the Year award from AJA president Dr Phil Pritchard. Sadly Sam Waley-Cohen was unable to attend to accept his equivalent NH award for his win on Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011.

Sarah Oliver hands over one of the raffle prizes to past triple winning Champion Flat lady jockey Sarah Bosley whose husband Martin assisted with the auction. 

Photo credit: AJA/Mike Charity