Newbury host 2nd leg of HH Sheikha Fatima Apprentice Series

03-08-2014

The 2nd leg of the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Apprentice World Championship was hosted today by Newbury Racecourse as the first race of the afternoon with GB represented by amateur graduate Jack Gilligan, now apprenticed to Sir Mark Prescott, and Ireland represented by Rob J Fitzpatrick, apprenticed in Yorkshire to Karl Burke.  By coincidence Jack rode his first amateur win under Rules here at Newbury exactly 12 months ago.

Robbie had a dream ride turn into a nightmare when, having enjoyed a comfortable win, he weighed in a pound and a half light, and subsequently had the race taken from him.  The revised placings saw GB’s apprentice Jack Gilligan promoted to 3rd place and the race awarded to France’s apprentice giving him his first ever career win.

The series now moves on to Germany for the 3rd leg in Baden Baden on 7th September.  Many congratulations to all winning connections.

The amateur race immediately followed to open the afternoon’s thoroughbred racing and was won by Ella Smith riding VICTOR’S BET for her Epsom based trainer father Ralph.  This was Ella’s second career victory; well done Ella!