THE AMATEUR JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN

Category: Jockey News

Sam Waley-Cohen & Long Run regain thrilling King George

26-12-2012

On the first day for 7 years since Kauto Star was not in the line up and on ground described as heavy for the first time since 1937, Sam Waley-Cohen and LONG RUN took on their competitors and emerged victorious after a thrilling King George VIth chase at Kempton today.  The afternoon could not have started better for Sam with RAJDHANI EXPRESS winning the Novice Handicap Chase effortlessly earlier in the afternoon and leaving his rivals trailing in his wake.  The winning distance was 34 lengths!

But more was to come with LONG RUN waiting in the wings. 

Tracking GRAND CRUS and CHAMPION COURT for the early stages of the race, the partnership jumped well until a mistake at the fifth-last.  However, Sam Waley-Cohen kicked on again to capitalise on his mount’s proven stamina, but the horse wandered a little in front once turning into the home straight.

Headed at the last by CAPTAIN CHRIS and Richard Johnson, LONG RUN and Sam Waley-Cohen were not to be denided and dug deep to rally courageoulsy and get up sensationally near the line to win by a neck.This was a tremendous achievement for both horse and rider.  Many congratulations to winning connections!

Rachel King wins Ladies Hurdle at Ludlow

19-12-2012

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Today’s biggest field of the day at Ludlow was the amateur lady jockeys’ hurdle with 13 going to post on a torrential winter’s day.

In the testing conditions the field were soon strung out and as they turned for home the final time Gina Andrews and Claire Hart led into the straight with Rachel King biding her time on Martin Bosley’s DRUSSELL to take up the lead over the last and stay on well to win by 3/4 length.

Many thanks to Ludlow Racecourse for their fantastic support of amateur jockeys, staging an amateur race at every meeting possible, and congratulations to Rachel and winning connections.

Photo credit: AJA

Carlisle Ultimate Ladies Night reverts to 6 pro-am races for 2013

14-12-2012

Many thanks to Carlisle Racecourse whose inaugural running of the ULTMATE LADIES NIGHT in 2011 saw 5 of the 6 pro-am races won by amateur lady jockeys.

This year we lost one race to professional jockeys but the AJA are delighted to announce that for 2013 on Monday 5th August the racecard will host 6 pro-am ladies races.  This unique evening of racing is the only fixture worldwide to be exclusive to lady jockeys.

Racing Calendar 2013 eagerly awaited

12-12-2012

The AJA are hoping to be able to add Races to Come January to March 2013 to this website within a few days.

Unfortunately clearance is still awaited at Weatherbys for the Programme Book Volume 1 but please be assured that as soon as this is given, we will publish the amateur calendar on this site.

Many thanks for your patience but unfortunately this is out of our control.

Fegentri representatives 2013

11-12-2012

Well done to Emma Sayer (reigning Lady Amateur NH Champion) and to Freddie Mitchell (runner up to Simon Walker in this year’s Men’s Flat Championship) who have been successful with their applications to represent GB and ride in the Fegentri Series 2013.

The first Fegentri race for gentlemen will be on 1st January in OMAN.  His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said hosts Majesties Day, the most prestigious racing day of the year, on  every 1st January for members of the Royal Family, representatives of each circle of Omani society and the diplomatic corps in Oman Last year our lady riders had the unique opportunity to be presented to His Majesty who handed the prize to the winning rider of the race.   This year it is the turn of the gentlemen.

The AJA are delighted that an extra invitation has been given to England for us to invite another rider and Chris Martin, 2010/11 All-Weather Champion, will be joining Freddie on this wonderful trip.

Serena’s success with 6th Flat Championship

11-12-2012

Many congratulations to Serena Brotherton on her 6th Flat Ladies Championship.  She received her newly engraved cup from AJA President Dr Pritchard after the AJA AGM yesterday.

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Photo credit: AJA

Paul John enjoys Borders National success with MORTIMERS CROSS

09-12-2012

Many congratulations to Paul John who won today’s John Smith’s Borders National at Kelso with MORTIMERS CROSS, completing an amazing weekend for amateur jockeys.

Always close, the veteran 11 year old was close up before leading from the 12th and making all from then on.  The partnership were hard pressed from two out but showed grit and tenacity to hold on gamely and score by a length from Captain Americo.

Winning jockey Paul said after the race “That’s my one winner from one ride here and I made the right decision as I could have ridden at a point-to-point instead.  The dream is one day to turn professional but this old horse has given me a terrific ride and he is so game.”

Jonathan Park rides first career winner at Chepstow

08-12-2012

And to make up the treble of amateur wins against professionals today, many congratulations to Jonathan Park who enjoyed his first win under Rules at Chepstow this afternoon with FRED THE SHED in the Taffy Jenkins Memorial Hurdle.  What a day for amateur jockeys!

Nico makes it a double at Sandown

08-12-2012

Many congratulations to Nico de Boinville who sprung a surprise and proved his excellent value as a 7 lb claimer by winning at Sandown for the second day running, this time riding against professionals over hurdles and beating off Richard Johnson in a photo finish with PETIT ROBIN.

Mikey Ennis wins at Chepstow

08-12-2012

Congratulations to Mikey Ennis who kept SONA SASTA up to his work to score for his boss David Pipe at Chepstow and win the feature race of the day, the Rhys Howells Memorial Handicap Chase.

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Photo credit: AJA