Amateurs make the front page!

30-11-2010

Robbie Williams wins at Wolves

29-11-2010

Congratulations to 16 year old Robbie Williams on the second win of his career at Wolverhampton this afternoon for trainer John Llewellyn.

The field completed the first circuit at a very slow canter before quickening with Robbie snatching success in the closing strides.

Robbie has been nominated as Ride of the Week by Bob Cooper on At The Races for his win after surviving his saddle slipping as they jumped off out of the stalls.  A seasoned and successful pony race rider, Robbie managed to pass the post with saddle and weight cloth intact.

Folkestone’s valiant efforts beaten by snow

29-11-2010

 Phil York and Cyril Coste lead out the British and French jockeys from the Weighing Room

Its a long journey home for our French friends today after arriving in Folkestone ready to take on the British jump jockeys team in this afternoon’s challenge.

The ground having survived inspections yesterday, at 7:30 this morning and again at 11:45 am, the runners and riders braved the elements and were down at the start when the snow started to fall fast and thick.

The horses’ feet were inspected and snow was found to be balling underfoot, creating serious safety concerns.  The horses cantered back to the paddock, where further deliberations took place in the snowstorm before the meeting was finally abandoned.

Cover girl Chloe

19-11-2010

Fresh from his run in the Greatwood Charity Race at Cheltenham last Sunday under Jo Ewell, Candarli appears on the front cover of this week’s Horse & Hound partnered by Chloe Boxall winning the Members at the Black Forest last season.

Jack and Joan score again

16-11-2010

Congratulations to Jack Quinlan on riding JOAN D’ARC to her third success over hurdles at Fakenham today and making good use of his claim.

Noel Quinlan, assistant to Mick Quinlan, said “Jack rides her well and she wasn’t travelling early on, but she kept on well.  She may go for a little novice handicap now.  She’s off 109 and Jack will claim off her.”

Annie gives Ireland solitary win at Cheltenham!

15-11-2010

Back L to R: Derek Jackson, Niall Cronin, Annie Bowles, Jo Ewell, Julie Milner, Paul O’Leary; Front L to R: Suzie Gardner, Harry Derham, Alison Pocklington, Jamie Insole. Picture credits: AJA

Many congratulations to 10 valiant charity race jockeys who enjoyed riding around Cheltenham’s old course this afternoon in aid of Greatwood, the charity that not only provides sanctuary for racehorses but also supports children with learning difficulties  by their unique programme Horse Power, and raised over £23,000 in the process.

Ireland was well represented with Barry Connell’s colours worn by PAUL O’LEARY, this year’s Newmarket Town Plate victor DEREK JACKSON, Ireland’s Evening Herald scribe NIALL CRONIN and Irish Field’s diarist and fiancée of Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliott, ANNIE BOWLES.  In addition, jockey’s nephew JAMIE INSOLE and Paul Nicholls’ nephew HARRY DERHAM lined up alongside SUZIE GARDNER from the TRIP project, JO EWELL winner of Larkhill’s 2007 charity race, local JULIE MILNER who rode in Cheltenham’s 1993 Red Nose charity race and ALISON POCKLINGTON, Yorkshire’s novice lady point-to-point champion 2007 who was celebrating her hen weekend!

The pace was set from flag fall by Annie Bowles on Wikaala, her regular ride at home, and she led the field from start to finish winning by 9 lengths and giving Ireland its only winner of the 3 day meeting. There was a race for second place which was won by Harry Derham on Font, 2 lengths ahead of Paul O’Leary on Ten Fires with Alison Pocklington ten lengths back in 4th on Winged Farasi.

Many congratulations to all our riders on a great spectacular finale to the Open Meeting, and immense thanks to all at Cheltenham Racecourse for making this possible.

Good day for ex-amateurs

13-11-2010

Congratulations to Sam Twiston-Davies on a fantastic win today in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham.  Currently leading conditional jockey aged 18, Sam is reigning runner-up to Oliver Greenall in last season’s NH Amateur Champion Jockey Championship.

Also congratulations to Harry Challoner, Charlie Huxley, Brian Toomey, Peter Toole and Jimmy Derham  who also won today across the UK.  What a great day for those who chose the amateur ranks to gain experience before turning professional.

JAMES BANKS WINS CHELTENHAM’S OPENER

12-11-2010

Well done to James Banks on a great win in the opening race of Cheltenham’s Open Meeting, the Irish Times Amateur Chase.

His guv’nor Alan King was full of praise for his amateur jockey after he bided his time on RUSTARIX,  taking a narrow lead two out and staying on well under pressure on the run-in to win by a length.

Trainer Alan King said “I hoped he would run well.  He’s a horse that usually comes on for a run so I am very pleased.  They never missed a beat and James gave him a corking ride.  Win, draw or lose he could not have ridden him better.  I am very pleased with him.  He’s a big asset to the yard.  He works hard and he’s got ability.”

Congratulations to winning connections!  James has been based at Barbury Castle for three years and recently represented Great Britain for FEGENTRI in a race in Bremmen.

Alex Dunn wins in Limerick for the ladies

07-11-2010

A team of 5 British lady jockeys flew off to Ireland for the annual Anglo/Irish challenge at Limerick today thanks to the kind invitation of Russell Ferris, the team being Lucy Alexander, Lorna Brooke, Alex Dunn, Joanna Mason and Emma Sayer.

L to R:  Russell Ferris of Limerick Racecourse with the victorious GB team: Lucy Alexander, Lorna Brooke, Pat Masterson of Newton Abbot Racecourse, winning jockey Alex Dunn and Emma Sayer 

Sadly Joanna’s ride was a non-runner but nothing could take away from a thrilling race with Alex Dunn and Lorna Brooke leading the field over the final two hurdles. Mantell handled the deep ground well and the nine year old brought up a double for the John Joe Walsh yard by landing the Great Britain v Ireland Ladies Challenge Handicap Hurdle under Alex Dunn, who got the better of her compatriot Lorna Brooke on Brave Heart at the last with Mantell staying on well on the run-in to score by four and a half lengths.  Lucy Alexander finished a further 6 lengths away in fourth, having been handy most of the way but Young Milly kept on one paced from three out, whilst Emma Sayer‘s ride on Tony’s Treasure weakened from 3 out and finished tailed off.

The return match at Newton Abbot next summer is now eagerly awaited.  Well done team GB!