Late Christmas for amateurs
26-12-2012
Victorious today were no less than six amateur jockeys winning seven races around Great Britain – literally North, South, East and West!
Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a double with RAJDHANI EXPRESS winning the Novice Chase at Kempton before Sam’s sensational win in the King George with LONG RUN. Meanwhile at Market Rasen Jeremy Mahot won the Selling Hurdle with THE SOCIETY MAN trained by his partner Sara-Jayne Davies. About 20 minutes later over at Fontwell Chloe Boxall won the Handicap Chase with JOIN THE NAVY. Having her first ever ride at the track, Chloe held her mount 25 lengths off the pace before kicking for home in the straight, and the waiting paid off! Trainer Kate Bucket said “She was very good but I didn’t imagine she would leave it so late!” Chloe added “He travelled too well last time so I held him up.” Chloe’s win was soon followed by Mikey Ennis victorious in the next, the Mares Novice Hurdle, for his boss David Pipe with TOO GENEROUS.
Later in the afternoon Long Run’s regular exercise rider Nico de Boinville enjoyed a popular and emotional success with last season’s Hennessy Gold Cup hero CARRUTHERS in the Handicap Chase at Ffos Las for trainer Mark Bradstock. Carruthers runs in the colours of The Oaksey Partnership, formerly headed by amateur jockey, broadcaster, racing journalist and founder of the Injured Jockeys Fund Lord Oaksey who died in September. His daughter Sara Bradstock said “This is lovely and this is for dad.”
Finally, Gina Andrews made her trip north to Wetherby worthwhile by winning the last there, the Handicap Hurdle, for delighted trainer Pam Sly with CHICKLEMIX.
Many congratulations to all winning jockeys on a great day for amateurs!