28-01-2014
Many congratulations to Alex Dunn who enjoyed her first double of her training career at her local racecourse Taunton today with Helium and Come On Annie.
Riding against professionals, Alex had to adopt very different racing tactics to enjoy both successes. Her first win was the result of a battle to the line with runner-up Chesil Beach Boy and she had to work hard in a driving finish to force Helium’s head in front. By contrast, waiting tactics and immense patience allowed Come On Annie to pass her rivals including long time leader Midnight Request.
Alex said “We’ve now had 9 winners in the last year and things are going really well as all 16 boxes at the yard are full. Newmarket trainer Michael Bell is my cousin and I’m desperate to beat one of his in a Flat race one day, although we might struggle to have one good enough for that at the moment.”
21-01-2014
Thanks to the continued dedication and support of Lara Sawaya, the curtain raiser of 2014’s HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Arabian World Series was held on 17th January at Al Flaij Racecourse Oman where Michelle Edden represented GB. Unfortunately Michelle’s horse only managed to beat two others home but many congratulations to Evanna McCutcheon who won for Ireland. Aly Deniel will represent GB for the next race in the series to be held in Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia on 1st February.
NB: UPDATE TO RIDER’S CRITERIA! All ladies must have had 5 wins and be able to weigh out at 9 stone with body protector!! Any overweight strictly not allowed. Wins can be a combination from Arab racing, rides under Rules (jump and flat) and point-to-pointing. If eligible and wishing to be considered for this series, please complete and return the application form to the AJA as soon as possible: applicationformsheikhafatima2014.pdf
20-01-2014
The AJA are delighted to announce that thanks to kind agreement with 
all AJA members who hold amateur licences are entitled to a 50% discount on the cost of RUK even if they are existing subscribers.
If you wish to take advantage of this offer please e-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com for a form to apply.
01-01-2014
Well done to Lizzie Kelly and Will Biddick who won the first two races of the New Year at Cheltenham this afternoon! The first race of the New Year, run in atrocious wind and rain, was won by 20 year old university student Lizzie riding her mother’s AUBUSSON and in the process beating her hero, champion jockey Tony McCoy. Enjoying only her 5th win under Rules, Lizzie decided to take up the running from about half way which proved to be decisive in allowing her to steer Aubusson clear of his rivals and storm clear up the Cheltenham hill.
After the race Lizzie said “I was pretty nervous about riding against the likes of AP (who is a god) and Dickie, and this is probably the only time I’ll win at Cheltenham so I’m definitely going to make the most of it. The ground is wet but the main problem is the wind as it proved hard to stay in a straight line.”
The second race of the afternoon gave Will Biddick success when he won with MENDIP EXPRESS who was making his debut handicap appearance for trainer Harry Fry. Many congratulations to both jockeys!
