28-06-2016
A very happy 25th Birthday was enjoyed yesterday at Pontefract by Emily Bullock when she timed to perfection her first ever career winner!
About 50 Pontefract members had been given a tour of Richard Fahey’s yard yesterday morning and their day must have been made complete when watching the first race, The Audrey Martin Memorial Ladies’ Handicap for Lady Amateur Riders.
With Emily riding BELLE TRAVERS for Richard Fahey, the partnership tracked the leaders, moving into second 2 furlongs out before going clear entering the home straight and maintaining their advantage all the way to the winning post. Belle Travers won by 4 1/2 lengths from Harriet Dukes and OBBOORR, with Serena Brotherton and WOTABREEZE another length and 1/4 back in 3rd.
“Its a great feeling” said Emily. “I’ve been with Richard for two and a half years and had a few rides and I’ve been waiting for this.” Many congratulations Emily and here’s to many more!
26-06-2016
Amateur jockeys headed to Cartmel Racecourse today for the 2nd running of the Anglo Irish Handicap hurdle won last year by Richard Deegan for Ireland. 2 teams of 4 went to post with Ireland represented by Roger Quinlan, Declan Queally, Aileen O Sullivan and Helen Mooney whilst GB was represented by John Dawson, Harry Reed, Jodie Hughes and Claire Hart. David Symes-Meineck made up the field of 9 runners.
Having won the Best Turned Out, Martin Todhunter’s WISTY cut out the running on the softening ground, incessant rain falling from early afternoon. John Dawson made all and was able to maintain a good gallop in the energy sapping ground to stay on well and score for GB by 1 3/4 lengths from Ireland’s Roger Quinlan on James Moffatt’s BORUMA. Ireland’s Aileen O’Sullivan just held on for 3rd by a short head on James Ewart’s SLEEP IN FIRST from fellow team mate Declan Quealy 4th.
Congratulations to John on a great ride! Huge thanks to Anthea Morshead, Jonathan Garratt and all at Cartmel Racecourse for hosting such special race. The score is now 1 all! The next question is, can GB take the Ladies Diamond Hurdle eagerly awaited which takes place back at Cartmel on 16th July and was won last year by Ireland’s Lisa O’Neill!
11-06-2016
HUGE congratulations to 20 year old Emily Easterby, daughter of trainer Tim and sister of amateur jockey William, on riding her first career winner today at York when partnering SNOANA in the Queen Mother’s Cup! This was no mean feat with this race now being the richest ladies race within the ladies amateur calendar!
With a fast pace set up in front by Yorkidding, Masterpayer and Sign Manual on the rain softened ground, Emily was happy to bide her time, no doubt remembering her father’s instructions to ride as if riding work back home. She came through in the final furlong (with cousin Jo Mason on the rail who finished 3rd) to deny Fionn McSharry by half a length as they passed the post. Emily said “I knew he had a chance, but he’s been crying out for rain this season and it finally came, although I thought Katie (Walsh on NAYEL) would win. I could feel the other horse catching us and I never thought the post would come. I enjoy riding as an amateur but I don’t think I’ll turn pro.” Emily’s father Tim said “Its absolutely amazing. We were delighted the rain came when it did. We walked the course and I told her to just ride it like it was a piece of work and keep going. With William (son) winning at the last meeting it’s great. A mile and a half might be as far as SNOANA wants buts he’ll probably get an Ebor entry now.”
Well done Emily on a fantastic start to a career which no doubt will have many more wins to follow! As is traditional with this unique race, Emily was presented with her own weight in champagne courtesy of GH Mumm Champagne following the race 🍾🏆🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾💃🍾
Photo courtesy of Mrs D Brotherton
