Ireland host Fegentri GA

08-02-2010

Ireland hosted the 55th General Assembly of Fegentri at The Turf Club, Kildare on Saturday 6th February and the Gala Dinner was held that evening in Newbridge. Delegates from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States enjoyed the weekend which included a trip on Friday to the Irish National Stud and also to Gilltown Stud were Sea The Stars was led out to a very appreciative audience.

Ian Chanin, 2009 GB representative (whose Fegentri season was cut short by a broken leg) attended the ceremony on behalf of 2009 Lady World Vice Champion Claire Allen to receive her award which was presented to him by AJA Vice President Dr Philip Pritchard.

A major improvement in the Fegentri score system was unanimously agreed at the GA when one single score system was decided upon for 2010 and the future, eliminating the old double points system of “home” and “away” scores.

CHARITY RACE RIDERS INVITED TO COMPETE AT CHEPSTOW

03-02-2010

Paul’s Place is the only charity that specifically supports adults with any physical and cognitive impairment in the Bristol area, covering Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset.  (Have a look at www.paulsplace.org.uk for further information.)  In support of this charity, Chepstow Racecourse have very generously agreed to host a charity race on Thursday 25th March.

RACE CONDITIONS

The British Horseracing Authority have granted exemptions from the effects of Rule A38 for this race as it is being run outside the Rules of Racing.  Therefore it will not count for any purposes on the horse’s career record.

For three year olds and upwards who have run at least twice 

under the recognised Rules of Racing

Distance – One mile four furlongs to be started by flag

Weight.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 stone

All horses to be rated 0-110 for hurdlers/steeplechasers 

0-60 for flat horses or horses that have run twice in a NH flat race

Point-to-pointers can also run subject to individual clearance

All horses to be vaccinated in accordance with Rule E18/19 of the Rules of Racing

and to come from yards of Trainers licensed by the British Racing Authority

This is an invitation race but riders are responsible for finding their own horses

ALL RIDERS MUST PRODUCE A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE FROM THEIR DOCTOR TO GIVE TO THE CLERK OF THE SCALES

All riders must provide their own equipment including the new mandatory back protector and new skull cap as laid down under the Rules of Racing January 2002 Standards

Each rider will be insured by Chepstow Racecourse for 

Personal Accident & Public Liability from Weighing Out until Weighing In

Each rider is requested to raise a minimum of £1000 and must 

deposit at least £750 before weighing out in order to participate.

Riders are encouraged to use Just Giving when raising sponsorship.  

A Maximum of 12 riders only

Paul’s Place – Registered Charity No. 1065033

If YOU would like to take part, please call or e-mail Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or sph.oliver@btinternet.com to secure your place.

WOLVERHAMPTON PROVIDES MEMORABLE DAY FOR PHILIP PRINCE AND MICHAEL OWEN!

01-02-2010

On only his second appearance on the racecourse, 17 year old PHILIP PRINCE, who fought a year-long battle with the BHA to be granted his jockey’s amateur licence, enjoyed his first winner when partnering MISS FIREFLY to victory in the first division of the 6f amateur riders’ handicap at Wolverhampton.

Philip, who was born without his left ear, was denied an amateur licence by the BHA on medical grounds but with the support of PJA’s CEO Kevin Darley he succeeded in having the decision overturned.  Philip said “That’s a fantastic thrill. Kevin was fantastic in helping me get my licence.  I had 30 winners from 60 rides in 3 years on the pony circuit and have worked for Paul Nicholls and Ron Hodges, and am now attached to Mick Channon’s yard.”

The second division of the handicap saw a first win on his debut ride for event rider MICHAEL OWEN on Frank Sheridan’s ALBERO DI GIUDA.  Michael has regularly ridden around Burghley and Badminton but with racing in his blood, he has always wanted to ride under Rules and had a dream start to his riding career today.

Many congratulations to both Philip and Michael on such a memorable day. 

Arctic weather claims 2nd Ludlow amateur race in fortnight

31-01-2010

Tomorrow’s Ludlow meeting has been abandoned with an inch of snow on the course and -9 degrees last night making racing impossible.

With this being Ludlow’s third consecutive meeting lost in the past few weeks, we lose the second amateur Ludlow race in a fortnight (His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Challenge Trophy Steeplechase) having lost the AJA amateur hurdle on 21st January to snow and frost.  Tomorrow’s chase is one of the highspots of the amateur jump season being a valuable feature race of the New Year and it is a great loss to our calendar.

Experienced amateur jump jockey needed in USA!

27-01-2010

A unique opportunity awaits an experienced amateur jump jockey – male or female – in Maryland, USA.  Rides are guaranteed over both timber and hurdles and could include a ride in the world famous Maryland Hunt Cup.  

Applicants MUST have ridden plenty of point-to-point winners and preferably also have some winners under Rules as well.  

Flights will be paid and a stay of about 8 weeks is offered, with hunting in March and racing in April.  For further details please contact Sarah Oliver at the AJA.  

FEGENTRI: WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY?

20-01-2010

Applications are invited from all UK amateur riders to represent Great Britain and ride in the Fegentri series 2010.

In 2008 both our chosen riders, Danny Cook and Gemma Gracey-Davison, were Fegentri World Vice Champions and in 2009 Claire Allen followed in Gemma’s footsteps and also achieved this status which was a tremendous achievement. (Unfortunately Ian Chanin, our 2009 Gentleman representative, was unable to complete the 2009 series through injury but still managed to take 4th place.)  Both Claire and Ian are best known for their point-to-point successes and they both rode their first Flat winners abroad and thoroughly enjoyed the whole Fegentri experience.   Danny and Gemma have now turned professional but regard their unique experiences with Fegentri as greatly beneficial to their future careers.

All ladies Fegentri races are on the Flat but the gentlemen’s races include a few over hurdles and fences so lads must have some jump wins under their belts, preferably under Rules.  You will need an understanding guv’nor and strong home support as Fegentri demands regular weekend trips abroad. All thoughts of turning professional will have to wait until the end of the Fegentri season (October for men, December for ladies).  You must have 5 wins under Rules to your credit but consideration will be given to Point-to-Point and Arab wins. You must be able to do 9 stone for ladies and 10 stone for lads.  All expenses will be met by the AJA.

If you think Fegentri is something that you would enjoy and would like to be considered, please complete the Fegentri application form below and return it to the AJA.  You can also contact Sarah Oliver with any queries by e-mailing sph.oliver@btinternet.com or calling 01886 884488.  Application forms have been posted out to all AJA members so that those without internet access will not be ignored. All applicants will be kept on file for consideration for all future invitation races and also for future representation.  Applications for 2010 close on 31st January.

Application Form FEGENTRI 2010

UPDATE ON CURRENT RACING PROSPECTS WITH UK FREEZE :(

07-01-2010

Long Run gives Sam Waley-Cohen easy victory in Feltham

26-12-2009

The exciting Long Run, having his first run in this country following a fantastic early career in France, made little of the opposition to take the Feltham Novices Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day under Sam Waley-Cohen riding for his father Robert.

The 4 year old, having already enjoyed 2 Grade I successes amongst his victories in France, was enjoying his first run for trainer Nicky Henderson and in spite of some jumping errors which included misjudging the penultimate fence, he pinged the last to score by 13 lengths.

Sam Waley-Cohen said after the race “He’s a fantastic horse, a really good horse and an exciting horse, its good to be on him.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

24-12-2009

Charity Flat race added to Cheltenham Festival

22-12-2009