Rider Overcomes Adversity to Fulfil Racing Dream

The young rider has overcome more than most to achieve this, having been born with one ear and a lopsided jaw which resulted in the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) initially rejecting his application for an Amateur Rider's Licence in 2008. Philip and his family appealed the decision of the BHA's Medical Review Panel and following two subsequent hearings and over 12 months legal representation was recently granted his licence.

The young Rider, now based with Mick Channon at West Ilsey, is however no newcomer to racing. In 2006 Philip became involved with Pony Racing and subsequently enjoyed over 60 rides and 30 winners in three years gaining invaluable race riding experience. There have been tough times in the past for the 17 year old and Pony Racing welcomed him to the sport offering him an opportunity to get involved and actively contribute. There the seed was sewn and his family realised that Philip's racing dream could indeed come true.

Philip's parents, Richard and Dawn Prince, say; "Pony Racing gave Philip a positive outlook and focus and helped him gain in confidence. We are not a racing family and were totally new to the sport yet everybody welcomed us and helped Philip enormously. Philip has found his disability difficult at times but Pony Racing turned things around for him. It has been a long and at times frustrating process to get his licence from the BHA [who initially rejected his Licence on the grounds of partial deafness] but it has shown that, with the help of Pony Racing, if you want something bad enough and are as dedicated to it as Philip was things can come good. We are very grateful to the support of so many people who have kept our spirits up and ensured we didn't give up the fight, but especially to Ron and Mandy Hodges who have nurtured and helped Philip so much and to The Pony Racing Authority who throughout have offered support, advice and encouragement. Without Pony Racing we really don't think Philip would be fulfilling his lifelong dream on Monday."

Rebecca Morgan, Chief Executive of The Pony Racing Authority, comments; "The PRA Board is delighted for Philip that the BHA have granted him his licence, and are grateful to the BHA for their continued support of Pony Racing. Personally, I have come to know the family well through their outstanding support of Pony Racing and greatly admire their dedication and determination. I am also pleased that Pony Racing has made such a positive contribution to Philip and demonstrates the sport is open, accessible and welcoming to all no matter what their background or experience. I wish Philip the very best of luck on Monday and am very proud that Pony Racing has played such an important role in helping fulfil this young man's dream."

Gemma Dawson, Finance Director of The British Racing School said, " We are absolutely thrilled for Philip and his family. We have watched Philip progress through pony racing and he has been to the BRS, when he was younger for Pony Racing Training, and then later for his Catagory A licence assessment. Richard Perham, our resident jockey coach, said Philip was a very capable rider who had clearly got a fantastic grounding from Pony Racing. Everyone at the British Racing School wish Philip luck in his career as a jockey."