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Charles Owen Final - 2008
The Charles Owen Final took place at Aintree on 25th October 2008.
It was a fabulous day and you can read the report from Nicola Wright, the British Racing School Pony Racing Coach.
The young jockeys were presented their prizes by professional jockeys Ruby Walsh and Graham Lee
Report of the Day by Nicola Wright
Amidst great excitement the finalists of the 2008 Charles Owen pony racing series gathered in the weighing room at Aintree for pre race debriefing. Unfortunately this year the weather man got it right for once and as predicted the heavens opened just in time for the course walk! We didn't let this dampen our spirits though and headed out to walk the course. David Griffith from the Northern Racing School accompanied the 148cms and under, while I had the pleasure of the company of the 138cms and under. We headed down the all weather gallop to the 6 furlong start, taking into consideration anything that could spook the ponies on the way down. As we walked back to the finish discussing the best route and the effect of the changing going conditions, we were met by the clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch, who reiterated the challenges of riding on a wet course and wished all the jockeys good luck in their race. There was a buzz of anticipation about this years' races both being highly competitive with no clear favourite, everyone was in with a chance.
After the coursewalk we all had a chance to dry off and enjoy the hospitality of 'Charles Owen' and the racecourse from the lovely setting of the Sonloch Restaurant. There was superb panoramic view of the course enabling the jockeys to study the professional races, getting some tips and seeing where the best ground was. A delicious meal was provided giving the riders an opportunity to 'fuel up' for their race, although some had to skip on that second helping of cheesecake!
The weigh out took place as scheduled with pony racing jockeys sharing the scales with some of there heroes such as Graham Lee, Ruby Walsh and past pony race jockey Felix De Giles. Also our pony camp Green Team Captain Will Kennedy was on hand for some last minute advice!
Jockey William Kennedy gave last minute advice
Ponies were tacked up and inspected on arrival in the the pre parade ring before the 138cms and under headed into the parade ring. At the allocated time, twelve excited jockeys headed down the stairs from the weighing room to join their connections for some last minute riding instruction and good wishes. The bell rang and jockeys were legged up onto their mounts.
Once down at the start, myself and David Griffiths checked girths. The jockeys waited for starter Seamus O'neill to call them and eventually they were 'off' to a good even start. After a fast start the leaders safely turned the final bend into the long straight home. It looked like front runner Tabitha
Jockeys leave the weighing room
Hector Worsley wins the 138cm race!
Worsley and Pennway Tap Dance were on their way to winning their first Pony racing final until brother Hector on Goldsborough Moonlight Mist took over the lead and pushed home to a nice victory. Tabitha took second while Harry Denham on G Whizz came a close third. What an exciting race!
The starter, his assistant, David and I made our way to the 9 furlong start where we were quickly joined by a further twelve of the best racing ponies and jockeys in the country. This race was equally 'hot' with ponies on their toes ready to get on with it. Girths were checked and once Tarka II decided to stop running backwards and join the field they were 'off'. The riders rode very professionally taking into consideration the deep ground on the rail and riding accordingly. Stretched across the course looking for the better ground, a close field came into the final furlong, riders down, pushing hard.
Becky Brisbourne made it three victories in a row on Silver Mist Lady when pulling away from the field to get up to the post first. Phillip Prince on Rose Bengal and Gemma Tutty on The Bossy Hobbit battled it out for second, with Phillip just getting there in his last ride in the series.
Becky Brisbourne wins the 148cm Race
Presentations were held in the impressive Aintree winner's enclosure, in front of the crowd that had stayed on to support racing's stars of the future. Despite the weather a great day was had by all.
Throughout the year all competitors from the pony racing series work hard in training their ponies, improving their riding and travelling around the country with hopes of qualifying for the final. It's been a really enjoyable first season for me, and very rewarding for me to see all your efforts pay off with an ever improving standard of riding and professionalism. A few of our pony racing jockeys are turning sixteen this year so will no longer be taking part in the series, but hopefully we will soon see some of them competing professionally. You'll be missed and good luck in the future!
