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At the age of 63 this is my last attempt at finishing in the first 3 in the Newmarket Town Plate.

Founded in 1664 (or 1665, accounts vary) by King Charles II, the Newmarket Town Plate was the first race of its kind to be staged under written rules.

It is contested on the Round Course, used only once a year for this event, over 3 miles 6 furlongs and finishing at the July Course winning post.

It is strictly for amateurs riding thorougbreds in training – the first four home win large volumes of Newmarket sausages.

This my eighth ride and my best result was 4th on Hereditary a horse that I owned – in fact Sir Mark Prescott whom sold him to me uttered his concerns to Linda as we went down to the start, but seemed extremely happy to see us finish so well. I have also finished 5th on Silistra.,a horse that Linda’s daughter has just qualified for Hickstead.

 Racing is a tough sport and it takes a great deal of work to get fit and lose the appropriate weight. I don’t get any chance to ride racehorses during the year due to my many business commitments, so the training schedule is a challenge, but one that I warm to every year.

I am fortunate to have the support of Linda Jewell who successfully trains racehorses in Kent. Quite a distance for me to travel from Leicestershire this year! Every year it is a challenge for Linda [ her hair should have more grey really! ] to find me the right horse to take part in this race as she has to be very careful to find a partnership between horse and rider to ensure that we all get the most out of the day, but with safety being of paramount importance. Linda, quite rightly is paranoid about this.

This year Linda has selected the very handsome Knock Boy who is an 11 year old, 17 hand bay gelding to be my ride for the 2013 Newmarket Town Plate. Knock Boy, in whom I once had a share has had more than his fair share of knocks since being purchased several years ago. Not only has he had life threatening colic but has incurred some scathing comments from a well known racing commentator about the his commitment to racing after placing on a number of occasions, but never managing to get his nose in front.

So Knock Boy and I are partnering up in the “last chance saloon” for both of us. And to celebrate our last outing before retiring, I am riding to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support. Since moving to Leicestershire I have joined the Kibworth and Fleckney Rotary club and I’m delighted to say that this is the key charity that they support.

Like so many people in this country, I have seen at close hand the work that is done by Macmillan in the community. Macmillan provide practical and emotional support when you need it most. Cancer is the toughest battle that many of us will ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone, Macmillan are with you every step of the way. So please support my fundraising efforts and help Macmillan to make sure no-one should face cancer alone.

And please come to Newmarket to cheer us on!

You can contact me on 07770 607674 and I can give you all the details. It’s a great day out for the family with plenty for the kids and McFly playing at the end of the meeting.

The Town Plate is the first race at 1pm followed by a great afternoon’s racing on the famous July course.

Thanks

 

So please dig deep and donate now.