Stable staff jockeys shine on Betfair Friday
Representing the highlight of Racing Staff Week, yesterday, Friday 5th July, saw two races exclusively for stable staff held at Doncaster and Newton Abbot respectively. The events marked the penultimate day of Racing Staff Week, which seeks to celebrate all of racing’s workforce, running from 29th June to 6th July.
The 7f Betfair Clock Tower Cup was held at Doncaster racecourse, this year marking the 5th renewal of the race. Kiran Kelly gave Fieldsman a stylish ride as the riders fanned out across the track to come home in front by 3 ¼ lengths for trainer Tony Carroll. Second and third went to a photo, with Port Soif staying on well for second, ridden by Freddy Whaley for Scot Dixon. Bailey Burns-Lewis completed the trio to be third on Jedd O’Keeffe’s Rebel State.
Speaking after the race, an elated Kiran said
I can’t really explain [the feeling] to be honest. It’s always been what I wanted to ride in a race, now I can say I’ve done it and ridden a winner!
The last race of a super sunny raceday at Newton Abbot, the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup was run over 1m 4f and, like its sister race at Doncaster, boasted a full complement of 12 riders. Arabella Tucker rode Native Soldier off the front to victory, completing a treble on the day for owner and trainer John Flint. It was tight for second and third, with Charlotte Bond just keeping the John O’Shea-trained Agent Gibbs’ nose in-front ahead of the fast finishing Primogeniture, ridden by Jasmin Richards for Martin Keighley.
It’s an incredible experience and for a great cause. Everyone taking part had a brilliant time. I think it’s just amazing that the race allows stable staff to get on the track for the day and have a bit of fun. It’s brilliant, just brilliant.
Arabella Tucker, winner of the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup
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Riders in the paddock ahead of the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup at Newton Abbot -
Jockey mount at Newton Abbot -
Madelaine Hand heads to post aboard Harry Fry’s Eleanorofaquitaine -
Arabella Tucker takes the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup with Native Soldier for John Flint -
Jockeys line up before the Betfair Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster -
Kiran Kelly storms home in front aboard Fieldsman for trainer Tony Carrollor -
Kiran Kelly receives his prize
All riders were raising money for Racing Welfare, and details of their fundraising pages can be found at racingstaffweek.com. Racing Welfare would like to express its most grateful thanks to the owners and trainers who supported both races and to Doncaster and Newton Abbot for providing the venues for a day that will reside in the memories of all 24 riders for a significant time to come.
Racing Staff Week has generated celebrations across the country, with all 41 racecourses holding meetings this week taking part. On-course activities have formed an integral part of the week, with racecourses offering rewards and incentives for both visiting racing staff bringing runners on the day and their own teams as a mark of appreciation for their roles in making racing happen.
Watch the races in full below: