An update from Lucy Saunders the point-to-point jockey sponsored by Goedhuis & Co.
“It has been an incredibly busy time since the last blog post was written. The 2012/13 season finished on a high with a total of three wins and numerous placings, the Midlands Area Leading Lady Rider title and the Midlands Area Leading Horse of Family Concern Award under our belts. What a wonderful season we had, we celebrated in style at every opportunity as racing is a sport of both highs and lows and we certainly made the most of it! Killard Point, winner of the above horse award is now very happily retired at the age of 14 with his biggest fan Vicky and her family.
During the summer I graduated from the Royal Agricultural University with a first class degree in Business Management, and started work for The Jockey Club in Newmarket in Business Development. I am incredibly lucky to have the job, particularly as I really enjoy it and because all profits made by The Jockey Club are re-invested into the horseracing industry.
Looking forward, it is my pleasure to thank Goedhuis & Co for agreeing to sponsor me once again this season. The relatively new sponsorship scheme allows jockeys, particularly younger ones, to invest in high quality, safe kit and subsidises what is an expensive sport in return for branding and logos on breeches and other visible items. I very much appreciate this investment and hope that I can do everyone proud this season.
I have the following horses ready for the coming season. They are painstakingly trained and prepared by my mum, without whose help I would not be point to pointing and managing to forge a career at the same time.
Victory Parade – This 10 year old chestnut gelding is new to us this season. He is good natured and I very much look forward to our first appearance in late Jan/ early Feb.
The Laodicean – This 7 year old bay gelding was disappointing last season, unfortunately contracting a virus in December which affected him badly. We have put a lot of effort into getting him back to full health and hope for a considerable improvement this season. He will also have his first outing at the end of January.
Early Wings – This 11 year old bay gelding is a real character. He provided me with my first win, but usually prefers 2nd or 3rd (he only likes to win once every 8 years!). He will probably run mid January. He has taught me a lot about race riding.
The Hairy Lemon – Having retired last season due to sustaining a flurry of minor injuries this 13 year old bay gelding is now enjoying an incredibly successful dressage and showing career, as you can see by the photo. We are delighted that he will continue to thrive in his new life outside of racing.”
We send all our best wishes and luck to Lucy for the upcoming season.