Fakenham roundup as Lilly realises riding ambition
24-year-old jockey Elizabeth Pinchin won the Weatherbys Hamilton Novice Chase riding My Gift To You, marking her 75th career win and officially making her a professional jockey no longer eligible for weight allowance. Pinchin had been waiting for this moment and expressed gratitude for the support she has received from trainers, friends, and family. Starting her career at Fergal O’Brien’s stable, Pinchin now has 14 wins this season and has a pet turkey named Trev.
Northern-based jockey Craig Nicol celebrated his first Fakenham win with Ip Up in the Greene King Flint Eye Mares’ Hurdle. Ridden by the Jedd O’Keefe, Ip Up made her way to the front before the final flight to secure a victory at 8/1. Meanwhile, Bryony Frost won the Greene King Level Head Hurdle on For Gina, tracking the leader before taking the lead and galloping to a second victory in three runs.
Ellis Collier, who had previously had a year of no success, won the Save Our Sport Conditional Jockeys’ Chase on Call of the Loon. Trained by Christian Williams, Call of the Loon was successfully guided to victory at 5/2. Sarah Humphrey trained Templier, ridden by James Best, to win the Weatherbys Handicap Chase at 17/2. Finally, Virginia Lodge, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Fergus Gillard, won the Greene King Ice Breaker Fillies’ Hurdle at 9/1 despite a lackluster debut at Ludlow.
This was a significant victory for 24-year-old jockey Elizabeth Pinchin as it marked her 75th career win, making her a professional jockey qualified to race without a weight allowance. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from trainers, friends, and family. Northern-based jockey Craig Nicol also celebrated his first win at Fakenham, riding Ip Up in the Greene King Flint Eye Mares’ Hurdle. Meanwhile, Bryony Frost won the Greene King Level Head Hurdle on For Gina and Ellis Collier followed his first win at Fakenham’s previous meeting with a victory in the Save Our Sport Conditional Jockeys’ Chase on Call of the Loon.
Sarah Humphrey trained Templier and Virginia Lodge, trained by Dan Skelton, won races with their respective jockeys. These victories marked significant achievements for these riders and trainers. Pinchin described the win as a dream come true and expressed gratitude for her supporters. Northern-based jockey Craig Nicol also celebrated a significant victory at Fakenham with his first win. Bryony Frost, Ellis Collier, Sarah Humphrey, and Dan Skelton also had successful races with their respective horses.