On 6 November 2025, I took part in the Weatherbys Cup Flat Race at Newbury Racecourse. What began as an idea after finishing my GCSEs became months of early mornings, physical exhaustion and constant learning. Being able to take part in the race was a huge personal achievement, made even more meaningful by raising £3,500 for the British Horse Society Charity.
Training quickly became part of my everyday life. Based with Richard Bandey in Kingsclere, I rode out every day and adapted to the routine and expectations of a racing yard. First lot pulled out at 7:30am, and most mornings I rode three lots. Every horse required something slightly different, whether it was steady work or a stronger piece, and each ride helped me build the balance, strength and discipline needed for race riding.
The gallops were where I learnt to push myself and improve my technique. Sessions varied between the circular gallop and the straight uphill gallop. Some mornings involved five laps each way on the rounds, while others focused on shorter but more intense work up the straight. No two mornings were the same, but each had a purpose, and over time I began to feel myself getting stronger, more confident and more capable.
Once I had finished riding out, my training continued in the gym. The physical demands of race riding became clear very quickly, and at times the fitness work felt relentless. I was constantly discovering muscles I didn’t know I had, and the push-up hold became my least favourite exercise. It tested me mentally as much as physically. Over time, however, the gym became a place where I started to see progress, not only in my fitness but also in the way I rode.
Alongside this, I was fortunate to receive coaching from people with extensive first-hand experience in racing. At Oaksey House in Lambourn, I trained with George Baker, a former professional flat jockey with over 1,300 wins, who helped me refine my position and decision-making. I also had lessons with Leanne White at Andrew Balding’s Park House Stables in Kingsclere, which developed my confidence and technique in the saddle. Having more than one perspective helped me hugely, and I put everything I learnt into practice at home on the Equiciser.
All of this work was building towards my first milestone: passing the Jockey Fitness Test. In early September, I travelled to the British Racing School in Newmarket to complete the assessment. The day included a riding evaluation and simulator tests, as well as a demanding fitness test involving eight exercises. These included a four-minute plank, holding the pushing position on wobble cushions and a Wattbike assessment. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but passing every section and being granted my licence was a moment I will never forget.
As race day approached, training became even more focused. Travelling to Lambourn to work on the flat eight-furlong gallop allowed me to properly get a feel for my horse, Des, away from the home yard. This stage was also about fine-tuning small but important details. I switched to a racing saddle and adjusted my stirrup length so everything felt right in a race situation.
Balancing school alongside training became challenging once term time began, but I continued riding whenever possible, including early mornings and Sundays. After months of preparation, race day finally arrived.
Walking the track that morning made everything feel real. Knowing Des was keen, I planned to stick to the inside rail and settle in behind. In the weighing room, handing over my number and saddle was when the nerves truly set in. In the parade ring we spoke to connections, and then the bell rang, signalling it was time to mount.
Once I was on, walking down to the start was both nerve-wracking and exciting. My trainer and I laughed about how nervous I was before he let us go, and we cantered onto the track towards the start. It felt surreal knowing this was what all the early mornings and hard work had been for. When we reached the start, our girths were checked, the flag was raised, and we were off.
I jumped off towards the back as planned, letting Des settle into the race. The pace was strong from the start, and two horses pulled around four lengths ahead while the rest of the field stayed together for the first six furlongs. Turning into the home straight, I asked Des to quicken, and two furlongs out I started pushing. The leaders stayed around three lengths ahead, while the rest of us travelled together. With less than a furlong to go, the horse beside me pulled in front, but I managed to hold on and finish fourth at the line.
The race was over almost as quickly as it began. Everyone had told me it would fly by, and they were right. The feeling was thrilling and impossible to describe, and it sparked a love for racing that has stayed with me. Being able to raise money for an important charity, learn from experienced professionals, and discover a passion I’m excited to develop further made the entire experience truly unforgettable.
Article by Bella J
