Sammy Jo Bell denies Noel Fehily in storming finish to Leger Legends

The formula for cracking the Mondialiste Leger Legends race is simple – one of the last jockeys to retire is usually the first home.

Sammy Jo Bell, who quit riding in February last year, joined forces with old ally Richard Fahey to land the tenth running of the ever-popular charity race on Dubai Acclaim, emulating recent winners Ted Durcan, Brian Harding, Joseph O'Brien and Sir Anthony McCoy, who themselves were not long out of the saddle.

The rider to push Bell closest was Noel Fehily, also recently retired, on Hammer Gun, but the line came just in time as Dubai Acclaim prevailed by a short head.

"I really enjoyed that," beamed Bell, who became the second female rider after Julie Krone to win the race. "I went a bit too soon, but that was probably excitement and I've just held on. It's great that Richard gave me a ride and I've paid him back with a winner.

"I miss race-riding but I'm not tempted by a comeback and I'm definitely not as fit as I used to be. I've been riding out every day but probably didn't get as much prep as I'd have liked."

That lack of preparation was not lost on partner and former jockey Phillip Makin, who heads up the couple's fledgling training operation near Thirsk.

"She's been riding out every day, but she told me she was going to be on the Equicizer and doing this and that, but I've not seen her do anything," joked Makin. "But the horse was well backed and obviously fancied and she gave him a nice ride."

Good to be back: Sammy Jo Bell returns to the winner's enclosure following her victory on Dubai AcclaimCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Bell, 28, rode 82 winners during her career and looked on the verge of becoming a force when winning the Silver Saddle at the 2015 Shergar Cup as a claimer. However, she became dissatisfied with her subsequent progress following a ten-month absence with a fractured pelvis suffered in an accident at Carlisle.

Her decision to stop riding was a shock to her then boss Fahey, who was thrilled to link up again with the former jockey.

"It was brilliant and I'm delighted for Sammy," said the trainer. "I was very surprised when she came to tell me she was stopping riding. I'd actually say I was disappointed she retired, but she's probably done the right thing."

Fehily, a two-time Champion Hurdle winner during an illustrious career over jumps, was kicking himself as the gamble on Derek Shaw-trained Hammer Gun, who was backed into 4-1 favourite (from as big as 20-1 earlier in the day) went awry.

"The trainer told me not to be in front too soon, but I think I overdid it a little bit," he said. "I got blocked in a furlong and a half out and I had to switch, which probably just cost me. He's run a blinder and it's a great cause and hopefully we've raised plenty of money."

For much of the race, six-time champion Flat jockey Kieren Fallon looked a big danger on Kilbaha Lady, but the mare did not pick up as well as her rivals.

"She's travelled as well as anything and I thought I was going well enough to win, but she just hasn't let herself down on the ground," he said. "It's all for a good cause though."

It was also an ideal pipe-opener for Fallon as he heads to the Curragh for the Pat Smullen Champions Race for Cancer Trials Ireland on Sunday.

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