From humble beginnings - Sherry shines bright at Dundalk

Thomas Sherry has surrounded himself with horses for most of his life but working with thoroughbreds is something of a new experience for the 19-year-old, who rode his first winner at Dundalk last week.

The Dublin native spent much of his childhood providing tours of Ireland’s capital by horse and cart, but has not looked back since joining RACE in 2015.

After graduation Sherry joined the Michael Halford stable, but later teamed up with Michael O’Callaghan, who provided the rider with that first success on five-year-old sprinter Aggression.

Reflecting on the moment, Sherry said: “If I was ever having a bad day or I was driving somewhere, I would always think about riding a winner and doing the interview afterwards, so in many ways I was prepared!

“If anything, it was almost like I had already achieved it before it happened. I never even sat on a horse with a saddle until I went to RACE but all I want to do now is ride more winners and kick on from last week. It was a great day.”

A Kinross Christmas

Last Saturday’s meeting at Haydock might have been one to forget for Lucinda Russell after her promising novice chaser Big River was pulled up due to atrial fibrillation, but hopefully she had a night to remember after turning on the Christmas lights in Kinross.

“It’s amazing what you get asked to do after you win the Grand National,” joked the trainer, who had raced up from the Lancashire course. “It was lovely.”

Lucinda Russell: 'I started off in racing with Lucinda when I was 22'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Russell had some competition in the celebrity stakes, with Santa making a special appearance alongside the Kinross Pipe Band, but got an early Christmas present when Big River made a quick recovery.

Jump to it

It almost sounded like an April Fool when Sam Twiston-Davies revealed this year he was modelling for Jacamo, but he seems to be developing quite the knack for fashion. The jockey, who is currently on the sidelines after breaking his elbow in a fall, designed one of this year’s Racing Post Christmas jumpers – and they’re selling fast.

Sam Twiston-Davies in action wearing the Christmas jumper he designedCredit: Steve Davies

Pricewise Tom Segal and artist Darren ‘Birdie’ Bird also worked on the festive knits, with proceeds from all sales going to Racing Welfare. Visit racingpost.com/shop to buy yours.