'I've definitely got the bug' - Olive Nicholls relishing first season pointing

With Rachael Blackmore winning the Gold Cup last month, female jump jockeys are enjoying a higher profile than ever and a number of young hopefuls on the British point-to-point circuit are aspiring to follow in her footsteps. Two, from very different backgrounds, are
Olive Nicholls and Ellie Callwood.

Olive's father Paul needs no introduction and mother Georgie was a successful rider and trainer of pointers herself. Olive turned 16 in December, had her debut ride over fences four days later and her first win on her second ride. She's already visited the winner's enclosure four times and finished third on her first mount under rules on Wednesday.

"I was pony racing at nine, did a lot of Shetland racing – which I found very tactical – and started eventing at 12," said Olive. "Dad's a massive supporter of pointing and he's always wanted me to do it."