Fundraising 16-year-old inspired by Frankel hopes first win can kickstart career

A youngster who raised £32,000 from charity walks for two leading racing organisations notched his first winner as a jockey last week – and he is hopeful it will be the launchpad for a successful career in the sport.

Before leaving school, Jack Lander made a name for himself in racing circles by raising £32,000 from charity walks for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare, for whom he is now an ambassador.

The enthusiastic 16-year-old has been determined to make an impact in the sport since setting eyes on the great Frankel 11 years ago and made his breakthrough as a rider last week.

"Ever since I was five, I've been intrigued by racing – and it was the most amazing day and felt so good to have my first winner," he said.

"I did not really have any friends at school who were interested in racing – we weren't in a racing area – but I was determined to follow the sport as much as I could."

'Long term I'll probably be a jump jockey'

Parents Darren and Allison have backed Jack all the way and his proud mum was present to see him guide the Karl Burke-trained Tele Red to victory at Pontefract last week.

Jack's sister Rachel, 23, who works for Charlie Longsdon, has followed his progress closely and congratulated him by text after the ground-breaking success.

"We knew Tele Red was going into the race with a good chance last week and everything went to plan really," said Jack. "Karl told me to lead or sit in second if the pace was strong and it all worked out so well."

Tele Red was Lander's fourth ride under rules and he holds long-term aspirations of becoming a professional, most likely over jumps.

He said: "My aim now is to ride more winners and in time I hope to ride in better races. Long term I think I will be turning professional and it'll probably be as a jump jockey as I'll probably be too big and heavy for the Flat.

"Karl has given me great encouragement and I've learned plenty since coming to the yard. My main focus now is going to be on improving my riding.

"I am hoping I will get the chance for another ride quite soon. I know they were considering running Tele Red in a race at Carlisle and he will be out again soon."

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