McLernon has double celebration after landing valuable award

Jessica McLernon, current understudy to trainer Richard Fahey, has received the perfect birthday present by winning this year's Alex Scott Assistant Trainers Travel Scholarship.

Sister of successful jump jockey Richie, Jessica, 24, won the award through her enthusiasm for learning and the wide-ranging role she plays at Fahey's base at Musley Bank Stables in Malton.

Other qualities which led to Jessica coming out best of a short-list of four were her skills in mentoring young staff according to the judges.

Set up in the wake of the Newmarket trainer's tragic death in 1994, the scholarship aims to support those who are committed to a training career in Britain by promoting their education and improvement of their skills abroad.

Jessica will shortly be spending a month with training legend Gai Waterhouse at Randwick in Australia. She said: “I'm extremely honoured to be chosen as the winner of such a prestigious award that is so close to so many people's hearts.

"I owe so much to the great people I have around me, most of all my fantastic boss Richard Fahey. During my trip to Australia I hope to gain more knowledge and experience of the racing industry and this will in time help me to become a young trainer."