'It's extra special' - Serena Brotherton excited for female amateur challenge

Saturday: 2.00 York
Queen Mother's Cup Handicap | 3yo+ | 1m4f | ITV/RTV

Serena Brotherton is relishing her bid for a fourth win in one of Britain's most renowned female amateur riders races in a victory that would be "extra special" for the jockey on one of her most beloved horses.

Brotherton, who last won the race in 2014 on Pearl Castle, partners the Mick and David Easterby-trained Casilli and is excited to have another opportunity in front of the ITV cameras and a bumper Saturday crowd.

"It's one of the most prestigious races for female amateur riders. We all love the race and everyone is desperate to get a ride in it every year," she said.

"It's a better grade of horse to ride than we're used to at an established Group 1 track in front of the cameras on a big day, it's always exciting."

Brotherton, who lives in nearby Whitwell-on-the-Hill, knows her mount well and will fulfil a longtime ambition with the five-year-old.

She added: "It's extra special because I ride Casilli nearly every day at home and have always wanted to ride him on the track. It'll be amazing if he wins."

Todhunter hopes teaming up with O'Brien pays off

Martin Todhunter hopes Fern O'Brien's unfortunate incident at Cartmel earlier this monthwill be a blessing in disguise with the up-and-coming young jockey set for her first ride for the trainer on 2019 winner Arctic Fox.

O'Brien lost her saddlecloth and the race on Grageelagh Girl in the 3m½f hunter chase that day, but her talent in the saddle caught the eye of Todhunter, who gives the 16-year-old jockey her first ride in the race on the six-year-old, who also finished second last year.

He said: "Fern was really unfortunate that day, but she gave that horse a cracking ride and I'm very happy to have her on board. She's a very good young rider.

"Arctic Fox wants a good pace to aim at, so I'm happy to see there are more runners in it this year. I'm expecting a big run."

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Bollin Joan
Emily [Easterby, daughter] is looking forward to the ride. It's a big race for female amateur riders and it'll be a great occasion too. We're running here as she loves York and Emily has won on her before. She's in good form.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Ming Dynasty and Tiger Jet
Ming Dynasty only won a seller last time but they've left him on the same mark. He's a solid horse who'll like the ground. Tiger Jet ran two solid races first up and should run well, but may be better over two miles.

Harry Eustace, trainer of Topanticipation
Her York form is pretty handy given she has two seconds and a first there. We're hoping for a big run and we've got a good jockey booking secured. It'll be Becky's [Smith] first ride for me, but she came very highly recommended from her weighing-room colleagues.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Cathayensis
My daughter Anna rides and it’s only her second ride. Cathayensis should be a good ride for her. She’s stepping up in trip and goes there with place claims.

Saturday's race previews:

2.35 York: Boardman heads trio of course-and-distance winners in red-hot handicap

2.50 Sandown: Can the classy Caturra justify decision to skip Commonwealth Cup?

3.05 York: Shadwell have got it right this year - but has one slipped through the net?

3.40 York: 'I fancy him very strongly here' - key trainer quotes for York's big sprint

3.40 York analysis: Who's on the right path to sprint glory? Graeme Rodway outlines the best route (£)

Saturday jury: 'I'd be very excited to ride him' - Jack Mitchell with his big hope for Ascot (£)

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