The jockey-turned trainer 'hoping to get off to a flyer' with her first runner

After more than a decade as a jockey, Gemma Tutty is taking the training reins from her mother Karen and will have her first runner when Little Jo runs at Pontefract on Tuesday.

Tutty, 29, helped with the training of the horses last year and had her last ride as a licensed jockey in February but the transition has not been all smooth sailing.

“It’s been a lot of work, a lot more work than you’d ever imagine. Running a business is stressful, it transpires,” she said.

“It’s not so bad now it’s all set up. It was more trying to get the licence through – the business side of things – but once it’s all flowing it’ll be fine.

“I’m happy to have my first runner this week; it feels like everything is coming together now, so happy days!

The new North Yorkshire-based trainer felt it was the right time to take up the full-time position from her mother, who herself has had more than a decade of experience within the sport.

Gemma Tutty: 'The homework has been great, they look great and they’ve got good draws'Credit: Alan Crowhurst

She said: “I was a lot more involved in the training side of things last year and I was finding it stressful and putting a lot of pressure on myself trying to do both. It seemed like the right time really. Mum was ready to take a back seat and I was ready to take the front seat.

“I didn’t want to stop riding but I’ve got my head around things. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it over the winter, so by the time I had my last ride I was happy with my decision and looking forward to the season.”

Little Jo gets the journey started when he tackles a mile handicap, with her second runner coming on Wednesday when Treasure Troube competes at Catterick (4.20).

Tutty is optimistic about their chances and how that will set up the season to come.

She said: “Both of them have a good chance. The homework has been great, they look great and they’ve got good draws; we’ll see. Let’s hope we get off to a flyer!

“We had 15 winners last year. We’ve got a few more horses this year, so I’d like to aim a little bit higher than 15. As long as the horses are doing the best that they can do, and I’m getting the best out of them, then that’s all I can do.”

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