Alan King's daughter Georgia enjoys first winner on first ride against the pros
Apprentice Georgia King, the daughter of Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Alan who has also become a potent force on the Flat, rode her first winner under rules at Wolverhampton on Tuesday when Gavi Di Gavi proved too good for his rivals in the 1m½f handicap for older horses.
The 18-year-old King, whose father trains the 4-1 winner, was having just her 11th ride and made no mistake on the son of Camacho, who sports the yellow silks of longtime yard patron Niall Farrell.
"I knew I had a good chance as I had a good ride off him at Lingfield last month," she said.
Replay: Watch Georgia King's first winner
"I learned from the other day when I had a ride here and messed up.
"I went five wide so I made sure today I didn't go too wide and I got a lovely run through.
"Charlie Bishop said to me in the stalls just before we jumped that they'd go very quick to the first bend and to be ready, so I made sure I got my position.
"Today was my first ride against the pros. I rode in eight races as an amateur before switching to apprentice and this was my first time [against senior jockeys] so I was very nervous."
The youngster's father has become a stalwart of the winter code in Britain, winning the Champion Chase with Voy Por Ustedes in 2007 and then landing the Champion Hurdle a year later with Katchit.
In recent years, however, he has expanded his operation on the Flat, which could present the rider – who captured a charity race at Epsom in August 2018 – with more opportunities.
"I was into eventing a lot more when I was younger," she added, speaking to Sky Sports. "I only started riding out when I was 14 and then started full-time for Dad after my GCSEs, as sixth form wasn't for me.
"There'd be a lot more Flat horses in the yard now – nearly 50-50 when it used to be just a handful on the Flat.
"I've got my four horses to look after and go racing quite often with those, while I'd like to thank my jockey coach George Baker, who has helped me a lot.
"We went through the race last night and he's been great, while I'm very grateful to Mr Farrell for giving me the chance.
"I didn't think it would happen in my first race against the pros. I knew he had a good chance, but it's amazing to ride a winner."
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Published on 5 January 2021inReports
Last updated 19:05, 5 January 2021
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