Katie Walsh heads cast for celebrated females' contest

4.45 Ascot
Longines Handicap (For Lady Amateur Riders) | 7f | 3yo+ | RUK

This handicap retains an enormous amount of prestige among the female amateur rider fraternity, despite it lacking some of its previous lustre as a conditions race when budding Group-class performers often took part.

Katie Walsh joined the likes of Princess Anne – successful aboard Ten No Trumps for Sir Michael Stoute 30 years ago – on the race’s roll of honour when winning aboard Golden Desert in 2008, and would love to do so again.

Walsh, who partners Georgian Bay – who is no stranger to 7f handicaps at Ascot – for Karl Burke, said: “I've ridden in the race a few times and won it for the late Terry Mills some years ago.

“Ascot is a fantastic course to ride at, and riding over seven furlongs is a bit unusual for me as, apart from Laytown, races over that distance don't happen for female riders.

"I've never ridden for Karl Burke, but I know him from the sales and he rang up offering me the ride on Georgian Bay. I was delighted to accept and I'm really looking forward to Saturday."

Anna Hesketh, now pupil assistant trainer to Tom Dascombe, having previously been an apprentice jockey with David Nicholls, is another who holds the race in the highest esteem.

Princess Anne was a winner on Ascot's King George card 30 years agoCredit: Chris Jackson

Hesketh, who rides Just An Idea, the sole three-year-old in the 15-runner line-up, for Harry Dunlop, said: “It’s still a really prestigious race and a great opportunity for lady amateurs to take part on a major raceday – the fact that it’s at Ascot too makes it really special. I can’t wait.”

Just An Idea boasts placed form on soft ground, and Hesketh, who finished second on Meyandi for Andrew Balding in an amateur riders’ handicap at Newbury on Thursday night, said: “Just An Idea has a great chance. He looks a progressive three-year-old who should see out the trip.”

Hesketh joined Manor House Stables last year, and added: “I am enjoying being pupil assistant to Tom a lot, and it’s also nice to be getting a few rides and some good opportunities.”

Becky Smith, fresh from partnering her great ally Camillas Wish – on whom she has won four times this summer – to victory in a 3m1f handicap chase at Cartmel on Monday, rides possible market leader Classic Seniority, who bids for a hat-trick following wins at Doncaster and Hamilton this month.

Hayley Moore: has won this race twice and will partner Supersta this time aroundCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Marjorie Fife-trained five-year-old is in the form of his life but the majority of his victories have been achieved on less testing terrain.

Hayley Moore, triumphant aboard Redvers (2012) and Captain Ramius (2011), partners Supersta for Mick Appleby in a race won 12 months ago by Hawkeyethenoo, who was retired earlier this week.