Stable staff excited by prospect of riding under race conditions

One of the highlights of Racing Staff Week, which celebrates the work of stud, stable and racecourse staff, takes place on Friday with charity races in aid of Racing Welfare at Doncaster and Newton Abbot.

Both contests are for stable staff, and the Betfair Clock Tower Cup, run on Town Moor, features 12 established handicappers, including Chaplin Bay, Gannicus and Kiwi Bay.

The Ruth Carr-trained Chaplin Bay, a winner on Newcastle’s all-weather surface this year, will be partnered by Lucy Collier, who said: “This is my first job in racing. I’ve been working hard to improve my riding so it’s brilliant to be given the opportunity to experience race-riding and to say, 'I’ve ridden in a race’.”

The David Griffiths-trained Cyflymder is the mount of Tom Wigglesworth, another really looking forward to the race.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a jockey, but was never small enough!” Wigglesworth said. “It’s a great opportunity to ride in a competitive race for an incredibly important charity.”

Q&A with Cheryl Armstrong, head girl to Charlie Fellowes

Sarah Jones, who rides Justice Pleasing for Roger Fell, said: “I’m excited to ride in the Clock Tower Cup. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience race-riding and to help raise money for a brilliant charity that helps so many people in the racing industry.”

The Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup at Newton Abbot also contains 12 runners, including the locally trained Iniciar (David Pipe) and Archie Rice (Jimmy Frost).

Clare Wyatt is in the spotlight aboard Iniciar, and she said: “It’s always been on my bucket list to ride in a race and to have the opportunity to do it around our local track is even better.”

Philippa Hyne, who partners Archie Rice, is also excited about the prospect of riding round Newton Abbot under race conditions.

“This is an incredible opportunity for stable staff like myself who haven’t had the chance to race-ride,” she said. “It’s also a brilliant way to raise money for such a fantastic charity – one well all need in the industry.”

Friday's racecards

Zachary Sparrow, who works for John Flint, is hoping his ride on the stable’s Love And Be Loved could be another step towards his dream of getting an amateur licence.

“I have worked for Karl Burke, Patrick Holmes, Jason Ward and Paul Nicholls before joining John Flint’s yard – I love my job here,” he said.

“My racing ambition is to get my amateur licence one day, and riding at Newton Abbot will hopefully be a step towards that.”

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com