A 60-year-old jockey proved she still has the winning edge in yesterday’s (Sunday 7 April) Race for Repeal at Ascot.
Joint-master of the East Sussex and Romney Marsh hunt and point-to-point trainer Di Grissell – the oldest jockey in the race by 10 years – rode to glory on Gary Moore’s South Cape.
Di was leading lady amateur in 1979 and has raced over hurdles and jumps – but not for 25 years.
“The horse gave me a super ride – it was exhilarating,” Di told H&H.
“I’ve definitely got the bug back and am contemplating riding in a members’ race next weekend, but I’m not sure I’d pass the doctor!”
Di beat James Van Praagh, joint-master of the Old Surrey Burstow and West Kent, into second place in a photo finish.
“It was very close,” she said. “I was in second to Nicola Wilson [who rode for the Surrey Union] and as I pulled past I heard James come whizzing up behind.
“He headed me at one point, but my horse rallied.”
James and Di were among seven riders representing their hunts to raise money for the Countryside Alliance at the fourth annual Ascot Countryside Race Day.
Visit www.ascot.co.uk/countrymeet/countryside-raceday.
