The highest rated 11 year old gelding, Real Milan triumphed over the nine strong field in the final of the popular Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club Members Novice Riders Series. Real Milan was ridden by Jack Jones, owned by his parents and trained by his father Nicholas Jones. Jack who is 20and in his first full seasonas a point to point jockey,did an excellent job piloting the much fancied Real Milan to a six length victory over Western Promise. The gelding was at the back of the pack to start, but made good headway at fence 15 leading two out and ran clear to the post.
Jack, who will graduate in July after studying a degree in Agricultural Business Management at Reading University, wins £600 prize money and will receive a voucher from Dodson & Horrell for his 2016/17 Riders License. Jack is now lying joint second in the Dodson & Horrell Novice Award for the Wilkinson Sword. The gelding has been on top form having won at Howick in March and Whitfield in April.
“Real Milan gave me an excellent run, the race started quick which made me a little anxious, but he enjoys passing horses so this race really suited his running style. I am very grateful to my parents for helping me keep him fit whilst I have been studying at university, we keep a couple of hunters at home and Real Milan is our only point to point horse so this win is extra special to me and my family,” commented Jack Jones.
The second horse home was Western Promise (IRE) who made a good start and ran well to finish behind the leader . This bay gelding wasridden by F. Timmis,owned by The Lyggon Lott Partnership (Mrs J. Williams) and trained by Stacey Whitehead.
Third past the post was Susquehanna River (IRE) ridden by P. Bullard, owned by Mr S. Bullard and trainedby Nicholas Wright.Kriss William (FR) who gained a quick lead till the fourth ridden by Mrs R. Turner finished in fourth place.
Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell said “It has been a great day with enthusiastic crowds; we always enjoy hosting this series of races and especially at the final at Garthorpe. Dodson & Horrell is keen to support point to pointing and particularly the novice riders; it is always interesting to see how their careers develop and I am sure Jack will join the long line of winners who go on to have a successful profile in racing.”
