We were all so excited after Beverley but with just a week
till York it was back to getting ready for our biggest race of the year, the
Conditions Final at York! The Conditions series is new this year and it has
been for ponies/riders that have not been placed in the finals for the last 2
years – it’s a great series because it gives more people a chance to get to a
big final.
With just a week between races Paddy didn’t really need to
do much work, but having been away the week before I wanted to make sure I was
as fit as possible – ever since I started pony racing I have been getting help
from jockey and Coach Brian Harding, he helps me with sessions on the
equicizer. We work on my technique and fitness and it really does make a big
difference and I am much fitter and stronger now thanks to his help.
As Sunday arrived, I started to feel nervous – we arrived at
the stables and got Paddy settled in his box, then Dad and I went across to the
weighing room. I hadn’t been to York before and when we came out from the
stables and onto the track I was just amazed at how big the racecourse is and the nerves just started
to get worse! We all met up went for the course walk with Tim Reed and very
soon it was time for the race.
Dad and I had talked through tactics etc., but it all went
out of the window a bit because we didn’t really get the start we wanted so we
settled in about 4th place, as we came around the bend I had to go
quite a bit wider than I had wanted but I didn’t want to get blocked in, about
2f out Paddy started running on well and we hit the front, he kept staying on really
well and we won! It really was the best feeling ever!
Coming back into the paddock and the winners enclosure was
all a bit of a dream, but one of the best things was that my big sister Beccy was
there as well – she is moving to Australia next week for 2 years and because of
her job as a nurse, she hasn’t been able to come racing before so it was really
special that she was there.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the Pony Racing
Authority for putting on such a special day, everyone at York for looking after
us so well and also to White Rose Saddlery for the lovely prizes. We took a
picture of Paddy in his winner’s rug but didn’t realise until after he is being
cheeky and poking his tongue out!
What a brilliant way to end the summer holidays, but back to
school now…….
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