Monday 28th February
Right, so this would be the entry where I promised I’d tell you all what horse I’m riding. I was thinking maybe I should wait a bit longer, though? No, don’t worry! I wouldn’t do that.
The horse I’ll be racing is a six-year-old called Ambrose Princess trained by the well-known Michael Scudamore. Huge thanks go to the very generous owners Chris Coley and the YesNoWaitSorries Racing Syndicate, who have been so kind as to lend me their very valuable and top-notch horse to race with. It’s a real thrill for me to do this on such a good horse.
I’m also going to be racing in their traditional “scrambled egg” colours of Red and Yellow, which are the colours of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) who play at the Lord’s ground. The syndicate is closely involved in the MCC as well as the Gloucestershire Gipsies CC.
Ambrose Princess racing in the “scrambled egg” |
Chloe whispers her Big Race strategy to |
Above and main picture (top): Chloe models for |
Tuesday 1st March
More riding out at Nigel Twiston Davies’ (www.nigeltwistondavies.co.uk) today and was given some help and tips by the Assistant Head Lad, Richard Bevis (Sparky). Some advice I’ve been given is to use the the mechanical horse at work (!!) during lunch breaks. It seems that working at Cheltenham Racecourse is going to come in really handy! So I’m thinking of starting that tomorrow.
I have to say, I am so grateful to Nigel, Fergal O’Brien and the rest of the team at Grange Hill Farm for their support and advice. It can’t be easy to try and train up an amateur for a race watched by 60,000 people. Thank you so much guys!
It’s getting so much closer now. It’s the last real push for fitness. So I’m off to slog at the gym. Boxercise tonight; which guarantees pain! But results as well, so it’s worth it. I’m also dragging my friend Nicola with me, I hope she doesn’t hate me for it.
Wednesday 2nd March
Not really much going on today apart from the awful ache that Boxercise (from last night) inflicts! So I thought I’d treat you to a few more casual pics of Ambrose Princess, because she’s gorgeous and I’m so excited to ride her.
Thursday 3rd March
There have been a few good omens about the Big Race, that I’ve noticed. But the most striking of all was pointed out to me by my good friend Francis Keogh, and now I can’t stop thinking it whenever I look at Ambrose Princess! She looks the spitting image of one of the greatest living racehorses: Kauto Star.
You may have noticed that I’ve been really excited about a couple of recent photo-shoots; one was released last Saturday in the Echo’s Weekend supplement. But the one I’ve been really dying to get my hands on was a shoot we did for Cotswold Style magazine (www.stylemagazines.co.uk).
The shoot was shot at racing legend Jonjo O’Neill’s yard and was based around the racing season (isn’t everything in the Cotswolds at this time of year?!) and fashion that we could wear. CS very kindly allowed me to be a model to raise awareness for Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org) and the Big Race. It was so beautifully done and the clothes were stunning – I was just anxious to see it in print.
Well, thankfully it really didn’t disappoint! The March issue came out yesterday and the photos look really spectacular, thanks to the ever-talented Spencer McPherson (www.allintheimage.co.uk), who also managed to come support us at the benefit party a couple of weeks ago. Here are some photos for you to have a peek.
Friday 4th March
Just a quick update on what I’ve been up to exercise-wise. Got up this morning for a workout – putting in the 4k runs before work really wakes you up. Even, if the ensuing mad dash to the office feels like working out all over again! There’s really been limited chance for me to keep the fitness going, whilst I’ve been riding horses and trying to develop my skill level.
On that note, I just checked my Just Giving (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett) and even though my target’s been smashed, you’re all being incredibly generous and still giving. Thank you so much!
GUIDE TO THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2011 – click here
CHLOE BOWKETT | • | Chloe Bowkett, 26, from Cheltenham, is an Events Manager at Cheltenham Racecourse. Chloe has taken part in Pony Club activities from the age of eight, is an experienced show jumper and event rider. She says:
“Racing runs through my family’s blood. My father bred and owned Shylock’s Retreat, who qualified for the Grand National and the Gold Cup, after finishing second in the Foxhunter Chase at Aintree in 1988. I was in the winner’s enclosure in my buggy! My father and I bred a Pointer to Pointer who we broke in together. He is now qualified through the hunting field by myself. If you would like to sponsor Chloe or make a donation please see her fundraising page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett | • |
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…