The Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, supported by White Rose Saddlery has been won for the second year in a row by Kieran Schofield.
The jockey who was apprentice to Brian Ellison at the beginning of the season, but since turning 26 in October is now a claiming professional, took an early lead in the series and simply couldn’t be caught.
Clearly delighted by his achievement, Kieran said, “It’s a big achievement to win back to back series as it’s something that hasn’t been done before and I’m very happy with it.”
Having failed to score in the first round of the series, Kieran quickly made his way up the leader board by scoring in the second round at Ripon in April, aboard Canford Bay for Antony Brittain. Out of the points in the next three rounds, Kieran had a second win in the series at Redcar in July, taking his score to 36, where it remained for the rest of the season.
Sidelined by injury, Kieran had to miss the next two races, allowing Harry Russell to get dangerously close to the leader and a split race at Catterick meant there were two chances for the rivals to get ahead but with Paula Muir taking most of the points and moving up to joint fourth, it blocked the chance for anyone else to get ahead.
Sadly, the last race of the season at Doncaster was lost with the cancellation of their meeting and therefore the points stand, with Kieran at the top of the leader board, Harry Russell in second and Zak Wheatley back in third.
Reflecting on the series, Kieran said,“I thought I would be beaten when I missed two races through injury. It was a nerve-racking time but I was relieved to hold on.”
“The sponsorship has been very beneficial to me and my career. It is great to have the backing of an organisation like Go Racing In Yorkshire, which as well as the cash element has supported me with gym membership at Jack Berry House and I received a saddle from White Rose Saddlery.”
Charlotte Russell, General Manager of Go Racing In Yorkshire said, “Kieran has been great to work with over the past year. He has been keen to get involved with everything we are doing to promote the sport of horse racing and has shown dedication and enthusiasm to win the series for a second time.”
The series is supported by White Rose Saddlery who gave a saddle to the winning rider, and owner Wendy Hoggard, said, “Having been in the racing industry for over 30 years we feel it is really important to support the lads who are just starting out in their careers. We have seen first-hand how hard it is for them to get going and find rides and are therefore delighted to support a series that encourages and promotes this.
“Kieran has been a very worthy winner of the sponsorship and fully appreciates the help and support he has received from White Rose Saddlery and Go Racing In Yorkshire.”
“As a Yorkshire company we are delighted to support the Go Racing In Yorkshire Apprentice Series.” Added Wendy.
The Series will start again at Doncaster in March 2020.
Pictured top: Kieran Schofield (rails) winning at Ripon, aboard Canford Bay. Photo credit Louise Pollard.
Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
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