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The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) star, James Lock is excited at the prospect of fulfilling a boyhood dream and becoming a Royal Ascot winning owner this Saturday 22nd June.
Lock also known as ‘Lockie’, is part of syndicate which owns the racehorse, Keystroke, who is heading to the final day of one of the global sporting events of the year and hoping for success in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes – a race which forms part of the 2019 QIPCO British Champions Series.
Keystroke, who is trained by Stuart Williams, is coming off the back of an amazing shock win in the Group 3 Abernat Stakes at Newmarket back in April, where he stormed to victory at the huge price of 66/1.
On the prospect of winning at Royal Ascot, James Lock said: “It will be a dream come true! I grew up watching horse racing as a little boy, but never once thought I’d end up owning a horse that could end up winning a big race at Royal Ascot.
“I love everything about Royal Ascot, it’s a great day out where everyone dresses up and enjoys the racing. I can’t wait to be there on Saturday to cheer on Keystroke.”
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes is part of the 2019 QIPCO British Champions Series, which showcases the finest Flat racing, and is the most valuable sprint race at Royal Ascot, worth a total prize money of £600,000.
Lock was speaking at an exclusive visit to Stuart Williams’ yard in Newmarket to check in on Keystroke’s final preparations ahead of the big race on Saturday.
Discussing Keystroke’s preparation, trainer Stuart Williams said: “I’m very happy with him. We’ve had a very good preparation and we’ve got Adam Kirby on board again. I’m very hopeful Ascot will suit him. It’s great to be going to Royal Ascot with a horse like Keystroke, in a race against some of the best sprinters in the world. It’s a tough task but he’s very well in himself and we’re all very much looking forward to it.”
James Lock added: “Owning a racehorse is brilliant. It takes you to places you could only imagine of going and adds to the excitement of what is already a great day out. Especially being in a syndicate with my mates, it’s a special feeling when your horse wins. I would encourage anyone to get into ownership, if I can do it, anyone can!”
Lock is one of eight involved in the syndicate, which is managed by GG Thoroughbreds. George Gill, who manages the syndicate, said: “Syndicates allow people to get into racing at an affordable amount of money. You get more action, more excitement and more days out at the racing. That’s what syndicates allow you to do, get involved in the sport at a fraction of the cost.”
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Video courtesy of Great British Racing and www.inthepaddock.co.uk
In the Paddock is a unique platform from Great British Racing that offers visitors the chance to search and compare shared racehorse ownership organisations based in the UK.
Shared ownership provides an accessible and affordable route into owning a racehorse by splitting the costs with like-minded people, whether that’s together with friends or creating new ones through a shared love of racing.
For more information, please visit: www.inthepaddock.co.uk
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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.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
