Rosie and Bean strike in Ascot charity race

‘Walking out from under the grandstand tunnel with the Ascot atmosphere around you has to be one of the best feelings in the world,’ said charity race winner, Rosie Margarson.

I’ve been a licensed amateur jockey since June this year and before my big day at Ascot I had two previous rides at smaller racecourses.  Winning my first race, and on Caribbean Spring AKA ‘Bean’ in the Princes’ Countryside Fund Charity Race last Friday was a dream come true.

It was a privilege to combine my passion for racing and riding racehorses alongside raising funds for the Princes Countryside Trust. Between us, the 11 riders have raised in excess of £25,000 so far through our sponsorship efforts.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund

The charity was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 to help secure a brighter future for British farmers and the countryside. Each year the Fund provides up to £1.1 million in grants to projects across the UK as well as running its own initiatives such as The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme, and commissioning research into issues affecting rural communities.

It was kind of Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund to say that she was immensely grateful to the riders who took part in this year’s race, and to congratulate me.

Our fundraising will hopefully make a real difference to those living and working in the countryside, and it is particularly important with the Patron turning 70 this year.

Back to work

In my day job, I work for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund, while also being a work rider for my father George, who trains Bean. I’m so grateful for the all the help given to me by my parents and my sister Katie – she got me in shape by training me at Newmarket’s Racefit Gym. I must also mention Michael Tebbutt and the British Racing School for helping me and allowing me to get on board the racehorse simulators – it was vital to my preparation.

Charity also helped me out

Our preparation for the Ascot race didn’t go to plan as Bean and I parted company in quite dramatic style on the gallops just two weeks before our big day. I was really grateful to the physiotherapists at KPO Osteopathic & Sports Injuries Clinic who got me back on my feet and in good shape, just in time.

The rest of the field at Ascot may be relaxing and recovering from Friday, however Bean and I have a declaration to race at Southwell today, so keep an eye out for us!