Young rider special: future racing and eventing stars
RACING
GINA ANDREWS
Why she’s one to watch: Just 19, Gina is impressing with her ability to ride a race and has been notching up plenty of wins between the flags and under Rules. Could she be Britain’s Nina Carberry?
What’s been your greatest achievement to date: “It would have to be finishing second in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival [on 100-1 shot Mid Div And Creep]. It was so surreal, you just can’t imagine how it feels until you are there. I would have been over the moon to finish in the first five, but never expected it, although I did have real faith in her and knew she was better than people thought.”
Plan for 2011: “I’m currently leading the ladies’ point-to-point title race and would love to win, so that’s my big aim.”
Horse to watch: “Finnish Melody. She’s been pretty useless under Rules so far, but there’s more to come.”
Classic-winning trainer Pam Sly says: “Gina has a gift. She has very good hands, the horses don’t get lit up when she rides them and she judges pace perfectly. For her age, she’s one of the best girls I’ve seen.”
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EVENTING
TOM MCEWAN
Why he’s one to watch: Tom, 19, was a team gold medallist last year in his first year of young riders and marked himself out as a potential future star when winning the Edy Goldman Trophy for the under-21 rider with the most British Eventing points last year.
Most proud of: “Bringing on my young horses while continuing to compete. I love producing horses and, as a young rider, it’s the only way you can really carry on in eventing.”
Inspired by: Trainer Rodney Powell and World champion Michael Jung. “What Michael did at the World Equestrian Games was unlike anything else I had ever seen. The way he is so strong across the disciplines is inspirational.”
Plans for 2011: “To get back on to the young rider team.”
Horses to watch: “My top horse, ex-racer Dry Old Party, and Private Rudolph, who is only eight, so is one for the future. I’ll be going for young riders with him this year.”
Top trainer Gill Watson says: “I think Tom is definitely a youngster to follow. He’s a natural talent, enthusiastic and works hard — he’s got the whole package for a young rider.”
Are you a young rider or driver aged between 15-21 who would love to star in an H&H feature and be sponsored by Dodson & Horrell for a year? Then be sure to enter our amazing young rider bursary at www.horseandhound.co.uk/youngriderbursary2011 before 6 June, 2011
