11-year-old tackles 50-mile ride for IJF
An 11-year-old has raised over £2,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) through a 50-mile sponsored ride.
Devon-based Scarlett Vaux rode her piebald pony Sanjay from Taunton racecourse to Exeter racecourse this month (April 12).
Scarlett’s father, Piers, joined her on the ride with his mare Jacana.
They were welcomed by crowds at Exeter and paraded in the paddock.
“It feels great to have done it and I feel really good,” Scarlett said.
“My pony was brilliant and behaved really well.”
Year six pupil Scarlett planned the ride as part of a school project.
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Her grandfather, major general Nick Vaux, is a former chairman of Exeter racecourse.
“My grandfather loves racing and he’s brought me to Exeter before and I’ve really enjoyed it,” added Scarlett.
“We bought Sanjay in January and I’ve just started competing on him. He’s only seven but he’s lovely.”
Scarlett’s father planned the route, which avoided the M5 and passed along bridleways and lanes.
The route crossed the Blackdown Hills and passed through Hemyock, Blackborough, Bradninch, Silverton, Thorverton, Newton St Cyres and Ide until they reached Haldon Forest and rode onto the racecourse.
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Helping riders and their families
The IJF is H&H’s charity of the year 2016.
The group helps riders and their families who have been affected by injuries in their sport.
In the past 51 years more than 1,000 jockeys have been helped by the IJF.
With two rehabilitation centres and direct support across the country, jockeys hurt in their line of work have access to free rehab and training, as well as support and advice.
More recently the charity’s work has also extended to riders in other disciplines, most notably eventers.
To find out more and make donation click here.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.