Carl Hester’s stable jockey to leave his yard
Carl Hester’s long-standing stable jockey — Katie Bailey (pictured riding Nip Tuck) — has announced she is leaving his yard to set up her own base.
The 26-year-old, who has been with Carl since June 2009, will be moving to Herefordshire at the end of September.
“It is sad but also exciting news that my time is done at Carl’s yard,” she said.
“I cannot thank Carl enough for the opportunity to have learnt from the best in the world and all the help I’ve had from everyone — Charlotte Dujardin, owners, colleagues, friends and clients.”
Katie took Carl’s ride at the World Equestrian Games, Nip Tuck, up to prix st georges. She was also selected onto the World Class Equine Pathway Squad with him.
“I am grateful that I was able to compete amazing horses especially Nip Tuck,” Katie added. “Thank you Jane De La Mare. I wish the team all the best for the future.”
Katie also competed Carl’s horse Don Archie as well as Goodmans Supernova, who is now at grand prix under Spencer Wilton.
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Other former pupils of Carl’s who have gone on to set-up their own yards include Olivia Oakeley, Jo Hamilton, Kate Cowell and Lucy Cartwright.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.