Teenage jockey Freddie Gingell lands landmark first Grade One race

Freddie Gingell and Elixir De Nuit win the Clarence House at Cheltenham — Freddie Gingell riding Elixir De Nutz (yellow silks) wins the My Pension Expert Clarence House Chase from James Bowen riding Jonbon (green and gold) at Cheltenham Racecourse.

(Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Emotions ran high at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday (27 January) as teenage jockey Freddie Gingell landed a milestone first Grade One success.

The 18-year-old National Hunt jockey produced a tactical masterclass on 22/1 outsider Elixir De Nutz for his uncle, trainer Joe Tizzard, beating a high-class field including odds-on favourite Jonbon (James Bowen) to win the rerouted My Pension Expert Clarence House Chase on Festival Trials Day.

The race had looked like a foregone conclusion for the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon but the gelding’s usually flawless jumping became haphazard and his partnership with new jockey James Bowen only just stayed intact after a crucial mistake at the top of the hill. The pair then made confident progress, hitting the front before the last, but a renewed drive from Freddie on Terry Warner’s classy 10-year-old Elixir De Nutz pushed them a neck in front of Jonbon as they crossed the line, making it three from three for the teenager and the gallant grey this season.

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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.

‘Mum was looking down on me today’: teenager in shock Grade One success on 22/1 outsider

Freddie Gingell: “An amazing day”

“Freddie has done me proud”

This was also a first Grade One success for trainer Joe Tizzard, Kim’s brother, and he described it as a special moment.

“I didn’t come here thinking we were going to win a Grade One, but we were happy to take our chance with a horse that has been brilliant all season,” he said.

“Jonbon looked like he had us beaten, then we probably out-jumped him at the last. It was our day today and it is special.

“I wouldn’t mind being in Freddie’s position. He is 18 and he has it all in front of him. He is the right size and he is very good over a fence. Days like this don’t faze him and he can take it. I’m biassed, but he has done me proud.

“Kim would be so proud and that is what she put into Freddie to make him the man that he is.”

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