David Kenny is just four points ahead of Debra England going in the final of the Hands and Heels Apprentice Series this Friday at Doncaster. The two apprentices have been battling at the top of the series table since June.
Both have good rides on Friday, David Kenny on Captain Dancer for Barry Hills and Debra England on Hypnotist for her boss Clive Brittain. Only win and place points will be applied to the final race in the series (in all the heats jockey coach points for riding skills and professionalism are applied as well as win and place points), and these are 5 points for a win, 3 points for second, 2 for third and 1 for fourth. If both riders receive win or place points and it results in level points on the day then the number of win and placed rides throughout the series will determine the winner.
Jockey Coach Jimmy Bleasdale said: “It’s going to be an exciting final on Friday, and either rider deserves to win the series. They both set out to win the series and have displayed greatly improved race riding skills as its progressed and a very professional attitude.”
The British Horseracing Authority manages the series and is providing a prize to the winning rider in association with JETS (Jockeys Employment and Training Scheme). This prize includes “Winner of the 2009 Hands and Heels Apprentice Series – JETS” branded race riding clothing and kit as well as media training with JETS.
Sara Hay-Jahans, Head of Industry Recruitment and Training at the British Horseracing Authority said: “This series is an integral part of a young jockey’s race riding education and training and it’s fantastic to see so many apprentices and their employers targeting the series as a launching pad for their race riding careers.”
For further information please contact Mary-Ann Sandercock, Series Project Manager on 07786 925803.
Notes to Editors:
The Hands and Heels Apprentice Series consists of 12 races from April to October, spread geographically throughout Britain and is designed to develop the race riding skills and professionalism of young apprentices. A British Racing School Jockey Coach attends each race, walks the course with riders, briefs them on the conditions and carries out a review of the race.
Declan Cannon won the 2008 Hands and Heels Apprentice Series.
David Kenny is attached to Reg Hollinshead’s stable and has ridden in nine of the 11 heats in the series, winning one race and finishing placed twice.
Debra England is attached to Clive Brittain’s stable and has ridden in eight of the 11 heats, winning two races and finishing placed four times.
