Amputee Disney enjoys fairytale jumps success

LONDON: Former soldier Guy Disney rode into the history books on Friday when he became the first amputee jockey to win at a professional racecourse in Britain with victory in the prestigious Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown.

The 34-year-old, who lost his lower right leg when his vehicle was hit by a grenade while serving with British forces in Afghanistan in 2009, won on the David Pipe-trained Rathlin Rose having gone close to triumphing in the 2015 edition when he finished third.

“To ride a winner here is very, very special,” said Disney, who is the first jockey to ride over fences in Britain with an artificial leg.

The meeting is more than 150 years old and restricted to horses owned or leased by those who are serving or have served in the Royal Artillery.

“I’ve been phenomenally lucky,” said Disney. “I’ve been amazingly well looked after – people have had it far worse than I have. Some don’t make it back. It was quite frustrating when there was a lot of fuss for finishing third in 2015 – anyone who is in this wants to win it. It’s just nice to go a few places better now.”

Disney did not just have to overcome the physical and mental scars of losing his lower right leg but also had to convince the British Horseracing Authority by passing several tests that he was fit to compete again.

Riding over fences sounds mild in comparison to what he achieved in 2013 when he took part in the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge accompanied by Prince Harry. He also undertook a trip to the North Pole in 2012.

“It’s fantastic. He’s inspirational to everyone,” said Pipe.

Disney may a rare sight these days but it was commonplace in the 20th century to see injured soldiers in the sport.

The late Ireland-based trainer Fergie Sutherland had a leg amputated in the Korean War but went on to train Imperial Call to win the 1996 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Indeed Disney revealed to the Daily Telegraph in 2014 that Sutherland had written a letter to him to support his efforts to ride again. — AFP