I’m backing my girl to be National hero
Trainer and daughter in historic bid
JOCKEY Tabitha Worsley is aiming to create Grand National history this week – on a horse owned and trained by her mum.
But Georgie Howell will be a “quivering wreck” as her daughter lines up for Saturday’s big race.
The 26-year-old will tackle Aintree on 100-1 shot Sub Lieutenant.
She will be one of three women riders hoping to become the first female to steer home the winner of the “world’s greatest steeplechase”, alongside Rachael Blackmore and Bryony Frost.
Mum Georgie, 55, revealed the very special occasion will also be a scary one.
She said: “I will be ashen white and terrified. I will sit there with my head in my hands. I probably won’t watch too much of it.
“You try to do your very best for your kids and you try to encourage them to do their passions and follow their paths.
“But I do spend a lot of time thinking, ‘Why on earth did she not become a hockey player or a darts player?’”
Tabitha added: “She is going to be a quivering wreck. I think she has been like that since I started racing. She has probably got worse since I’ve had a couple of bad injuries. “I had broken my back but plenty of other jockeys have had worse injuries than me.” Just 17 months after her horror fall, Tabitha won the Foxhunters’ Chase over the National fences in Liverpool. And despite the long odds on a bigger success this week, she has her eyes on victory. She said: “He has already given us two really fun days out and if we can keep him sound and well, he should give us the biggest day of both mine and my mum’s careers and lives.” Georgie added: “We might be 100-1 but the horse has got every chance if you look at the form book. “It is dreamland to think he might win but it isn’t impossible.”