SALUTE CAPT. COURAGEOUS
Aintree the latest test for amputee jockey Guy
FORMER Army Captain Guy Disney makes history today when he becomes the first amputee to ride over the formidable Grand National fences.
Disney lost his left leg from the knee down in Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by a grenade while he was serving in Helmand province during July 2009. He now rides with a prosthetic lower leg.
Today he will achieve a life-long ambition when he partners Gallery Exhibition in the Randox Health Foxhunters’ Chase, which takes place over a circuit of the Grand National course. The race captured his imagination after he watched Julian Pritchard partner Gunner Welburn to victory in 2001.
Two years ago, Disney showed he is up to today’s challenge when he became the first amputee to win a race under Rules in Britain after partnering Rathlin Rose to victory in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup, a three-mile steeplechase, at Sandown. The pair added to that success in this year’s contest.
Interesting
But his achievements do not sit comfortably with the former soldier who plays down his battle over adversity.
“The headline on Thursday will no doubt be, Amputee Disney rides over the National fences,” said the 36-year-old. “It winds me up. There will be a stack of jockeys riding with interesting stories to tell, but the focus will be on a one-legged bloke.”
Disney does reluctantly concede that he has been an inspiration for people struggling with an impairment.
“Yeah, I feel slightly uncomfortable about that,” he said. “I promise you I’m really a selfish pig. I do exactly what I want to do in my life.
“But I’m the only one that knew what it took to get back on a horse. I’ve sat on the coat tails of other people.
“I could not have done what I have without the doctor who helped me get my licence. That horse at Sandown (Rathlin Rose) could have ® won with anyone on its back. I’m not trying to be humble. I just think it’s slightly frustrating that I get all the pats on the back and the plaudits for a lot of other people’s hard work.”
Not everyone admires Disney’s heroic achievements.
“I was forwarded a tweet, sent by some random keyboard warriors – ‘I hope he falls off and breaks his back’. I find this extraordinary. As an amateur jockey we don’t get paid and it’s something the professional riders have to live with it on daily basis.”
Before he lost part of his leg Disney was a successful amateur rider and the chances of him returning to race-riding appeared to be over.
“On my first meeting with the British Horseracing Authority doctor, he said it would never happen,” said Disney. “It was not until I met Dr David Carey, and we were working the case together.
“A lot of it is about changing perception. It should not be any different if somebody rides to the right standard, is safe on his horse and with the other jockeys.
“It’s a shame to live in a society when it automatically says you should not do that.
“Look at what is achieved at the Invictus Games and the Paralympics. I’m not comparing myself to them as they are proper athletes, but they have changed a few perceptions.”
Disney rides with an enclosed stirrup, resembling a boot, which keeps his prosthetic lower leg in place. “When I lost my leg, I remember getting a letter from Fergie Sutherland [the Cheltenham Gold Cupwinning trainer who lost his leg in the Korean War],” said Disney. “He rode in point-to-points and it inspired me to ride again.”
To say Disney, the Malvern College-educated son of an Oxfordshire doctor, likes a challenge is an understatement. He became the first amputee to walk to the North and South Pole, the latter when he was part of Prince Harry’s Walking With The Wounded team.
But today his focus will be about surviving the National course – which includes the famous Becher’s Brook, a 4ft 10in high fence with a drop up to 5ft 8in, and The Chair, 5ft 2in in height with an 11ft spread.
Ultimate
Disney has an excellent partner in Gallery Exhibition. Kim Bailey, whose GP is Guy’s father, trains the gelding who finished fifth in the 2016 Topham Chase, which also takes place over today’s course.
“I saw Guy when he was in hospital,” said Bailey. “So I’ve known the story from day one. When he was lying there all he wanted to do was ride in a race and get back in the saddle and that was his ultimate dream.
“Guy has schooled the horse over Nationaltype fences and has every chance of winning, as long as the ground is not too heavy.”
Disney, fulfilling his dream this afternoon, added: “I will be in the changing room with jockeys who have been my heroes and idols, it will be phenomenal. I’m incredibly lucky to the have the chance of jumping round Aintree.
“When I was injured an 18-year-old soldier next to me died. I’m very fortunate.”