More joy for Elliott

MULTIPLE sclerosis ended Rhona Elliott’s training career but she was celebrating success after Wot A Shot won at Musselburgh yesterday.

Wot A Shot is owned by the Multiple Sclerosis Borders Racing Club which was set up by Elliott, pictured, in 2004 after she was forced to retire from training after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“We’ve been going for

15 years,” said Elliott. “I started the syndicate off when I was diagnosed with MS about 30 years ago and I was given Diamond Mick, who I trained.

“Rose Davidson as she was [now Dobbin] rode the first winner at Kelso and this will be the 22nd winner in the 15 years, with 25 seconds. It is amazing.”

Wot A Shot, trained by Nicky Richards and partnered by Ryan Day, was the popular winner of the Betway Hurdle. “The horse carries the Multiple Sclerosis Society colours,” added Elliott. “What people don’t realise is there’ll be a lot of people sitting at home in wheelchairs and they know the colours and they’ll be watching the horse.

“It’s for everybody that’s sitting at home and cheering for the horses to give them a boost.

“We have a huge membership now with about 44 members. Nicky Richards, who has been training for us for the last four or five years, gives us such pleasure.”

Ruth Jefferson is hoping the rain arrives in time for Waiting Patiently to run at Kempton on Saturday.

On his last visit to the Sunbury track the gelding was brought down in the King George VI Chase. His long term objective is the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.