‘HE’S THE REASON I CAME BACK TO RIDE’

H&H columnist Fergal O’Brien is having his best season, but few winners will have given him as much pleasure as Ratify’s victory in the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle for military jockeys.

The sprightly 14-year-old — winning his third race of the season but reverting to hurdles for this one — was ridden by O’Brien’s partner Sally Randell.

The rider is a former lance bombardier and a competent amateur in her own right, who came out of retirement for the occasion.

Randell, 34, who initially took over from Andy Turnell but gave up to assist O’Brien at his Naunton yard, is one of the more successful military riders, having won this race three times, plus the Grand Military Gold Cup three times on Oakfield Legend, Bradley and Loose Chips.

Having won the race Randell, who rides out Ratify every day at home, promptly re-retired.

“That was fantastic,” she said. “He’s the only reason I came back to ride. Five years ago was the last time I rode in this race and I won it. My grandad died that morning and I said I just wanted to ride in it one more time and there was nothing I wanted to ride until Ratify came along. I knew if I just sat there he could win it for me.”

She added: “It was worth coming out of retirement. I was screaming at him after the last and it’s just so special. I won my last chase and I thought there’s no way that can happen twice. That’s it though — I promise you won’t see me riding again.” Sally Randell and Fergal O’Brien celebrate winning the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Riders’

Handicap Hurdle