The urban riding school facing an uncertain future - and why we must help it

It seems strange to think there were racecourses in the heart of our biggest cities not so long ago. From Alexandra Park and Phoenix Park in London and Dublin to others in Birmingham and Manchester, racing was on the doorstep in areas where now there is barely a horse to be seen.

It is not only the tracks which have succumbed to the pressures of redevelopment. Stables in places of high land value have also been disappearing, ever broadening the urban-rural divide.

There are, of course, jockeys from Willie Carson to Martin Dwyer and Danny Cook who have made their way into the sport from unlikely backgrounds, expert stable staff who did not ride a horse until adulthood, and genius punters who would be terrified of even standing near one.

Yet early exposure to these animals always seems the surest start for fostering a lifetime's interest in them.

My nearest riding school, Park Lane Stables in Teddington, is the latest to find itself in a perilous position. It is tucked away on a completely residential street and, when I pass, it sometimes presents the surreal sight of a tethered pony waiting patiently on a London pavement.

Unfortunately, the landlord now wants the property back, meaning the school has to somehow raise £1 million in only a few weeks to buy it. The likes of Clare Balding, Nick Luck and local MP Munira Wilson have lent their support but their Crowdfunder site (save-our-stables) badly needs more help.

The way that riding or simply interacting with horses can provide purpose and even salvation has been widely demonstrated by the work of the Ebony Horse Club in London, while last Monday's Racing Post carried a feature on the inspirational Freedom Zampaladus and his Urban Equestrian Academy in Leicester, which might have already nurtured a jockey of the future.

Park Lane has many of its own success stories, operating as a charity with the emphasis on affordability to all and providing Riding for the Disabled and Pony Club activities.

Another local centre recently retreated further to the city's margins when the premises made way for flats, but relocation is not an option for Park Lane as it would not be serving the community that needs it.

The prospect of no longer seeing the equine residents standing on the street or hacking in Bushy Park is a sad one, even as someone who spends most days looking at horses. For those who don't, the loss could be far more damaging.

Letters to the editor: racing should be grateful for the likes of Dave Crosse

What a fantastic example Dave Crosse presented to us all in whatever walk of life when he was interviewed in Popping the Questions (January 10).

Dave’s positive and forward-looking attitude shone through every question, and despite the financial and physical hardships faced in his riding career, there was not a hint of self-pity or regret of any kind, but rather a feeling of gratitude of a life well lived.

The list of physical injuries and a diagnosis of diabetes has not been ­sufficient to dent Dave’s courageous attitude to life, and his only complaint, if it could be called that, was a convincing appeal to the racing industry to recognise that jockeys are entitled to be paid for riding out if they are not already contracted to do so.

I think what may be taken for granted inside the industry, but by
no means outside of it, is the ­extraordinary skills of jockeys in handling and riding all kinds of horses at no small danger to themselves. Those of us looking in from outside would surely agree that such skills should be rightfully rewarded.

I have no doubt, though, that if this were not to happen, the likes of Dave Crosse would somehow either not dwell upon it or find another route to ­positivity.
Mark Pennington
Waterloo, Liverpool

The prince in waiting

I have seen the future of Flat racing and his name is Marco
Ghiani. He is the prince in waiting and will become king when Frankie Dettori retires.

A wonderful jockey, who is strong and can judge the pace of the race, Ghiani is like a Venetian artist, exquisite.
David Armstrong
Ballymena, County Antrim

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