No sign of Frost fading in the new year as young jockey takes on new role

Bryony Frost has expressed her delight at being named the new ambassador for Exeter Racecourse.

“I love talking to kids about racing and stopping for a chat with people,” said the 22-year-old, who was raised in Devon. “If it can get more people interested in racing, it has to be a good thing.”

Frost enjoyed a memorable week, having also been named Stobart Jockey of the Month for December after securing her first Grade 1 win at Kempton Park.

In doing so, she became only the second female jockey in Britain to win a Grade 1 race over obstacles, steering Black Corton to victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.

Racing for research

A group of racehorse owners have pledged their prize-money to a fund set up by former Scottish International Rugby player Doddie Weir researching Motor Neurone Disease.

The six-strong ‘London Scots for Doddie’ partnership race Behindthelines, a son of Milan trained by Grand National-winner Lucinda Russell.

Speaking to MailOnline, she said: “He finished second in a point-to-point and we loved him. Obviously, we love sons of Milan [sire of Grand National winner One For Arthur] as well. I spoke to Doddie and he is delighted about the horse.”

The six-year-old is fittingly scheduled to make his hurdling debut at Kelso on January 14, a short drive from Melrose, where Weir, who was diagnosed with MND in July, played club rugby.

Another year older

New Year’s Day is an important occasion in the equine calendar – it marks the official birthday of all thoroughbred in the northern hemisphere.

Jonnie Skull tucks into the enormous birthday cake while Highlife Dancer, Purple Moon, Famous Poet and Buldan look onCredit: Adrian Brooks / Imagewise

To celebrate, the Jockey Club treated a lucky group of five former racehorses to a 1.5 metre tall cake made of hay covered in apples and sugar cubes at Palace House, Newmarket.

Chris Garibaldi, director of the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art said: “They loved it and didn’t waste any time once we unwrapped it.”

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