Bellamy, Tom

"It was the day I've been waiting for all my life, only it was ten times better – I loved it.

 "I was thinking, 'This is it, I'm actually riding in a real race!

"The speed was great but it was the jumping I enjoyed more than anything.

"Ponchatrain is a good horse for your first ride because he's such a good jumper and a safe 

ride.

"He can be on and off form and he's never won two races in a row – he'd won the time before 

at Lingfield – so there was no pressure on me.

"I'd like to thank his owners, The League of Gentleman, for allowing me to ride him, and 

school for being very supportive."

Tom said riding in pony races from a young age had been a major 

help and recommended them to any youngsters wanting to carve 

out a career in racing.

Pony racing has been a route into racing for years in Ireland and 

the sport is growing in Britain after being introduced only relatively 

recently.

He said: "There's a photo of me at home sat on a horse the day I 

was born, so it started from day one.

"Riding in pony races – I had about 12 winners – is about the best help you can get.

"Otherwise I wouldn't have had a clue about racing and what to do at Ffos Las, like making 

sure you don't cut anyone up on bends, and it all helps."

Tom said the knowledge he had picked up from riding out for Keighley at his stable in Luckley, near Stow-on-the-Wold, had been priceless.

Not only does Keighley exercise his horses on gallops used in the past by former mentor 

David Nicholson, he passes on the benefit of his experience of working for the former two-

times champion trainer.

Tom added: "Schooling's just unreal with Martin and Warren Marston there.

"Waz has always instilled in me to be polite and his advice on all aspects of racing and riding is absolutely invaluable.

"Martin has carried on what the Duke (Nicholson) used to say to him – that's what Dad says.

"He's been very good to me and after I've finished school I'd like to work for him as a stable 

lad and if I get any rides it's a bonus."