Helen Brennan

Helen Brennan

Helen Frances Brennan rode over jumps in the early 1990s and had four wins. She was the daughter of former National Hunt jockey turned trainer Owen Brennan and it was on his seven-year-old What If that she had her first victory when taking the lead at the second last and coming home six lengths clear at the end of the Noel Selling Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen on Boxing Day 1991.

Their next three outings together only resulted in one third place, but they returned to winning ways at Ludlow on April 8, landing the Caynham Selling Hurdle, again by six lengths. 

The 14-year-old Vulrory’s Clown gave Helen her third success when making all and finishing 20 lengths in front at the end of the Open Morning Claiming Chase at Market Rasen on September 26, 1992. This was the first of three claiming chases Vulrory’s Clown won that season, the last two as a 15-year-old in the hands of Helen’s brother Martin Brennan. 

What If provided Helen with her final win when easily landing the Bradmore Claiming Hurdle at Nottingham on February 2, 1993, beating Richard Dunwoody on Thin Red Line by ten lengths. 

Helen did not keep the ride and had few opportunities thereafter. Not being able to claim an allowance – presumably because of age rather than number of winners – was an obvious disadvantage and inevitably limited the chances she would have had.

Vicky Harris’ winners as a jockey were, in chronological order:

1. What If, Market Rasen, December 26, 1991

2. What If, Ludlow, April 8, 1992

3. Vulrory’s Clown, Market Rasen, September 26, 1992

4. What If, Nottingham, February 2, 1993