Lizzie Kelly becomes first female jockey to win Grade One race
- Published
Lizzie Kelly: Female jockey hails 'massive' win at Kempton
Lizzie Kelly has become the first female jockey to win a Grade One jumps race in Britain after guiding Tea for Two to victory in the Kauto Star Novice Chase at Kempton.
Kelly was always well placed on the 9-4 shot, trained by her stepfather Nick Williams and owned by her mother Jane.
"I'm delighted to do it on this horse. He showed what he is worth today," the 22-year-old told Channel 4.
"This has been a long time in the planning and it is some feeling."
Tea for Two jumped superbly with Kelly giving him an excellent ride and the pair stayed on strongly to defeat Southfield Royale in their 14th outing together.
Kelly had nearly landed a Grade One win in France last month when Aubusson was narrowly beaten by Thousand Stars.
Cornelius Lysaght, BBC racing correspondent |
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"It's been something of a breakthrough year for female jockeys, with Michelle Payne becoming the first woman to ride the winner of Australia's Melbourne Cup, Katie Walsh landing the Irish Grand National and Sammy-Jo Bell dominating Ascot's Shergar Cup in August. |
"And now this by Lizzie Kelly who, thanks to her neatness in the saddle and articulate and excited style out of it, has long been making a very positive impression - but a Grade One is history. |
"A possible return to Kempton, where the horse is three from three, next year for the King George, with Kelly riding, would be huge for the race and the sport." |
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