regional racecourses I junior jumpers
KATIE’S ONTO A WINNER
Junior Jumpers member and regular racegoer KATIE MILLER knew her way around Cheltenham, but she’d never been inside the Winners Enclosure until one lucky October day…
T welve-year-old Katie Miller couldn’t believe her luck. She was attending last year’s October 28 meeting at Cheltenham, enjoying the day and getting her Junior Jumpers book stamped, when two race officials approached and asked if she’d like to present a trophy to the winner of the Junior Jumpers Novices’ Hurdle. Of course, she leapt at the opportunity. “I never dreamed that I would get the chance to go into the Winners Enclosure,” Katie said. “The view from inside was amazing – looking up at the terrace at the people waiting to cheer the winners home.” “I never dreamed I’d get to go in the Winners Enclosure”
nearly earned enough stamps for her fourth badge (there are 10 badges for racegoers to collect in total). She goes to most of the weekend meetings with her dad, as well as other fixtures at Warwick, Worcester and Stratford. She also attended the Grand National for the first time in 2018. “I like to watch the horses in the Parade Ring and choose my favourite,” she said. “It’s really exciting when I pick a winner. Dad and I have a fun competition with the winner getting a bar of chocolate. I beat Dad quite often!” As a Junior Jumpers member, Katie receives regular newsletters and can join in with special activities on race days. “As a member I can go into the Family Fun Zone,” she explained. “My favourite activity is looking at the different animals on display, from hens to armadillos. There have been some
meetings where I’ve been able to meet jockeys and get their autographs.” The young rider’s favourite horses are Black Corton, Altior and Might Bite, and her favourite jockey is Bryony Frost, who she’s met a few times. “She is always very friendly and comes over to say hello,” Katie said. “After she rode in this year’s Grand National we met outside the weighing room and gave each other a huge hug and had a chat about the race. That is a really special memory for me.”
Katie has fond, if a little blurry, memories of standing on the Cheltenham winners’ podium to
present jockey Daryl Jacob and trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies with their trophy. “I remember what happened a bit, but I was so excited and really nervous,” Katie admits. “It was really cool. I was only the 13th person to present a trophy on the new podium. And I was pleased I never dropped the trophy!” Katie is no stranger to the Home of Jump Racing. She’s been a Junior Jumpers member since 2016 and has
Junior Jumpers membership is free to under-18s .
To find out more visit cheltenham.co.uk
warwickracecourse.co.uk exeter-racecourse.co.uk wincantonracecourse.co.uk
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