WINNING the legends’ race at Doncaster for the third time last weekend was just an unreal feeling. The buzz you get from winning never leaves and, more importantly, the reason for the race never leaves. Being run to support Graham Lee and the Injured Jockeys Fund for me is what made it. This is definitely a cause close to my heart. I certainly feel very privileged just to be involved.

My love for horses goes back to my grandfather, George McCullough, who was one of the last farmers to work his land with Clydesdales. He also gave me my first pony, which was a 16-year-old unbroken cob – she was called Grandas Girl. My mum started to work for Wilson Dennison when I was one month old. Mr Dennison’s yard became a very important part of my life.

At the age of 14, I started to ride his hunters, which I have to say were the best in the country. Mr Dennison was a very prominent figure in the point-to-point circuit. I probably didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, how spoiled for choice I was growing up in that yard. I worked in the point-to-point yard at the weekends under the watchful eye of Colin McKeever, the then trainer.

Being the eldest grandchild and my granny being a teacher, further education was the route chosen for me, but that didn’t last long. After my AS levels, I decided I was going to have a go at being a flat jockey. I sent my CV to Jim Bolger and soon after started employment there. I very quickly realised that I knew nothing about the flat. I hadn’t a clue about stalls, pace or even the name of a flat race or horse!

I guess looking back, I went in with my eyes closed. Everything about the place was an amazing experience, just one that I was not ready for. With what felt like my dream shattered, my mum spoke to Kevin Ross, a local bloodstock agent, who had a connection with Kevin Prendergast. She told him if he got me a job for a week, he would keep me. At least someone had faith in me!

Great boss

Mr Prendergast was a great boss, very old school and a genius with it. In 2010, I signed on as an apprentice. My first winner was on Celtic Dane at Leopardstown, with my mum and dad cheering me on. I actually think he took off with me, as I certainly wasn’t much assistance. In my time at Kevin’s, I managed to ride a winner for Kevin Ross on What A Shot, so hopefully this was a thank you for getting me the job. I had a total of 10 winners from 100 rides. I think I gained a wealth of experience from some very good jockeys.

I felt I would get better opportunities in the UK, so with the help of my good friend Mouse O’Ryan, the decision was made to join Richard Fahey in 2013. Mr Fahey gave me plenty of opportunities, riding 10 winners in my first season. Even though my first ride on the grass was a disaster, when I forgot to remove the blind! Horses are a great leveller. The tracks took a bit of getting used to and the hours of driving, but I felt like I was slowly getting somewhere.

In 2014, I equalled the previous season with another 10 winners. My best season by far was in 2015, riding 28 winners. I guess there were still not a lot of female jockeys compared to now at that time, which worked in my favour when it came to the Shergar Cup. Unfortunately, Cathy Gannon got injured and I got the call up to ride. The build up to it was pretty amazing and something I won’t forget in a hurry. It ended up feeling like a fairytale, with the girls’ team winning and also winning the Silver Saddle.

I had eight winners in 2016, before I broke my pelvis in a fall at Carlisle. I had to have surgery with pins and a plate in and spent a few months in a wheelchair. Richard Fahey was very good to me, letting me move in to the yard, so I could still be involved. Robyn O’Ryan, his assistant, brought me racing quite a lot. If I wasn’t racing, I was at Jack Berry House getting on with my rehab. It is without a doubt the best place for any injured jockey to recover.

Being out of racing for even a short period of time can make it difficult to reestablish yourself. I started jockey coaching with Kevin Darley in an effort to tidy up my technique, as this wasn’t my strongest point. I returned to race riding in 2017, where I feel like it was my best season in regards to how well I rode. Given the difficulties of the previous year, I was delighted to finish on 16 winners.

Retirement

I had to get the pins in my pelvis removed at the end of that year, as I had been suffering a lot of pain. When the surgeon told me I would be off race riding again for a long period as a result, I took the difficult decision to retire. Although I was out of the saddle, I still wanted to very much be involved in the industry.

After taking time to have the surgery, I took the opportunity in 2018 to be a marketing assistant at York Racecourse and working as a pundit for William Hill at the weekends. In 2019, when Phillip Makin joined the training ranks, I assisted him until 2023. During this time, I gained a vast amount of experience, especially with the admin side, which has put me in great stead for my current role working for Edward Bethell as a secretary. I also ride a couple of lots in the morning before the office, which I thoroughly enjoy.

I returned to the track to win the legends’ race at Doncaster on Dubai Acclaim in 2019. At the time, I said that it was a once-off. I am very competitive, so probably wanted to keep my perfect record in the race! In 2020, Covid prevented the race from being held. In 2021, I relented; finishing a close up fifth on one for Phil (Makin). A year later, I was back again, this time winning on Absolute Dream, again for Richard Fahey. I missed 2023, as I snapped my cruciate ligament in a fall at home.

Thanks to the team at Jack Berry House, I returned to full fitness to come back and win the race for a third time with Hartswood. While I enjoyed the thrill of race riding and some people have suggested a comeback, sadly that time has been and gone and I very much enjoy having more time to spend with my family, especially my niece Mia and my nephew Weston. Hopefully they can be the next generation of jockeys.

All that being said, racing is all I have known all my life, so whatever the future may bring, I am certain it will be within the industry. 

Sammy Jo Bell was in conversation with John O’Riordan.