Charlotte’s riding to an exciting future

Jenner, 19, from Lancing, is now based in Epsom but went to school at Thornbury and then Boundstone.

After leaving school, she went to Racing School on an intensive nine-week course in Newmarket and now works in Epsom on the stables as an apprentice for Laura Mongan, whose husband, Ian, is a professional jockey.

Jenner, who competes in flat racing, rode to her first victory on Divine Rule on January 21, a 25-1 shot at Lingfield, and she now has aims to ride in Australia later this year and, one day, try to ride in the Epsom Derby.

She said: “My first win was the best feeling in the world and it was my horse’s first win as well.

“He hadn’t been doing very well but when I started to ride him, he started to run strongly.

“It was a six-race card, with two non-runners, which meant four were left. We were up against a 1-4 shot but we won by four lengths.”

Jenner, whose boyfriend, Daniel Cremin is also a jockey, has also finished second on five occasions, including at races at Newbury and Epsom, as well as five other places, from her 28 rides so far.

Her first ride was in February, 2009, at Kempton and, on her aims for the rest of the year, she said: “I’d like to ride five winners this season and get at least 40 rides. I’ve just got myself an agent now so, as I’m a seven-pound jockey, hopefully I’ll be more appealing to trainers.”

Apart from a bit of rugby and netball at school, Jenner has only been interested in racing and said: “It’s so physical and you don’t realise how fit you have to be. No other sport really took my fancy and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

“Even though I work really long hours and start at 6am each day, I love my job and am always looking forward to going back to work on a Monday after having Sunday off.

“Ever since I started, I’ve always wanted to get my licence as I’ve always loved going fast. It’s a dangerous sport and, going up to 40mph, you’ve got to be careful but it’s what I love doing.”

On long-term aims, she said: “I’d love to ride the Epsom Derby – that would be my ultimate dream – but I don’t know if that will ever happen.

“I’m also looking to go to Australia in November and, hopefully, get given some trial rides and see if I can then get some rides there.

“I also want to ride out my claim and be a professional one day, like Frankie Detorri and Ryan Moore.”