Profile of two award winning pony racing jockeys
On 3rd December Freddie Gingell (grandson of NH trainer Colin Tizzard) aged 12 from Lower Zeals and Charlie Sprake (nephew of former jockey Tim Sprake) aged 15 from Milborne Wick went to Lambourn to the 2017 PRA Awards where they were awarded their prizes for finishing as leading Point to Point Pony Racing Champions of 2017 in the country.
Charlie was named leading 148cm Champion and Freddie leading 138cm Champion. Both boys have grown up in the Blackmore Vale and it was no mean achievement to win these titles.
Charlie had a successful season on his 14.2hh Ponies, Goldwells Gucci and Mr Marshall and went on to the Charles Owen Finals at Newmarket where he finished second.
Freddie also enjoyed an excellent season on his 13.2hh Ponies, Jobs not Straight and Wee Antony and also did well on the Charles Own circuit throughout the summer.
Charlie regularly rides out for Bill Turner and is hoping to become a flat jockey in the near future and Freddie would like to think he might be able to ride Finian’s Oscar in a point to point in 4 years’ time!
Both boys already receive jockey coaching from Rodi Green and Freddie particularly looks up to Harry Cobden who is always on hand to lend a weight cloth if needed.
