Brodie Hampson rides Jennys Surprise to win Sandown's Royal Artillery Gold Cup
Brodie & Jennys Surprise led in by Sally Randell (left of picture)Brodie Hampson, who works at trainer Sally Randell's Broad Hinton yard, won the Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown today (February 19) on her father's horse Jennys Surprise.
They went out favourites, looked well beaten, but the eight-year-old mare rallied and came home strongly to win by a length and a half. Jennys Surprise is trained by Fergal O'Brien.
This annual three mile chase is for military amateur riders. Mark Hampson had served 22 years with the Royal Artillery - so Brodie qualified for the ride. Nine horses went to post - including last year's winner Cowards Close who was fourth home - but four horses were pulled up.
It was an emotional victory for the Hampson family as Mark Hampson is terminally ill - but he was there to watch his daughter win in his colours.
Brodie Hampson, 21, has had eight wins over hurdles, but this was her first chase win.
Later Brodie tweeted: "WOW!! Overwhelmed by all the messages, AMAZING day and a dream come true thanks to @FOBRacing Thankyou so much for the support everyone".
Brodie's win was cheered on by her employer, trainer Sally Randell - whose boss when she served in the Royal Artillery had been Mark Hampson.
The race jockeys with Mark Hampson, Brodie & the Gold Cup (click to enlarge)Brodie Hampson has been working for Sally Randell since she was sixteen.
In 2011 Sally Randell was Surenaga 's trainer and jockey when they won the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. And talking of Gold Cup's, Sally was the first lady jockey to win the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown - and she went on to claim another record by winning it three times.
They work hard and aim high at Sally Randell Racing - and certainly flourish over Sandown's jumps!
[Sandown photos courtesy Bryan Mathieson]