Galloping to Racing Success

26th Feb, 2010, by Jude Owens

Year 11 Kings of Wessex School student Danielle Lodge will be working all the harder in her GCSE exams this summer as she has been given a place on the Foundation Course of The British Racing School (BRS) from July.

The British Racing School is set in the home of horseracing's Newmarket, and Danielle is one of the few students that are accepted every year. Over 300 people apply to do the nine-week foundation course, and one is set up every month for 18 students alone. The smaller classes are to ensure there are enough horses for everyone to use and so students can have one-to-one sessions with their teachers.

The foundation course is one of many courses Danielle will be taking in order to accomplish her dream of being a jockey. It is an early start at the BRS and Danielle will need to be at the yard by 6am, and will undertake video and theory work to develop her riding. If she continues with her dedication for the sport, and gets enough wins under her belt, Danielle will be a professional at the age of 26.

Danielle got into horse-racing thanks to her Grandfather, who shares tips with her each day. She is a keen horse-rider, and every weekend she rides in Upper Langford on her riding instructors ponies Classic and Des.

Commenting on her achievements to date Danielle said: "I must say a big thank you to Julie Qwilt my riding instructor, for helping me get this far. She has spent endless hours helping me gain my confidence. I also thank my family and friends - especially my Mum and Grandad for driving me to Newmarket. But mostly my Nan, as she has backed my decision the whole way: she has been a real inspiration."

Headteacher Chris Richardson said: "This is wonderful news for Danielle and I congratulate her on gaining a place at The British Racing School. I wish her well in achieving her dream to be a jockey."

Danielle on Classic