Monday 7th Feb
I had some great news over the weekend. After Jonathon Herbert’s fab piece in the Glos. Echo on Saturday, some very generous people have come forward with possibilities of horses to me to ride in the race. Very exciting but I’ll have to be patient and see what happens.
One of my fellow jockeys, Lorna Fowler has confirmed in the press she’s riding the Henry Cecil (pictured – http://www.henrycecil.com/) trained Plato which is owned by the Niarchos Family. She’s a very lucky girl! It’s a fantastic 4 year old with a great track record. Must remember to congratulate her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/chloebowkett).
Tuesday 8th Feb
More exercise with a late netball match tonight but we won! WHOOP WHOOP!! Well done girls. We won the league in style – 8 points clear of our nearest rival. Manchester United have nothing on us.
I rode Frontier Dancer on work, 1 x canter, 2 x flat out (pictured). Nigel Twiston-Davies had a quick word with me and said I’m doing well, which has really buoyed my confidence no end.
Decided to try something different exercise-wise (to stop it getting boring!) so I’ve got a Boxercise class tonight at The Cheltenham Chase Hotel.
Wednesday 9th Feb
Aching all over today; Boxercise class last night was intense and a BIG workout but it was really great. You can feel exactly how it works you out, I’ll definitely go again. Once I’ve recovered, that is!
Had an amazing surge on my Just Giving site (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett) now up to £3119, which I am so grateful for. Thanks this time go to my amazing clients who are being so supportive: Brightwell’s Auctioneers, Octaga Security, Richard Harmer,G4S Security, Midcounties Co-Operative and Shaun @ Cotswold Life!
Bring on the Boxercise classes!!
Thursday 10th Feb
Little exercise, but loads of organising going on. Especially today, as we are sorting out things for the Charity Fundraising event that ties into the race, next weekend.
Huge thanks goes to Ben Stoate at SPA Colour (www.spacolour.com) , for offering to embroider all of my riding gear, which is a huge deal and such a wonderful gesture (that’s a big headache sorted!). Also big thank you to Toby Stoate at Stoate and Bishop Printers (www.stoateandbishop.co.uk) for arranging pop up banners for my fundraising evening.
All of this support is just fantastic. There aren’t enough thanks to give.
Friday 11th Feb
After all the fundraising mania from yesterday, I went back riding out this morning on Rhum at NTD’s yard (pictured). The riding is still going well and I can feel myself improving.
Planning to pop into the gym on the way home from work, to see if I can slip in a 4K run. As you do!
And some very exciting news; it was also announced this week that I received the Employee of the Quarter Award!! 
That takes into account everyone working for all 14 Jockey Club racecourses! I am so over the moon, things seem to definitely be going my way this year.
It may be Saturday tomorrow, but its back to the stables in the morning to ride 4 lots; another very early start! The race looks a lot closer since February started!
Sat 12th Feb
A Saturday morning with an early start is not good, but when it’s 6.00am like today, it should be banned! But despite the early hour it was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed it. It did give me the opportunity to ride out 3 horses; Frontier Dancer, Major Malarkey and one other.
Dancer was a bit agitated today and pulled very hard, at times it was difficult to hold her, but I managed it and it’s little things like this that give me confidence. If I can handle a twitchy horse now, then with a bit of practise, nothing should phase me come the race.
Sun 13th Feb
Was up early again this morning to meet with the photographer and stylist for the ‘Weekend’ photo shoot on Wednesday – no rest for the wicked! On the bright side, I will look very well groomed when I collapse from exhaustion!
Made the most of the rest of the day at home; just relaxing and enjoying the quiet. Also, I have to say thank you for the support and generous sponsorship from Barry and Paulo at Knowledge is King.
GUIDE TO THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2011 – click here
CHLOE BOWKETT | • | Chloe Bowkett, 26, from Cheltenham, is an Events Manager at Cheltenham Racecourse. Chloe has taken part in Pony Club activities from the age of eight, is an experienced show jumper and event rider. She says: “Racing runs through my family’s blood. My father bred and owned Shylock’s Retreat, who qualified for the Grand National and the Gold Cup, after finishing second in the Foxhunter Chase at Aintree in 1988. I was in the winner’s enclosure in my buggy! My father and I bred a Pointer to Pointer who we broke in together. He is now qualified through the hunting field by myself. If you would like to sponsor Chloe or make a donation please see her fundraising page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett
| • |
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
