Hope Regan, a 20-year-old apprentice jockey from Warwickshire, has secured her first professional win after approximately 30 attempts. The milestone came on August 9, when she rode Arnaz at 9/1 odds at Chepstow racecourse.
Regan, who has been riding horses for most of her life, admitted she initially did not realise she had crossed the line first. Speaking to BirminghamLive, she said: "It was brilliant, I couldn't believe it. I looked around before realising I had won. I couldn't stop smiling for about ten minutes."
Training regime at Rock Farm
Regan trains at Rock Farm in Kidderminster for DML Racing, where her daily routine begins at 5.45am. She rides an average of six horses each morning before returning for afternoon duties, a schedule that reflects the demands of the sport.
The jockey highlighted the importance of physical fitness in her discipline. She attends the gym three times a week and runs regularly to maintain the condition required for race riding.
Next target: professional jockey status
Regan's next ambition is to become a fully professional jockey. She acknowledged the career's demanding nature, including the unsociable hours that come with the role.
The win at Chepstow marks a significant step in her career, coming after a series of near misses in her early professional outings. Her progression from a lifelong rider to a race winner at just 20 demonstrates the dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of horse racing.
