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SPECIAL OOCASION INDEED: Lucy Gould (leading) makes a winning debut between the flags
photo: Tim Holt

16-year-old Lucy Gould, an ‘A' level student in art, textiles and media studies at Gillingham School, made a winning debut in the Ladies' Open at Black Forest Lodge on the aptly-named Special Occasion.

The eight-year-old, twice successful over hurdles when with Paul Nicholls, was recommended as an ideal schoolmaster to Lucy's mother Diane Ward by his then trainer Caroline Keevil, from whom he was purchased privately during the summer.

Lucy rides out every morning before school, and shares the stable duties with her mother and elder sister Sarah. She was given her orders on Sunday by Sarah, who opened her account in 2010 and has five victories under her belt. "She told me to jump off near the front, but I was nearer the back," laughed Lucy, "but the main instruction was to stay on!"

The desire to carry on race-riding was fuelled by her time on the pony racing circuit - she rode five winners - and she has also enjoyed much success in the show ring with working hunter ponies, qualifying last year for both the Royal International and the Horse Of The Year Show.

The plan is for Special Occasion to make a quick reappearance at Chipley Park on Sunday.

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