4 DAYS TO GO

So sorry to hear about AP McCoy and the horse 'Binocular'. That's got to be so gutting to be this close to a race and have the horse pulled out. It will be interesting to see what comes out of this story. I'm working at the Festival preview this evening, I'm sure there will be a lot of talk about it.

But back to the Big Charity Derby, I rode Princess again this morning. For the very definite last time before the race on Thursday. Rode out in proper racing breeches as well, just to get comfortable and used to the feel of them as they are made of so so wafer-thin material. Also (and this is a very female thing) I wanted to make sure I had the right undies to wear under them! Last thing I need to be worrying about on the day is people seeing my pants!!

Here are some photos from this morning, to keep you entertained:

In (almost) full paraphernalia

Princess and me

Team Chloe

Sophie, Princess and me

Going hell for leather with Michael Scudamore

Next time you see this will be in the Big Race!

I've also got a video for you, which really IS entertaining. Thanks go to Team Chloe for their not-so-helpful comments and encouragement!

 

5 DAYS TO GO


Toby Stoate, from Stoate & Bishops Printing (www.stoateandbishop.com), who did the lovely life-size posters for my charity party, has gone one more and very generously made up 100 limited edition TEAM CHLOE badges for people to wear as they come and support me at the Racecourse on St. Patrick's Day. See below:

So if you want one, come find either myself or Sophie (the Campaign Manager!) on Thursday 17th and you can have one...in exchange for a generous donation to Cancer Research UK, of course!


Just working today, it's getting busy this close to the Festival. Also, I thought it was good to give my muscles a rest; I'm back on Ambrose Princess tomorrow for one last practise ride, though. Can't wait for that.

6 DAYS TO GO

Paddy Power have released all the odds on the Charity Derby riders. I'm on at 14-1 (all odds available here: Paddy Power website). Niamh Flynn and Rachael Wyse (us 3 Blondes!) are on at 14-1 as well. That should make it easy for anyone who's trying to remember whilst betting.

Off again to the gym tonight; I'm not sure if I should be pushing myself and feeling the burn like this, so close to the race. But it does make me feel as if I'm improving myself even now; it really makes me less nervous! It's the nerves that will end up hindering me if I let them - it's only 60,000 people I'm racing in front of, after all!

7 DAYS TO GO

The racecard has finally come through! It's very exciting, especially as I'm number one on the card. Hopefully that's a good omen - just don't forget the number for when you go to the bookies!!

I haven't personally met any of the other charity riders yet, but one of them, Rodger Sargent, sounds like a lot of fun! Love his racecard bio:

"Rodger’s best moment of his life (so far) was winning the 2004 Mildmay of Flete with Tikram. He used to weigh 17 1/2 stone with a 42 inch waist and his aim is to get back to that after today. He was dragged off backwards by a running rail around his neck in his debut charity race in 2004 where he skidded 50 yards to a muddy halt at Market Rasen."

Back to the gym in earnest for this last week; up early to the gym for a 4k run and free weight training. Arms like jelly at the moment! Not long to go.

VERY early start today at work, so there is no way that I could fit in any exercise. It looks like it may be a long day too, so perhaps training at all today is going to be an issue. May have to give it a miss completely. Shame...

David England

Was sad to hear of David England's bad fall in the novice chase at Exeter yesterday. Sounded horrendous from what a lot of people have been saying, but it seems he's on the mend, released from hospital and will be back on Friday (story here). That's great news and best wishes for your recovery, David!

Spoke to Ambrose Princess' trainer earlier. It seems she's all set and ready for action! I'm riding her for the last time before the race on Sunday. I'm so looking forward to it, but at the same time I realise how close it is!! But it's great to hear that Princess is raring to go; that bit more confidence could make all the difference!

My donations page: www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett

Got back on the proverbial and literal horse today. Decided that I can do as much conditioning as I want, but it can't beat actually developing my skill on horseback! However, I suppose at this stage, so close to the race, I should have enough skill already or else I can be legitimately worried!!

I rode out one lot at Nigel Twiston Davies' yard (www.nigeltwistondavies.co.uk). It all went really well and so smoothly. That's always really good when there's nothing much to report riding-wise; it makes me more and more settled about racing a horse as I get more comfortable going on frequent rides.

Boxercise class

Yet more Boxercise torture to come tonight, I'm just going to set off for it. It's so worth it though! Probably increased my fitness and agility (which is necessary on a horse) more than any number of 4k runs.

Thanks for donations today go to Ann Stanley from the HR Dept. at the Jockey Club (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett). Work colleagues have really been pulling for me with all of this and supporting me with their donations. I hope I do you all proud!

Had to give myself a big day off yesterday. My legs were so tired and shaky when I got out of bed in the morning, I could barely walk down the stairs, let alone go riding or run on a treadmill! The mechanical horse that I've been going on at the Racecourse was really tough and I think doing it a couple of days in a row of that and a workout on Saturday really didn't give me enough time to rest.

With that in mind, I didn't really want to go riding today. It might do more harm than good! So I went to the gym and did some conditioning; nothing to strenuous but just keeping the fitness levels up and preparing for the Big Race, which is only ONE WEEK away!

There's been a bit of a shake-up to the race line-up as well. It seems the competition is changing! With Gordon Elliott being unable to compete, new rider Jamie Insole, (who's only 16!)  nephew of the national hunt jockey William Kennedy, is very bravely stepping into the fray at the last minute. I'm nervous about the race, so I can only imagine how he's feeling with such a short time to go!

Also, I'd like to say a big thank you to Vikki Daynes in the Accounts Dept. at the Racecourse (http://www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett). It's wonderful that I'm still receiving donations for Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org), despite reaching the target; it's a great feeling to able to help in such a big way with everyone's suppport.

Just a quick update on what I've been up to exercise-wise. Got up this morning for a workout - putting in the 4k runs before work really wakes you up. Even, if the ensuing mad dash to the office feels like working out all over again! There's really been limited chance for me to keep the fitness going, whilst I've been riding horses and trying to develop my skill level.

Someone at the yard suggested that as I work at the racecourse, why don't I try the mechanical horse in the Hall of Fame. So (despite the fact that anyone can walk past and watch you!) I tried it out earlier in the week. To be honest I have no idea why it didn't occur to me before. Obviously, going full-pelt on a racehorse, on a course is completely different to the gallops that I've been doing; the mechanical horse was TOUGH!

The Cheltenham Racecourse mechanical horse

I woke up the next morning black and blue. It was quite enjoyable when I got used to it; although, I'll have to see if I say the same thing thundering over 7 furlongs on a real horse! It's made me appreciate all the hard work that goes into racing and the the effort all the Charity Derby riders have put in to make this a great race. Hopefully, we won't disappoint and we'll raise a lot of money for Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org).

On that note, I just checked my Just Giving (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett) and even though my target's been smashed, you're all being incredibly generous and still giving. Thank you so much!

Princess and me

The legendary Kauto Star

There have been a few good omens about the Big Race, that I've noticed. But the most striking of all was pointed out to me by my good friend Francis Keogh, and now I can't stop thinking it whenever I look at Ambrose Princess! She looks the spitting image of one of the greatest living racehorses; Kauto Star.

Except, of course, Princess is teeny in comparison - like a travel version! Let's hope the resemblance really does bode well and she's goes around the Cheltenham course as well as Kauto has done!

You may have noticed that I've been really excited about a couple of recent photo shoots; one was released last Saturday in the Echo's Weekend supplement. But the one I've been really dying to get my hands on was a shoot we did for Cotswold Style magazine (www.stylemagazines.co.uk).

The shoot was shot at racing legend Jonjo O'Neill's yard and was based around the racing season (isn't everything in the Cotswolds at this time of year?!) and fashion that we could wear. CS very kindly allowed me to be a model to raise awareness for Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org) and the Big Race. It was so beautifully done and the clothes were stunning - I was just anxious to see it in print.

Well, thankfully it really didn't disappoint! The March issue came out yesterday and the photos look really spectacular, thanks to the ever talented Spencer McPherson (www.allintheimage.co.uk), who also managed to come support us at the benefit party a couple of weeks ago. It was a surreal and nerve-wracking experience to be working alongside the professional models, but I'd definitely do it again! Here are some photos for you to have a peek:

Not really much going on today apart from the awful ache that Boxercise (from last night) inflicts! So I thought I'd treat you to a few more casual pics of Ambrose Princess, because she's gorgeous and I'm so excited to ride her:

Getting acquainted!

With Sophie 'Campaign Manager' Scarrott

Showing us her best side!

Out into the cold

Don't we look good together?!

Princess is small, but good things come in small packages!

I'll probably hit the gym later for my 4k run. But to be honest, I'd much rather be out on Princess. Oh well, not long now.

Thanks for all your support! I've smashed my target on my Just Giving Page! But, as always, Cancer Research UK is a fantastic cause, so any donations are still incredibly welcome.

More riding out at Nigel Twiston Davies' (www.nigeltwistondavies.co.uk) today and was given some help and tips by the Assistant Head Lad, Richard Bevis (Sparky). Some advice I've been given is to use the the mechanical horse at work (!!) during lunch breaks. It seems that working at Cheltenham Racecourse is going to come in really handy! So I'm thinking of starting that tomorrow.

Richard 'Sparky' Bevis

I have to say, I am so grateful to the Nigel, Fergal O'Brien and the rest of the team at Grange Hill Farm for their support and advice. It can't be easy to try and train up an amateur for a race watched by 60,000 people. Thank you so much guys!

It's getting so much closer now. It's the last real push for fitness. So I'm off to slog at the gym. Boxercise tonight; which guarantees pain! But results as well, so it's worth it. I'm also dragging my friend Nicola with me, I hope she doesn't hate me for it!

Ambrose Princess!

Right, so this would be the entry where I promised I'd tell you all what horse I'm riding. I was thinking maybe I should wait a bit longer, though? No, don't worry! I wouldn't do that. I've already had stacks of people tweeting me (http://twitter.com/chloebowkett) asking what she's called.

The horse I'll be racing is a 6 year-old called Ambrose Princess (details from the Racing Post found HERE) trained by the well-known Michael Scudamore (details here). Huge thanks go to the very generous owners the Chris Coley (http://www.chriscoleyracing.co.uk/) and the YesNoWaitSorries Racing Syndicate, who have been so kind as to lend me their very valuable and top-notch horse to race with. It's a real thrill for me to do this on such a good horse.

I'm also going to be racing in their traditional "scrambled egg" colours of Red and Yellow, which are the colours of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) who play at the Lord's ground. The syndicate is closely involved in the MCC as well as the Gloucestershire Gipsies CC.

I'll be wearing these MCC colours

I'm so excited now. It's really, really close and everything is sorted. Just time to practise and finally ride the race for Cancer Research UK! Just 2 weeks to go.

Have to admit I woke up early this morning and dashed out to the newsagents for a copy of the Echo! More accurately, the 'Weekend' supplement with the styling session at the racecourse in it.

I'm really pleased with it; the outfits look great and the backgrounds that we shot against look spectacular. For those, I have to thank stylist Kate Parker (www.kateparkerstyle.com) and photographer Spencer McPherson (www.allintheimage.co.uk), who are not only incredibly talented at what they do and have become great friends, but are giving up their time to help Cancer Research UK.

Here are a few pics from the shoot:

 

Hope you like them, had such a fun time doing the shoot.

I also rode the mystery horse today! She's really good and I really enjoyed riding out on her; felt comfortable straight away, so that's brilliant. BUT I'm not going to tell you about her just yet. You'll have to wait for the next blog entry! You've all seen enough fun stuff for one day.

Thanks so much for all your continuing support.

 Rode out early this morning and had a really good time. Completely relaxed; of course, it's much easier now the mornings are getting brighter and slightly warmer. The views are really spectacular too, which helps!

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's test ride on the horse I will be racing on. No nerves at all, which is a vast improvement compared to the beginning of training.

Carl Llewellyn with Earth Summit

 

Next week, I've arranged to meet top jump jockey Carl Llewellyn for some racing pointers. I've met him before but I'm looking forward to picking his brain for tips that might help for the big day...every little helps!

Special thanks donations-wise go to the big boss Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham Racecourse, for his donation and continued support! Also, the amazing companies based in Cheltenham; Martin & Co. Jewellers (www.martin-and-co.com), the team at Wilkinson's and Promenade Antiques (www.promenadeantiques.co.uk).

It means so much to be a local girl and have you all right behind me!

The Cheltenham Chase pool (thanks for the use!)

Back to the grindstone today and the early starts! In the gym at The Cheltenham Chase (website) before work this morning to give myself a wake-up in the form of a 4k run and 3k bike ride. Certainly makes me more alert come work time!

Just had another peek at the Just Giving Page (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett) and the totals are SO CLOSE!! I'm 95% of the way to my total target of £5000 and it would be fab if I could get there within the next week. Please do pass on the message.

Thanks so much to everyone who has already donated to Cancer Research UK, it's such a great charity and they need all the support we can give.

Think I was the most popular person at work today - but that might have something to do with bringing in the amazing cake that my friend, Tic, made (for the party last Saturday)!! Everyone loved it, and hopefully they all had a piece, none for me though! Some pictures for you to see just how well Tic did (www.thecoffeecupbakeshop.co.uk):

Went to the gym first thing this morning, as it's now 3 weeks to go (very scary) it's time to kick the fitness up another notch so I did a 4k run, a 3k cycle and weight-training. It does feel good to be proactive with it all.

Booking up as much riding as I can too; at Nigel Twiston-Davies' (www.nigeltwistondavies.co.uk) on Friday and then THE HORSE on Saturday - really ever so excited about it. 

Also, Saturday is the day my piece in 'Weekend' magazine comes out. This is one of the shoots I've enjoyed most and felt most comfortable at, so I'm just waiting for it to come out.

The charity money on my Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett) is so very nearly there! Just another £400 to go! Please everyone, I know I keep asking, but please spread the word and help me out. 

Thanks to all of you for supporting me, so far.

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Rode out 1 lot this morning at the Twiston-Davies yard, but after all the the test ride on Saturday, I really cannot wait to get riding on the horse that I'm trying Saturday. I really hope it goes well, because as much as it really is all about the charity (www.cancerresearchuk.org) ...well, it would be nice to do well wouldn't it?!

I'm going to be off to my Boxercise class in a minute and I know it's going to kill me, but also that I'll feel really good afterwards! So I'm sticking with it. No pain, no gain!

Wow, had such a busy weekend! The big charity fund raising party on Saturday night was a huge success. We managed to raise over £400 for Cancer Research UK, due to the kindness and generosity of friends, colleagues and clients; we all had so much fun, the party eventually ended at 6am.

HUGE thanks go to those who donated to the charity raffle: Hugh Wilkinson (who managed to find the biggest piece of confectionery I have ever seen in my life!), Nicola Geoghegan, Tic Mylod from the Coffee Cup Bakery, Rod at Banners & Balloons for his beautiful balloon decorations and Toby Stoate from Stoate & Bishop Printers for their amazing life-size banner posters of me (in full jockey gear!). And of course everyone who turned up and donated just by being there.

Here are some photos of the evening which I thought you'd like to see!

Me with one of my amazing banners from Stoate & Bishop Printers Ltd!

A group shot of all the glamorous girls.

L-R: Nicola Geoghegan, Hannah Spreadbury, Jo Evans

L-R: Jo Evans, Sophie Scarrott (Campaign Manager!), Maxine O'Fee

L-R: Rory Lawson, Flora Wilkinson

L-R: Marie Staddon, Me, Mum; Sally Bowkett

L-R: Nicola Geoghegan, Lotti Wilkinson

Have a really busy couple of days coming up. Very excited for later tonight with the charity fundraiser my friend, Sophie, is laying on at her house. It promises to be really good, with quite a few people going. Great opportunity to get glammed up; after all, I seem to spend most of time in jodhpurs now!

Having said that, unfortunately, I haven't had time to ride out today as I had a really early start at work. I have to admit it's nice to have a break, but I'll be making up for it tomorrow! Can't afford to get complacent now, as it's UNDER 4 weeks to go. So tomorrow, after I recover from the big party, I'm planning a FULL work out session, with gym training, a 4k run and swimming to top it off.

St Patrick's Day at the Festival 2010

I've got some really brilliant news; I now have a horse! It looks to be really promising and I'm going to test ride next Saturday. Hopefully, it's going to be just what I'm after - it certainly looks it on paper. It's such a relief; finally, after all the faffing about and trying to keep my patience, something has turned up - just what I had hoped for. Roll on St Patrick's Day!

Woke up early and managed to get to the yard to ride out 1 lot before work. felt really good as I am getting more confident and having to push the horses to test my ability and really ride them.

The fund raising it still going incredibly well. I'm 775 of the way there, but March is getting so close! Really please do spread the word about donations, it's a fantastic cause: www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett.

Really looking forward to tomorrow night's fund raising raffle/party. My friend Sophie is kindly donating her house for the party and we've had so many people who have said they'd love to attend. The raffle prizes include cakes (always a winner) and it promises to be such a fun night; makes a change from early morning runs!! Entrance is £5, message me (http://twitter.com/chloebowkett) if you'd like to come!

Cheltenham Racecourse in full Festival swing!

There have also been some very exciting whispers about maybe having found a horse to ride for the race, so it seems that everything is starting to really come together now. Which is a bit of a relief, considering I'll be competing in front of 60,000 people - might need a horse for that!

Had a wonderful day yesterday, doing a photo shoot for the Gloucestershire Echo's 'Weekend' Magazine. It was all shot at the Racecourse, which was fun and a bit strange in equal measure because I work there!

I was styled by PR and stylist Kate Parker (www.kateparkerstyle.com) and Spencer McPherson (www.allintheimage.co.uk) did the photos again. I'm starting to get an old hand at this!! The lovely clothes I was wearing were from local stores on the High Street such as Reiss and Hobbs and designers like NW3. The shoes were from the always fantastic Keith Scarrott Shoes (www.keithscarrott.co.uk).

We had some great backgrounds for the shots; especially in the Champagne Bar and the Weighing Room. It really feels so tied into the Charity Race this shoot, its got such an equine theme. I really can't wait to see the results!

The March 2011 issue of Cotswold Life (http://cotswold.greatbritishlife.co.uk) has been published! Not only is there an interview (page. 230) but I made the front portrait picture too!! I may have mentioned it, but I've been telling everyone again anyway. The photos are here:

The total on my Just Giving Sponsorship page is now on £3800, just another £1200 to go and I reach my target for Cancer Research UK!!
Thank you so much to those who have sponsored me.
Please pass on  the message and persuade people to donate generously to this great cause!