Rebekah Bell, who hails from Lulworth in Dorset, is the second novice rider who trainer Max Comley has guided to debut success in the saddle this season.
Despite not coming from a horsey background, and not making her race-riding bow until March, the 20-year-old beat none other than all-time leading jockey Will Biddick when winning on Ryan’s Fancy at Flete Park earlier this month (pictured above). Jake Exelby caught up with her to find out how she got involved with pointing… and why Max buys the biscuits.
Tell me about yourself and your background in the sport
I went to pony club from the age of eight until I was 17, then went to the British Racing School in Newmarket to do their 18-week course. After that, I went to work for Anthony Honeyball for two years, which is where I developed my interest in pointing.
I wanted to work in a pointing yard and had gone to racing school with Max’s girlfriend Ellen, who told me they needed staff. I rode out there last summer, really enjoyed it and started there full-time in August.
How did you come by Ryans Fancy?
He’s owned by a family syndicate – my nan, grandad, mum, dad, aunt, and uncle! He was advertised on Facebook and we bought him in September.
Rebekah with Ryan in his stable
Talk me through the season so far – and why you haven’t always been riding Ryans Fancy
We thought he’d be revved up (on his seasonal debut) at Larkhill so put James King on board to get the best out of him, then I didn’t ride him at Kingston Blount as it was a competitive race, so we decided on James again.
Ryan tries to eat the trophy he won at Larkhill
My first ride at Ampton was a car crash! It didn’t go well – my hat slipped, then my goggles, so I couldn’t see anything, and I lost my stirrups. I sent him into the ditch and fell out of the side door! Emotions were mixed – I was proud of myself for doing it, but disappointed – Rhiannon Fletcher had won on her first ride. But I knew I could only improve and was looking forward to the next time.
Rebekah and Ryan (led up by Rhiannon) before their first outing at Ampton
Tell me what it felt like to win at Flete Park
I was taking on Will Biddick and James King and, as a novice, was the least experienced in the field. But Ryan knows his job and I trust him, so knew I’d be a passenger. I was sat at the back most of the way round and crept away, then got him going down the hill. I found myself in front two out and kicked on. I think Will congratulated me afterwards, but it was all a bit of a blur – I was over the moon and so proud that my mum was there. He’s a cracking horse.
What are your plans for the next season and beyond?
I’d love to get my Category A licence to ride under rules and have a spin round Cheltenham. In the long term, I’d like to own horses myself.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
I only really started going pointing when I was at Anthony’s and, since then, it’s been a dream of mine to ride in a race. I used to say to my mates, ‘That’ll be me one day’. To actually be doing it feels crazy, particularly as my family aren’t as passionate about racing as me.
Which other horses of Max’s would you most like to ride in points?
I’ve got a soft spot for Arknell. He’s a lovely boy but quirky – if he doesn’t want to do something, he won’t.
Rebekah riding work on Arknell
I’d also like to ride Oscar Montel, who’s a lovely safe jumper who would give me a good spin. Rhiannon said I could have a go on him – we could do a little swap.
Which other jockeys do you admire and why?
Toby McCain-Mitchell has a great attitude to the sport and James is fantastic at what he does. Under rules, Rachael Blackmore.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d make it more accessible. At the moment, you need to log-in to look at entries and results. I’d also put up live streaming so you don’t actually have to be at the races to watch them.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
Probably something science based. I’ve always been interested in science and was good at chemistry at school.
Who are your favourite musicians and TV shows?
I like the 1975. Every album is very different, and I’ve been to see them live twice.
I’ve just finished watching Baby Reindeer. As a series, it’s really good and – if you think about it – it’s crazy how easy it is to be a stalker. I like the way they highlight these issues in the programme.
What superpower would you like and why?
Reading people’s minds to see what they’re thinking about me!
Do you have a nickname?
On a daily basis, it’s ‘Bek Bek’. Rhiannon is ‘Rhi Rhi’, and it’s caught on. They also call me Ondaback because I’ve had about 20 falls this season!
Tell me a story about Max
If you fall off, you have to buy the biscuits. At the start of the year, when the horses were coming in, Max was being a little bit cocky, saying, ‘Who’s going to be the first to buy the biscuits?’ I was on a young filly, who was spinning round and throwing shapes. Max was on (experienced multiple winner) Wagner, who dropped his shoulder and threw him on the floor. Guess who had to buy the biscuits!