Welsh hunt-racing is mourning the death of one of its former finest female riders, Marion Thomas.
She died suddenly late last month at the age of 94 while in hospital in Bridgend.
During the 1950s and early 1960s Thomas was associated with some very good point-to-pointers including Tarawera, Red Rower II and Quartier Latin, and she is believed to be the only female rider to have ridden point-to-point winners in Wales, England and Scotland.
Former Welsh champion rider Shan Farr (nee Morgan), best known for her association with the tiny Mandryka, who won 44 races, said: "Marion did a lot for point-to-point racing and was anxious that it kept its amateur status. When I started race-riding she looked out for me and always gave me good advice. She was a wonderful ambassador for the sport."
On one occasion Farr rode Mandryka in the ladies' open race at the Vale of Clettwr Hunt meeting when she allowed Thomas, who was riding Lay Bye, to steal a long lead. Mandryka managed to make up a lot of ground, but the winning post came too soon and he was beaten a length. Farr said: "In the nicest of ways Marion told me in the changing tent after the race, 'You have learnt a lesson today'."
Thomas rode in point-to-points for some 29 years, and in 1976 at the Carmarthenshire Hunt meeting made a little bit of history by becoming the first female steward at a Welsh point-to-point since World War II. She was later presented with a long-service medal by the Queen for 50 years of service within the Royal Welsh Show.
A private family funeral with be held at Coychurch Crematorium at 1.15pm on Friday (June 12). Family flowers only and if desired donations can be made to the Injured Jockeys Fund or Velindre Fundraising c/o Ron Watkins Funeral Services,2 Hilda House, The Square, Pencoed, Bridgend.