HAVING not ridden competitively since 1989, Tracey Corrigan made a winning return to the saddle last week to partner her own Willywont He to victory in the Kiplingcotes Derby, England’s oldest flat race.

“I’m over the moon,” said Tracey. “Although I’ve never even been to watch it before I’ve always wanted to ride in this race but never had the opportunity until this year.”

Finishing second by one-and-a-half lengths was Tracey’s fiancé Richard Mumford, partnering Willywont He’s stable mate Calapocus. Amazingly, Richard has only been riding for four years and this was his race debut.

Both Willywont He and Calapocus ran as recently as March 9 at the Derwent point-to-point in the hunt race, finishing third and fifth respectively, and are regulars on the Yorkshire circuit.

The Kiplingcotes Derby reputedly began in 1519 and takes place on the third Thursday in March. It is run on grass verges over about four miles. “I train my horses by cantering on grass verges, so that didn’t put them off,” said Tracey. “We have a combined age of 67 and the good going really helped.”

This race has clearly been a long-term target for Tracey, who rode the route last year to familiarise herself with the course. “Unlike point-to-pointing the focus tends to be on the rider, but I was so proud of my horse, who has now retired.and I am looking for a home for him.”

Tracey had to put on half a stone in a week in order to meet the minimum weight of 10 stone, whereas Richard was carrying two stone more.

Calapocus has proved a great school master for Richard and the pair undertake a variety of equine activities. including showjumping, hunting with the Derwent and representing Scarborough riding club.

Tracey’s Royal Present is likely to be her next point-to-point runner. He is progressing nicely and will shortly loses his Maiden tag.