Stable door opens for determined rider Suzanne France (From Gazette & Herald)

Suzanne France establishes Newstart Racing stables in Norton

10:55am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

WHEN Suzanne France suffered a horrific riding accident five years ago she thought her dream of a life-long career in the horse world had crumbled.

She collided with another rider in a race at Redcar and her horse landed on top of her.

Suzanne was taken to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where she was in the high dependency unit before being transferred to Malton Hospital , nearer her family, to recover.

The accident has left her partially blind in both eyes but she was determined to carry on in racing.

Suzanne said: “Horses have been my life. I’ve been training, jockeying and box driving, so I was determined to get back into it.

“I was told not to pursue my career in the racing industry but it was my life. The more I was told not to, the harder I tried to get back.”

She began work for well-known local racing trainer Neville Bycroft before establishing her own, Newstart Racing, at Cheesecake Hill House in Norton ’s Beverley Road.

Her four horses are trained in flat racing, although she also trains in jumping as a professional trainer.

The 32-year-old’s biggest success so far has been to see her partner, Aaron James, ride Stamp Duty to win at Wolverhampton and has since had runners placed second and third at other meetings.

“We’ve had a great start this year with Stamp Duty winning, and we are enjoying the 2012 season as we see the promising results and potential of our current string,” said Suzanne.

She is looking to expand the number of horses to train, but in the meantime works in an elderly people’s care home in the evenings, while Aaron works at different yards.

“If anyone is interested in a day at the races, ownership to suit their budget, or just even a look around our working yard we make people welcome,” she said.

Suzanne can be phoned on 01653 691947 or 07904 117531.