Hundredth success together for rider and trainer came at Ayr on Thursday.
Yorkshire rider Joanna Mason has talked of her huge pride following the ride of her 100th winner for her legendary grandfather, Yorkshire trainer Mick Easterby. She scored this impressive milestone at Ayr on Thursday while guiding Yorkshire Lady to an easy success in a 10-furlong fillies' handicap for both the rider and her family's stable. For Mason, it is more than a personal success but a significant act of family legacy steeped in history for racing.
Mason's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. She had commenced her riding career on the point-to-point circuit and later took amateur flat rides before making a complete transition to professional ranks when the pandemic had racing participation limited to only professionals. The move has paid off handsomely, as the talented jockey is having a stellar season, racking up 59 winners up to now. Her consistency and skill also saw her again selected for the Ladies' Team for the Shergar Cup. That, in itself, was a statement of her growing reputation in the sport.
Thursday's win, however, meant a lot more than just another victory. Her grandfather, Mick Easterby, who is highly respected within racing, is still training at the age of 93 and works alongside his son David. For Mason, the landmark of 100 winners for her grandfather means a whole lot more personal achievement, joining an elite list of jockeys like Paul Mulrennan, Eddie Hide, Terry Lucas, and Nathan Evans, who have also steered 100 winners for the legendary trainer. "It's been a pleasure to get 100 winners for my grandad," Mason said with glowing pride. "It's an honor to join such a list of incredible riders who have achieved the same."
What a day, 100th winner for @MickEasterby @dmeasterby. Thank you 🎉🎉 #milestone pic.twitter.com/LEddqOWvxM
— Joanna Mason (@jomason90) September 19, 2024
The Easterby family has been involved with horse racing for generations, and Mason's success is the latest chapter in a rich family history. She grew up around horses, so introduction to the sport was almost inevitable. "It all started from pointing," remarks Mason. She beams, "My mum and auntie were into pointing, my cousin was a champion point-to-point rider, my sister rode a few points, and now I'm the last one riding." She laughs, "My grandad told me, 'You're the swansong!' This isn't in the natural flow of things for Mason, but her diligent efforts have led her to this well-deserved milestone.
A gutsy effort from Yorkshire Lady who manages to catch the front-running Reyaadah Star in the final strides, handing the British Stallion Studs Scottish Premier Series EBF Fillies' Handicap to @jomason90 and @MickEasterby 🥇 pic.twitter.com/mnBHTkhO81
— Ayr Racecourse (@ayrracecourse) September 19, 2024
Mick Easterby, who decided to go to Ayr to see the win for himself, is still in top form, if not better, and continues enjoying days out to the courses. "He's in really good form," said Mason about her grandfather. "He loves a trip to Ayr, and of course, his days at York and Beverley are always special. It was nice for him to be there to see me ride our 100th winner." Through Mason, she has produced five victories from seven career outings. She certainly has her place in the hearts of everyone at the Easterby yard. "She is pretty definitely one of the favorites here in the yard," said Mason.
We've known her since she was a foal, and as she's come up through the ranks, I feel like I have come up with her. This is the 100th winner for Mason's grandfather, and the win isn't just a statistical milestone but represents what has characterized her career to date, from passion and hard work to deep family connections. With Mason going forward into the future, so do Mason and her storied stable family, with an indelible mark left on the sport she loves.
