Graham Lee on track to watch race named in his honour this year.
Sammy Jo Bell has firmly established herself as the reigning champion of the Graham Lee Vickers Bet Leger Legends race, clinching victory at Doncaster for an impressive third time. Riding the seven-year-old gelding Hartswood, Bell’s triumph was not just a personal achievement; it underscored her enduring connection to the sport and the significant cause behind the event.
Bell's win, marked by a thrilling finish, saw her outpace the competition by three-quarters of a length, a feat that holds deep meaning for her. "It's amazing, and I suppose what makes it extra special for me is riding for Richard because he was a massive part of my career," she said, reflecting on her relationship with her former boss, Richard Fahey, who provided Hartswood for the race. Their collaboration, rooted in years of shared experience, added an emotional layer to the day’s events.
Leading up to the race, Bell expressed her anticipation. “I rang him a couple of weeks ago and he put a horse in for me; it's amazing really just to be part of the whole day. It’s such a good cause for Graham and the Injured Jockeys Fund. It is fantastic, and it’s really special.” The race is not just a competition; it represents a collective effort to support the Injured Jockeys Fund, which provides crucial assistance to those who have faced life-altering injuries in the sport.
Bell’s journey to the winner’s circle was particularly impressive given her personal struggles. She suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last spring, a setback that could have derailed her career. “In April last year, I fell off, landed on my feet, and it just snapped,” she recounted. Her rehabilitation journey at Jack Berry House, a facility dedicated to helping injured jockeys, played a pivotal role in her recovery. “They were amazing,” she added, emphasizing the significance of the support provided by the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Riders ahead of the 2024 Graham Lee Leger Legends, joined by the man himself pic.twitter.com/t7OuArJuf9
— Molly Hunter (@mollhun) September 15, 2024
The event also featured notable participants, including multiple Group One winner Gerald Mosse and Grand National-winning jockey David Mullins. The presence of Graham Lee, after whom the race is named, lent a poignant touch to the proceedings. Lee's life-changing injuries from a fall last November serve as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by jockeys and the ongoing need for support for those affected.
As the race unfolded, it seemed that Terries Royale and Megan Nicholls, the 3-1 favorites, had a strong chance of victory as they surged ahead early on. However, fate took an unexpected turn. Terries Royale began to veer dramatically to the left, crossing the track and losing precious ground. Bell seized the opportunity to mount her challenge, pushing Hartswood forward at a crucial moment. “I had no idea who had gone clear but I thought I wasn't going to get to them; he kept plugging on, so that was pretty good,” she remarked about her race strategy.
…and the winner, for the third time, is Sammy Jo Bell pic.twitter.com/6LEbqTZMkm
— Molly Hunter (@mollhun) September 15, 2024
This victory not only reinforces Bell's status as a talented jockey but also highlights her resilience and commitment to her craft. Her history of success in this particular race, with wins in 2019 and 2022, speaks volumes about her skills and dedication. “It's always an amazing thrill; nothing quite satisfies that. Maybe I should quit now I’m ahead!” she joked, embodying the light-hearted spirit of the event while celebrating her remarkable achievement.
As the day drew to a close, the camaraderie among the participants and the shared purpose of raising funds for injured riders resonated throughout Doncaster. Bell's victory serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength and determination that define not only her career but the spirit of all those involved in the sport. The Graham Lee Vickers Bet Leger Legends race continues to stand out as a beacon of hope and support for jockeys who have faced adversity.
Sammy Jo Bell’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience in the face of adversity. Her third victory in this meaningful race not only showcases her talent but also her deep connection to the sport and the causes it supports. As the world of racing continues to evolve, stories like Bell’s serve as a reminder of the community's strength and the importance of supporting one another through challenging times.
