Skilful win silences Jackson’s detractors

Apr 12 2008 The Journal

EVERYBODY is entitled to an opinion, and criticism of the sport or individuals within it can be healthy, provided it is constructive.

However, amateur jockey Val Jackson, from Northumberland, was the subject of scathing remarks regarding her limitations in the saddle this week.

Robbers Glen, owned, trained and ridden by Jackson, looked the best horse on paper in the hunters’ chase for the Buccleuch Cup at Kelso and though such races are perhaps not ideal as a betting proposition, it still merited special mention in one column as to whether or not the horse was worth risking your money on because of the rider.

Happily, Jackson had the last laugh as she displayed some skill to avoid riderless horses and gained a wide-margin victory. When asked afterwards about the media outburst, she replied: “Yes, I’ve read it, but I’m big enough to ignore it.”

There is no rule that stipulates pundits or punters must get involved with the grass roots of jumping and bet on the outcome of events confined to sporting folk who are competing for little financial gain. If the temptation cannot be resisted, you pay your money and take your chance.

Jackson represents the backbone of National Hunt. She is master of the Morpeth Hunt and still gets fun and enjoyment from riding after 31 years as an amateur. She has a wealth of experience and, even at the age of 48, has no plans for retirement.

“I wanted a good horse to finish my career on and, thanks to Howard Johnson, who bought the horse in Ireland after it had won a point-to-point, I have one now and, as long as he is racing, I will be riding,” explained Val.

Robbers Glen, an eight-year-old gelding, certainly looks the part and seems certain to build on his initial hunter-chase success. Since being acquired by Jackson, he has won five races between the flags in two seasons.

Had he not unseated his owner-rider in a hunter-chase at Kelso in February, connections had toyed with the idea of having a crack at the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

However, if his progress is maintained, the Festival will probably be on the agenda next March.

Val’s father, John Alder, was an accomplished amateur in his day and she started race-riding as a 17-year-old and was the Northern Area ladies’ champion point-to-point rider in 1995. Her latest victory was her 20th under Rules.