Bethell’s award so deserved after her amazing recovery

Negative headlines are a far more regular occurrence within the racing industry – it’s just something that we have become accustomed to.

Therefore, when on the rare occasion we are fortunate enough to see a positive story, I believe we have got to savour it.

On Friday evening at Newcastle racecourse, one such story stood out among all the deserving winners at the Vertem Northern Racing Awards.

Cue Harriet Bethell, who nearly brought the house down after her name was read out and she made her way on stage to receive her ‘Magic Moment in Racing’ trophy.

Bethell was recognised for her miracle recovery from the life-threatening head injuries she sustained following a gallops incident in 2019.

I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of one of these wonderful awards back in 2010 to honour my winning ride on Chief Dan George in the William Hill Chase at the Cheltenham Festival earlier that year.

Although forever grateful – the prize still sits proudly on my mantlepiece – I had an equine partner in my success story. Harriet has achieved hers as an individual, and a truly remarkable one at that.

It certainly hasn’t been easy road for Bethell or her family as her life was seriously in the balance for many worrying weeks following her accident.

I can recall a winning interview her dad bravely did at Pontefract after he had taken responsibility for his daughter’s licence – he spoke such strong words while managing to hold back his tears.

Whenever you hear the words head injury following any mishap it’s worrying, but one suffered from a gallops fall is always that bit more frightening.

However, move forward two years and the brave Yorkshire woman made the journey to Wolverhampton on Monday to saddle stable favourite Steel Helmet as a licenced trainer. He responded with a great second place at 66-1.

This incredible feat is fresh off the back of the former successful amateur rider walking an entire lap of one of the stiffest tracks in the country, Pontefract, raising a staggering £60,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund in the process. A true hero.