Racing to School is honoured to be supported by a fantastic team of Ambassadors from across the racing industry who kindly champion our important work inspiring young people nationwide.
Hollie Doyle
Hollie Doyle is a leading British Flat jockey who has enjoyed an incredible 2024 in the saddle, riding nearly 125 winners and earning almost £2,250,000 in prize money. Hollie started life in the saddle at the Pony Club and is now in great demand to ride in GB and overseas.
She was voted Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and was nominated for BBC Sport Personality of the Year 2020.
Frankie Foster
Frankie Foster is a presenter on Racing TV’s Raceday.TV and works closely with Chester and Ascot racecourses to deliver digital content.
After studying International Business Management at the University of Gloucester and following a stint on reality TV, Frankie has followed his passion for horseracing to a career in racing media creating content to bring the sport to a new audience. Alongside his ‘day job’, Frankie is the Founder of Franc James, a luxury fashion brand inspired by British horseracing style.
Rachael Blackmore
International supporter
Rachael was the first female jockey to the Aintree Grand National and the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. She is also the 2021 winner of the BBC World Sport Star, RTE Sportsperson, Irish Times Sportswoman, Irish Independent Sportsperson, Her Sport Sportswoman and Horse Racing Ireland’s Racing Hero Awards.
Rachael is an active supporter of many charities and works with Racing to School to inspire the younger generation and speak about her experiences as a jockey.
Photo © The Jockey Club.
Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Jonjo O’Neill Jr is a professional jump jockey and former Champion Conditional. The 26-year-old has ridden over 250 winners in the last five seasons, including his first top grade win aboard Native River in the Denman Chase at Newbury in 2020. Jonjo Jr has enjoyed wins at the Cheltenham Festival and at Punchestown.
As the son and namesake of former Champion Jockey and Grand National-winning trainer Jonjo O’Neill, Jonjo Jr was always destined for a career in the saddle. However, his parents insisted he finish his college education before forging a career in racing. He was educated at Cheltenham College becoming Head of House and playing first team rugby and hockey for the school. After his A-levels, Jonjo Jr spent time learning the trade with Aiden O’Brien and Gordon Elliot in Ireland, Paul Nicolls in the UK and Guillaume Macaire in France.
Tom Bellamy
Tom Bellamy is an established National Hunt jockey. He is the retained stable jockey for trainer Emma Lavelle.
Tom’s biggest successes in the saddle include winning the BetVictor Gold Cup aboard Splash of Ginge in 2017 as well as the Greatwood Hurdle aboard Harambe in 2019.
Tom has never considered another path in life, as father Robert was a successful professional jump jockey for many years and Tom always aspired to follow in his fathers footsteps.
Leonna Mayor
Leonna is a former flat jockey, achieving 31 winners in her career. She is now a regular face on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing, offering insight and analysis during raceday coverage. Leonna manages Team Yorkshire in the Racing League, for which Racing to School is charity partner.
Outside of her work, Leonna enjoys eventing her ex-racehorse, Sir Pascal.
Sally Ann Grassick
Sally Ann is a TV Presenter and Journalist who is a well-known face within ITV’s Racing team in the UK. She also works with Equidia in France, in addition to a number of freelance positions. A keen horsewoman, Sally Ann is a brilliant advocate for bringing young people into racing.
John Hunt
The voice of BBC Racing, John has worked extensively in many other sports, such as football and athletics, including for the BBC at the Olympics. In 2019, John gave a commentary masterclass session to students from the Newmarket Academy as part of Racing to School’s Newmarket Beacon Programme.
Related news:
14 Nov 23: Leonna Mayor joins Racing to School’s team of ambassadors
25 Jan 22: Bridget Andrews joins Racing to School’s team of Ambassadors
04 Aug 21: Tom Bellamy inspires young riders at Pony Racing Taster Days
23 July 21: Q+A with Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
02 Feb 21: Hollie Doyle shares fitness regime with academy pupils
29 Sept 20: John Hunt delivers commentary masterclass to students
30 Apr 20: Yard update from Warren Greatrex
16 Apr 20: Sally Ann Grassick talks to Racing to School
08 Apr 20: Morag Gray’s ambitions for horseracing
30 Mar 20: Susannah Gill shares her top tips for staying active
