Twelve lady riders who have helped to make this first ever AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship so successful

**tip - click on any image to enlarge it

During the past five months I have been fortunate enough to really get to know our top lady riders. As part of the build-up to our final I have taken a more in depth look at the title contenders and some of the ladies who are just off the pace with a light-hearted feature that gives an insight into their lives.  This includes what they enjoy doing outside of racing - which invariably involves a party or two (when there is time of course), and what they do for a day job - which invariably involves horses! The thing they all have in common is that they are dedicated to the "job" and are passionate about it, they are also incredibly brave and funny. 

Twelve of the lady riders are featured below, including all seven who were featured in our Racing Post Weekender advertorial piece on the "title contenders", which is in this weeks paper - and can also be viewed on this blog. It was certainly fun putting this together and I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the ladies who gave up their time to help me it, I hope the end result meets with your approval!

The build up to the AGA Ladies Open Point-to-Point Championship final has well and truly begun as our Racing Post Weekender full page feature sets the pulse racing and brightens up this gloomy, wet Wednesday

If you pick up a copy of today's Racing Post Weekender you will find a fantastic piece of advertorial on page 35 where we have taken a look at the seven lady riders who are still in contention to win the fabulous AGA Total Control Cooker next Wednesday at Cheltenham. You also need to check out Carl Evan's Pointing Diary on page 40 as he has also written a piece which sets the scene nicely for our final.

Of course, I think everyone should drop what they are doing and rush out to buy a copy of the Weekender immediately ... now! It's a great piece, and really illustrates the excitement that is building ahead of our final. It's a great shame that we could not feature all of the wonderful lady riders who have competed in our races this season, however, our heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of them for their support. That also includes all owners, trainers, course officials and supporters, plus the bookies and the punters, who have helped to make our series such a success!

If you fancy a flutter on the outcome then Mark Hill bets as above, please feel free to give him a call on 07831 293363 to discuss your requirements!

What a finish to our season as a carefully planned AGA plot is pulled off in fine style!

A plot that was hatched a few weeks ago was pulled off in tremendous style on the last day of our season, leaving Claire Hart 4 points clear of Jane Williams as we head for our final at Cheltenham on May 2nd. We arrived at the course in good spirits after our 3 hour journey, during which it had suddenly dawned that middle-age was upon me - why you ask, because I spotted some old fashioned car sweets on a "buy one get one free" offer and steamed in to buy some!

Emily and Alskamatic (with ears pricked) lead the field on the 2nd circuit of the Open Maiden race

The main event for us is the AGA Ladies Open, however, we were particularly interested in the 3rd race - the Open Maiden, as our good friend Emily MacMahon was in the plate for a spin on Alskamatic. Emily hasn't picked up many rides in our series, which is a real shame, but it was good to see her in action here, and the look on her face as she returned to the paddock told it's own story - see pic below.

A delighted Emily MacMahon returns to the paddock following her ride in the Maiden on Alskamatic

Debrief from the owners

Claire Hart and Lady Myfanwy romp to an AGA win for the second Saturday running as Chaddesley steps up to the mark once again - and Claire gives another interview!

Claire Hart joined Jane Williams once again at the top of the AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship table, and on the Saturday of the final weekend of Cheltenham qualifiers they were locked together on 46 points.

William gives the girls (Alex and Jacqueline) a pep talk 

That's not the end of the story as there are at least seven top lady riders within striking distance, and all have a tremendous chance of winning the brand new AGA Total Control cooker. Add to the equation the fact that 130+ horses have qualified for our final at Cheltenham and we really are in for a cracking evening on May 2nd as our series reaches a crescendo!

Our defending champ

Here come the girls

Beazo is like the pied piper