19-year-old Georgie Benson got off the mark at just the second time of asking when taking the older geldings’ maiden at Tyrella last Saturday aboard Three Kings for her boss Gordon Elliott. Both the winner and the runner-up Smoking Dixie are owned by Michael Browne and had previously been campaigned under rules before transferring to Elliott’s care.
The Meath native gave the successful even-money favourite a patient ride, before producing seven-year-old with a late challenge to secure victory. With the backing of Elliott behind her, Georgie Benson could well be a name to watch out for in the future.
Next Generation | Rider
Name: Georgie Benson
Age: 19
Area: Dunshaughlin, Meath
Are you from a racing background?
I got involved in racing through my aunt Carol Benson and my cousin Danny who was a jockey. They do some breeze up horses and Carol had a riding school as well. I started riding ponies and did a lot of hunting and show jumping.
How did you become involved in racing?
Around four years ago Danny brought me into Gordon Elliott’s one morning as he used to work there. That got me started riding out and I have been working at Cullentra since. I was working here part time when I was in school and after I finished my leaving cert, Gordon offered me a full time job and I’m still here!
I love working in Gordon’s as he is really good to work for. I love the atmosphere and the horses as well.
Do you look after anything in particular in Gordon’s?
I am lucky enough to look after Apples Jade. She is a bit of a cranky mare at home, but she is a great one to look after and I will hopefully get another trip over Cheltenham with her.
I used to look after Cause of Causes so I have been over to the festival for the last four years and I have been lucky enough to get to go to Aintree with him too.
You progressed to taking your amateur licence out lately?
I have always wanted to give race riding a go, recently I really decided to try and pursue it, so I got my licence at the start of the year.
You had your first ride earlier in the month?
I know Peter Flood from when he was working for Gordon, so I got to ride Ourmanmassini at Mainstown in a ladies open. He was deadly!
It must have been fantastic to get off the mark at just the second time of asking at Tyrella last Saturday. It was a great opportunity to get from Gordon?
I ride Three Kings out a good bit, he is a lovely horse to ride at home, so he was a great spin to get. He came to the yard a while back along with Smoking Dixie and they were both to go point-to-pointing, Gordon told me he was going to give me the ride on one of them.
A good crowd from Gordon’s travelled up after riding out to watch. He had been going well at home so we were hoping for a good run. It all went to plan and it was an unbelievable feeling to get off the mark. I still can’t quite believe it!
What do you think about the opportunities for lady riders point-to-pointing?
The ladies opens are definitely a help and you have some good horses running in them. It’s a great opportunity for the girls to get some good rides.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing?
Jamie Codd has been a big influence and he is definitely one to look up to. Jamie is great for giving advice and helping out.
Have you any more ambitions for this season?
I would love to pick up a few more rides. Hopefully Three Kings might stay point-to-pointing but I’m not 100% sure.
Next Generation | Rider - Georgie Benson@georgiebenson18 rode her first winner on what was just her second ever ride last Saturday and the 19-year-old discusses how it came about here %u27A1%uFE0F https://t.co/zSLzG1w1ap pic.twitter.com/5v2FkX0TlN
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) January 30, 2019
