‘I COULDN’T BELIEVE MY LUCK’ SAYS SOLDIER JOSH

Features | 21st September 2024

Soldier Josh Bell is living out his dream after winning a racing club membership at Ripon races.

Josh, 32, who is based in the York area, is hoping to fulfil an ambition by cheering home a winner on The Knavesmire after landing an interest in a string of horses with the Legacy Racing Club.

“I couldn’t believe my luck,” he said after his name came out of the hat at Great British Racing’s Ownership Day at the Garden Racecourse, where Legacy were one of six companies promoting their shared ownership entities.

“I entered the competition never thinking I’d be lucky enough to win it and now I’ve got an involvement in five horses – it’s amazing,” he added.

“I had a great day out as part of the Racecourse Ownership Day, visiting Ruth Carr’s stables in the morning with my wife and kids (pictured above) and then enjoying an afternoon’s racing at Ripon, but to win the competition topped it all off.”

A driver in the Army, Josh became hooked on racing about seven years ago through his brother-in-law, who was part of the Owners Group racing club, and can’t wait to cheer home his first winner.

“I love York racecourse and couldn’t think of anything better than having a winner there,” he explained. “I took a group of Rugby pals there for a day out and we all loved the experience, but to be there with a horse to call my own would be extra-special.”

Josh will be following the fortunes of Legacy horses in training with Tom Ward in Lambourn, Lawney Hill in Oxfordshire and Alice Haynes in Newmarket, including 2023 Brocklesby winner Doddie’s Impact, multiple scorer Power Over Me and the promising Captain Cisco.

“I’m already getting so much information about all the horses, which is great because even when I’m away on duty I feel I’m up to date with every horse’s progress,” added Josh. “Legacy run a separate WhatsApp group for each horse with videos from the gallops and news about entries. Even though I’m new to the racing club I feel very much a part of things.”

Lauren Shapiro-Nevin, of Legacy, said: “We pride ourselves on ensuring every member feels like an integral part of our racing family and are delighted to welcome Josh into our club to experience the thrills of ownership with us.”

Further Racecourse Ownership Days, backed by the Racehorse Owners’ Association and the Racehorse Syndicates Association, will be staged at Ascot on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November.

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