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Lizzie Kelly makes Grade One history at Kempton

History-maker Lizzie Kelly broke the mould in Kempton
History-maker Lizzie Kelly broke the mould in Kempton

Lizzie Kelly rode into the history books when Tea For Two jumped immaculately to win the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton.

No other woman had ridden a Grade One winner of a chase in Britain, but backers of the 9-4 chance hardly had an anxious moment.

Kelly kept her mount, trained by stepfather Nick Williams, wide throughout and bar being interfered with a couple of times when rivals were jumping out to their left, she stayed on strongly to defeat Southfield Royale.

Despite racing keenly throughout the first mile of the race, Tea For Two was able to quicken up when Noel Fehily tried to steal a march turning into the straight.

For a few strides Kelly shook her mount up, he responded impressively and ended up winning by four lengths in a race formerly known as the Feltham Chase.

Kelly had nearly landed a Grade One in France when Aubusson was narrowly beaten by Thousand Stars  and could have been forgiven for thinking her chance had gone.

On this display, however, there will be plenty more big days for Tea For Two and his proud jockey.

Kelly said: "It's awesome, I'm absolutely delighted and to do it on this horse is just fantastic.

"He's always been something we were really proud of and today he has shown everyone what he's worth."

She continued: "At two out I thought 'we're going to win the Feltham!'. It's some feeling and he's got some turn of foot in that last half a mile - he's awesome.

"I was worried he didn't switch off as well as I thought he would, but his jumping got me out of a few problems early on."

Kelly's mother and assistant trainer Jane Williams said: "I haven't actually watched the race as I always go down to the start and as she lost her cap I wasn't even sure it was her!

"I'm thrilled for her. It's important for girls to make it in racing and we set out to try to prove girls can win Grade Ones. We went to France with Aubusson and we were just pipped at the post.

"We thought this lad had the best chance of doing it at Kempton. The trip was a bit of a concern, but if you don't try, you don't know.

"Neil King has been brilliant for her, she works for him full time so she's gone off and done her own thing, but in the background we try to help."

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