Trainer Jamie Osborne has created a little bit of history on Twitter by using a poll to decide who will ride his three-year-old Secret Interlude at Kempton on Wednesday.
The lucky winner was Georgia Dobie, who is based with Mark Tompkins, and who has also ridden for Phil McEntee.
Secret Interlude, who has race mainly over six furlongs, steps up to a mile for the first time in the All Weather "Hands And Heels" Apprentice Series Handicap at 7.55pm, with Dobie claiming 7lb.
Osborne explained: "I was sat in the office on Sunday evening and I knew I would be leaving very early on Monday morning to go to the sales, when I realised I had no-one to ride the filly.
"My apprentice, Lucy Barry, has ridden too many winners and none of the people who ride out for me fitted the qualification.
"I have no allegiance to anyone, so I thought it would be a fun way of doing it.
"When I put it out there I didn't think it would create quite the interest that it did.
"Seven apprentices got in touch and with this being the year of the vote I thought it was only fair to do the same."
The result is official. Georgia Dobie will take the ride. Thx to all the applicants. I will follow your progress with interest from now on.
— jamie osborne (@osbornejamie) November 21, 2016
Osborne, who also owns Secret Interlude, added: "I felt very sorry for the lad who came second (Jacob Mitchell) because there was only a gnat's whisker in it.
"It's nice to give someone a chance and it's a fun way of doing it.
"I haven't spoken to Georgia yet, but she sent me a message saying thank you very much and she seems very polite.
"It would be great if they win."
Brexit, Donald Trump and now Georgia Dobie!
— jamie osborne (@osbornejamie) November 21, 2016
The British Horseracing Authority confirmed there were "no concerns" with the booking.
A spokesperson said: "The choice of jockey is between owner and trainer, therefore, provided both are happy that this is how they will choose their jockey, and that the jockeys in question hold an appropriate licence, then there are no concerns."
