EMMA SMITH-CHASTON TO RETIRE.

The 4.12.pm, at Kelso on Tuesday April 22nd, 2025, may not linger long in the memory of the majority, but after finishing a respectable third on Foster'sisland Emma Smith-Chaston announced her imminent retirement from the saddle just 13 winners away from losing her claim.

Emma joined the Micky Hammond team around seven years ago having ridden one winner on the flat at Hamilton as an amateur. If memory serves, her first ride for the yard as a conditional jumps jockey was at Sedgefield, and although I am ashamed to say that I can't remember the the name of the horse, I can remember turning to Micky after the race and saying 'this girl can ride.'

It was fitting that Emma chose to announce her retirement after her ride on Foster's Island, as it was also announced that Foster's island had run his last race. Emma had ridden the horse on 29 occasions, and won on him on four times, but if asked which is her favourite horse she has ridden, she will say Larry Looby, whom she rode to win on five occasions between June to October 2022.

Emma will bow out having ridden 63 winners from 620 rides, and nearly £500,000 in win and place prize money, which is an amazing achievement and something she can be very proud of. We all wish her the very best of luck in whatever she chooses to do next.

To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, Sharp Hill, and Curlew, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.