In what turned out to be a historic day, Rachel Rennie achieved an incredible feat. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, the rider returned to win a horse racing competition in the Newmarket Town Plate. After working with trainer Martin Smith, the rider wanted to take part in 2016 but could not fulfill her dream. Despite that, she worked hard and finally achieved her dreams and won the Newmarket Town Plate, five years after her original plan.
In 2016 Rachel Rennie was supposed to ride in the @NewmarketRace Town Plate – only to be diagnosed with cancer a month before the race. It’s been her dream to ride in it ever since. Today, 5 years later and after 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiotherapy, she won it pic.twitter.com/UvX294A2Ej
— Barry Rabbetts (@BRabbetts) August 28, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rennie wins horse racing competition
Before coming to race in 2016, Rennie discovered a lump on her left breast which ended her hopes of competing in the race.
“I’m usually the sort of person that thinks it will be fine, it will go away but for once I was sensible enough to go to the doctors. I was referred to the hospital for tests, given a diagnosis and before I knew it I was in surgery,” said Rennie.
2016: Rachel Rennie ruled out of riding in historic Newmarket Town Plate after breast cancer diagnosis
2021: She wins race aged 49 on Friends Don’t Ask – after surgery, eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 rounds of radiotherapy
📷 @GrahamClark85 pic.twitter.com/sILcd0mpld
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) August 29, 2021
After finding out about her illness, Rennie focused on recovery. To get back to what she does best; horse racing.
“I went through the whole kit and kaboodle; surgery to remove the lump, eight rounds of chemo, 20 rounds of radiotherapy, and given about 10 years’ worth of drugs. I finished my last radiotherapy session on Christmas Eve.”
READ MORE- British Equestrian and Ireland Confirm Teams for European Showjumping Championships
Rennie’s incredible determination
After her recovery, she registered on August 28th to compete in the race. Friends Don’t Ask or Freddy was her horse for the race. Completing her fitness and jockey tests, the rider brought home the grand prize in a fantastic race. She spoke in excitement about her victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We’re only a small yard in Newmarket so it was nice to do it for the staff, they got really into it and were desperate for us to win so I couldn’t let them down. It would be nice to defend my crown, but maybe I should retire now on a 100% strike rate; one ride and one win!”
Huge congratulations to Rachel! Such a super lady and works so hard. Really pleased for @Rrennie72Rennie and @MartinPBSmith https://t.co/EiKU3r3XBs
— Sophie (@SophiexJane) August 28, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What an incredible win for this rider. She created history and won hearts in the Newmarket Town Plate competition.
WATCH THIS STORY- Most Exciting Equestrian Jump-Offs at Olympic Games
