A teenage stablehand from Maidstone has been tipped for a big future after a fairytale start to her riding career.

Frankie Pullar stormed to victory in her debut race on board 10-1 shot Claude Greenwood at Southwell.

The 17-year-old, who works at trainer Linda Jewell’s yard in Sutton Valence, finished two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of joint-second favourite Henry Smith in the Amateur Riders’ Handicap over one mile and three furlongs.

Shocked Pullar said: “My expectations were to go out and stay safe. It was more for the experience, so to win was amazing.

“I made it to the two-furlong pole in the lead and it still felt like I had a full tank
beneath me. By the time I got to the one-furlong pole he still had so much left."

Pullar rode ponies as a child, starting out in point-to-point. She began working at Jewell’s yard two years ago and last November took her amateur jockey licence.

She said: “Long-term I’d love to go National Hunt jumping and have a successful and safe career.

“It is difficult to make it as a female jockey but if you work hard enough, gain as much experience as possible and slowly but surely keep picking up winners, then it can be done."

Trainer Jewell couldn’t travel to Southwell, instead watching Pullar’s success on the Valence Racing-owned horse in a betting shop.

She paid tribute to the teenager and is backing her to enjoy a successful career.

“Frankie’s such a hardworking girl. I always promised I would get her that first ride if she got her amateur licence," she said.

“She loves jumping as well, not just the flat. Girls are doing a lot better these days and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Frankie go a long way."