Following on the fetlocks of the retirement of Alex Embiricos. Another stalwart of the East Anglian ladies changing room has decided to hang up her boots at the age of 24. Emma Bell who rode 5 winners during her time in a truncated career in the area has decided to give up race riding. I remember Emma riding her first winner at Fakenham in 2002 when she won the maiden at the West Norfolk meeting on the enigmatic Parsonhumfrywebber. The horse would tail himself off and then finish with a wet sail. Many people thought, including the Mackenzie,Selby and Harris racereader that she had won a few weeks earlier at Cottenham when Parsonhumfrywebber was given as finishing second by the judge. Emma mostly rode for Mike Burman's yard at Ickwell near Sandy then went to work for Henrietta Knight at Lockinge during the era of Best Mate and Edredon Bleu. A broken leg sustained on the Lockinge gallops curtailed her career for a few years but she came back to ride in the area and work in the City of London during the week. I remember Emma from the days when I had my first horse Runningwiththemoon at Mike's yard at Ickwell. Indeed Emma was the one who brought him off the horsebox when we arrived with him from Chris Bealby's yard. I'm sure many of you will want to wish Emma a happy retirement and good luck for the future from a sport she's graced so well during the last few years.
oh wow! didnt know that was coming... well done Emma on a really good and Gutsy career. When i think of you i always see a big big smile, along with a shed load of determination. Which, I am sure will carry you on through whatever life holds in the future..Good Luck!.... there is always more to ponies running round in circles in a glorified field!!!! if you are up to any of your 'adventures' please consider me... i like a challenge...( i may be a bit long in the tooth, but have loads of enthusiasm, and stamina!!!) Take Care. xx
What a lovely summary Ray.. I’m sure Emma will be thrilled with that report.. I’m sure you wont want to give up the pony’s altogether Ems and don’t sell your stuff again – you never know there might be another Humpy around the corner waiting for you big hugs and love. xx
