Lucy Alexander’s great hope is jockey’s title

PERTH racecourse has a special place in the heart of Lucy Alexander, the hugely talented Scottish conditional jockey.

“This was the course at which I had my first ride under rules back in 2007,” said Alexander, who yesterday drew level at the top of the conditional jockey’s championship which will conclude on Saturday.

Speaking before her trainer brother Nick saddled Standintheband to be the 12-1 winner of the opening Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle, Alexander said: “I would love to win it, but am up against it. It’s very competitive racing this week.

“I was in the lead but I was out for five weeks with a broken collarbone and another week with concussion. You know you are going to miss a certain amount of time but, having led it all season, it would be disappointing to miss out at the end.”

Alexander, trying to be the first Scottish woman to win the title, was overtaken by Brendan Powell jnr last weekend but yesterday’s double saw her take the lead on 37 winners.

Her second victory came in the closing Try Crabbie’s Curiously Crisp Scottish Raspberry Handicap Hurdle on 7-2 shot Deepsand, trained by Tim Easterby.

Powell Jr may yet lose a winner because one of his mounts has reportedly failed a dope test. Behind the pair at the top are Henry Brooke with 34 wins and Michael Nolan on 31.