News Lizzie Kelly makes history with Kempton glory on Tea For Two

Lizzie Kelly makes history with Kempton glory on Tea For Two

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Lizzie Kelly rode into the history books when Tea For Two jumped immaculately to win the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton.

No other lady had ridden a Grade One winner of a chase in Britain, but backers of the 9-4 chance never really had an anxious moment.

Kelly kept her mount, trained by stepfather Nick Williams, wide throughout, and bar being interfered with a couple of times when rivals were jumping out to their left, she stayed on strongly to defeat Southfield Royale.

Despite racing keenly throughout the first mile of the race, Tea For Two was able to quicken up when Noel Fehily tried to steal a march turning into the straight.

For a few strides Kelly shook her mount up, but he responded impressively and ended up winning by four lengths, in a race formerly known as the Feltham Novices' Chase.

Kelly had nearly landed a Grade One in France when Aubusson was narrowly beaten by Thousand Stars and could have been forgiven for thinking her chance had gone.

On this display, however, there will be plenty more big days for Tea For Two and his proud jockey.

Kelly said: "It's awesome, I'm absolutely delighted and to do it on this horse is just fantastic.

"He's always been something we were really proud of and today he has shown everyone what he's worth.

"At two out I thought 'we're going to win the Feltham!'. It's some feeling and he's got some turn of foot in that last half a mile - he's awesome.

"I was worried he didn't switch off as well as I thought he would, but his jumping got me out of a few problems early on."