Internationally renowned showjumper Joe Whitaker fulfilled his dream of riding a winner in racing scoring on his debut at Newcastle on Tuesday on board the well backed favourite Ladronne in the final contest of the day.
The 32 year old, is best known for exploits at the olympics when taking home a medal as part as the showjumping team, but on Tuesday he put that a side to ride his first ever winner as a jockey in the sport leaving it very late in the day to get up in a photo-finish.
The story also had an added bonus as it also gave the trainer of the horse, Tjade Collier his first winner in the sport with the jockey saying before the race that ""it would be a fairytale" if the pair could land a winner on there first start together.
(Credit Racing Post) Whitaker said: "I could feel him on the bridle and I knew he had it, so I thought I'd wait until the very last second and then give it some.
Incredible ride and story! International showjumper turned jockey @JoeWhitaker2 gives Ladronne a remarkable ride to win on his first go under Rules at @NewcastleRaces đ pic.twitter.com/UdOYB4fLP8
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 28, 2020
"Fair play to Tjade as well because his instructions were 150 per cent, what a man. He's going to be a serious trainer in the making," Whitaker added.
"I was just focusing on riding smooth, getting in a rhythm, breathing, relaxing, and just finding the race and taking it from there. I enjoyed every second of it and IÂ guarantee I'll be doing it again."
The trainer landed his first winner of his career after having 11 previous attempts and was over the moon and is now looking to kick on from this milestone.
Trainer Collier said: "I'm so excited â I don't know what to say. I've got loads of youngsters going and I said to Joe, 'if you can give me a hand for a couple of weeks, I'll give you a nice ride', he did that and we found the right one for him. What a peach he gave it!"