Katie's magical birthday

4:53pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

KATIE Cooper knew the answer when asked what she wanted for her 21st birthday present.

The budding jockey said: "I want to ride in a charity flat race."

“I want to say a big thank you to Pat Hanley and John Needham for giving me the chance to have this ride.”

Budding jockey Katie Cooper

And Katie not only competed, but won the charity flat race at Uttoxeter Racecourse to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and The Staffordshire Rural Support Network.

Katie, from Catshill, was one of 11 amateur jockeys in the one mile, two and a half furlongs event in which she raised more than £1,000.

With a good start Katie, on board the unraced Deepwood Fox, started to drift, but tactical riding enabled them to move up the field to take the prize.

Deepwood Fox is trained by John Needham, from Ludlow.

A good day was had by Katie's family and friends, who were there to support her.

Still beaming after the race Katie said: "I want to say a big thank you to Pat Hanley and John Needham for giving me the chance to have this ride."

EDITORS CHOICE