A KEEN young horsewoman met a living legend of the racing world last week when she bumped into Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion.

Nine-year-old Ami Lewis, of Holme-on-Spalding Moor, met the star at an open day at Malton stables. But she didn't realise who he was until she got home - and now wishes she'd asked for his autograph. Ami said: "I'm too young to remember Bob Champion when he was a jockey but it was brilliant to meet him. I thought he was very nice".

Ami, who attends Holme-on-Spalding Moor Primary School, has been riding for eighteen months and said she would like to work with horses in the future. Mum Carol described Champion as "really, really friendly". She said: "Ami was asked if she would like to pose for some pictures for the local paper, and she jumped at the chance.

"When the pictures were being taken, I noticed someone else in them but I must admit I didn't know who he was. "It was only a few days after I found out, when my parents saw the pictures in the paper and asked if I knew I'd met Bob Champion," she added.

"I couldn't believe it."

RACING TIPS: Young horsewoman Ami Lewis, of Holme-on-Spalding Moor,
meets Grand National winning jockey Bob Champion at an open day at Malton stables.

The Post (21st September 2000)