Denton Hall News

Philip Thomas to ride for the yard in Graham Lee charity race at Thirsk

Michael Dods Racing is proud to be taking part in a great initiative to support Grand National winning rider Graham Lee and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

One of our stable staff, Philip Thomas, will be one of the riders lining up in the Graham Lee Fund Stable Staff Stakes charity race at Thirsk Racecourse Ltd (Official) on Friday, July 26.

The charity event is the idea of ITV Racing presenter, Adele Mulrennan, who is arranging for 12 stable staff to ride in the race, on mounts led up by professional jockeys.

The mile race will take place before the first official race on Sky Bet Sunday Series card, with Sky Bet supporting the event.

Graham was paralysed from the neck down after a fall at Newcastle last November and the racing community has rallied round to support both him and his family.

Philip, who knows Graham from riding out at various stables in his career, was quick to volunteer to be part of the event. The yard will be providing his mount, though a decision has not been made on which horse it will be.

Philip said: “It will be an honour to take part in such a great initiative because I got to know Graham and he’s a brilliant guy with a lovely family.

“He was always someone I looked up to and he was always happy to give advice. I watched him win the Grand National on Amberleigh House in 2004 and then make a successful switch to the flat. I just want to do anything I can to help.”

Philip’s participation is all the more poignant because he broke his neck in a point-to-point accident at Dromahane when he was 19. He recovered but was unable to ride in races for six years.

“I was really lucky, but it brings it home how dangerous the sport can be,” he added.

Originally from Birmingham, Philip has ridden on the flat as well as point-to-points and has had three winners under rules. He joined the Denton Hall team three months ago from Rebecca Menzies’ yard.

Michael Dods said: “Graham Lee rode for us a number of times and is someone who is widely respected throughout racing. We’re really happy to support the Thirsk charity race and we will all be rooting for Phil.”

* Phil, pictured below with Glenfinnan, has set up a JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-thomas-1716834850286

* For more details on the event, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/grahamleethirskrace