Philip Prince, the amateur jockey who has overcome disability and officialdom, achieved another step on the road to becoming a jockey at Wolverhampton today.

The 17-year-old amateur had his first ride under Rules when he rode Barodine for Somerset-based trainer Ron Hodges.

It was Hodges who has been one of the money people helping Prince as he’s pursued his dream. Prince was born with one ear and a lopsided jaw which resulted in the British Horseracing Authority initially rejecting his application for an amateur rider’s licence in 2008, on the grounds of his partial deafness.

Prince, who has ridden 30 winners in pony racing, eventually won his appeal to gain his licence but the fairytale victory did not happen. Barodine was up with the pace at halfway but then dropped away in the home straight to finish 10th of 12.   

Few would bet on this tenacious teenager from making the winner’s enclosure some time soon.

Paul Wheeler