“One Ride One Win:” Breast Cancer Survivor Reacts to Monumental Horse Racing Victory

Published 09/02/2021, 9:35 AM EDT

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In what turned out to be a historic day, Rachel Rennie achieved an incredible feat. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, the rider returned to win a horse racing competition in the Newmarket Town Plate. After working with trainer Martin Smith, the rider wanted to take part in 2016 but could not fulfill her dream. Despite that, she worked hard and finally achieved her dreams and won the Newmarket Town Plate, five years after her original plan.

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Rennie wins horse racing competition

Before coming to race in 2016, Rennie discovered a lump on her left breast which ended her hopes of competing in the race.

“I’m usually the sort of person that thinks it will be fine, it will go away but for once I was sensible enough to go to the doctors. I was referred to the hospital for tests, given a diagnosis and before I knew it I was in surgery,” said Rennie.

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After finding out about her illness, Rennie focused on recovery. To get back to what she does best; horse racing.

“I went through the whole kit and kaboodle; surgery to remove the lump, eight rounds of chemo, 20 rounds of radiotherapy, and given about 10 years’ worth of drugs. I finished my last radiotherapy session on Christmas Eve.”

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Rennie’s incredible determination

After her recovery, she registered on August 28th to compete in the race. Friends Don’t Ask or Freddy was her horse for the race. Completing her fitness and jockey tests, the rider brought home the grand prize in a fantastic race. She spoke in excitement about her victory.

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“We’re only a small yard in Newmarket so it was nice to do it for the staff, they got really into it and were desperate for us to win so I couldn’t let them down. It would be nice to defend my crown, but maybe I should retire now on a 100% strike rate; one ride and one win!”

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What an incredible win for this rider. She created history and won hearts in the Newmarket Town Plate competition.

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Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
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