Running mate
When Tessa Nelson was given the chance to accompany a racehorse to a race in Dubai it was odds on she would grab the opportunity by the reins.
The horse-mad collections driver is based in Malton, North Yorkshire, where her flexible shifts mean she can spend her mornings exercising five-year-old racehorse Orvar for local trainer Paul Midgley.
The trip to the United Arab Emirates came about when Paul entered Orvar into the Dubai Festival at Meydan Racecourse – one of the key events leading up to the Dubai World Cup – and asked Tessa if she’d be willing to accompany the horse.
Fortunately, collections sector manager Kev Moore was happy to help Tessa, who was champing at the bit to take time off so she could live her dream.
‘Dubai’s always been a destination on my bucket list and to go racing as well was a double whammy,’ said Tessa. ‘I’m really grateful to Kev for letting me have the time off and to Paul for trusting me to go.’
Orvar finished fourth in both his races, which were watched by an august group of racegoers including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai).
Tessa, who has four horses of her own – Lily, Twiggy, Ellie and Ginger – also won an award for best turned out horse and was delighted with Orvar’s performance. ‘He was in a field of top-quality horses and did fantastically well,’ she said. ‘He’s a little star.’
