Mel Rowley Racing

In 2021, Mel got her licence for racing under rules. Since then, the Mel Rowley Racing part of the yard has over 30 horses. Alex Edwards obtained his professional license at the same time and now takes the rides.

The decision for Mel to take the licence was a relatively easy one which made sense. Phil is synonymous with Point to Pointing and on a lighter note, the modules that had to be passed for the licence wouldn’t have been favourable to Phil! They included modules such as clipping, plaiting and turn-out – not exactly his favourite things or strong points – though of course he would disagree!

Fortunately, Mel had started the process of gaining her license prior to Covid with Alex, which meant those two were the only ones allowed to continue the process under Covid restrictions.

All the Point to Pointers had to be put in Mel’s name in order for her to gain the ten winners needed. The pressure really was on this proved tricky as the Covid restrictions and lockdowns meant that many events were cancelled. Finally the 10th winner came in 2021 and was the brilliant Hazel Hill at Ludlow Racecourse under Lee Edwards. Lee took the ride as Alex had been granted his license that morning! In February 2021, Mel’s license was granted. Yippee!

Her racing debut started at Hereford Racecourse with two runners. First was Raffle Ticket under Alex Edwards who was running a fabulous race and leading, but unfortunately fell at the last. Poor Alex took a knock to the head and couldn’t ride so Lee Edwards took the second ride. But, just as these things are set to test us, Undisputed also ran a brilliant race and led all the way until the last and fell at the exactly same fence in an almost exact same way! Not the best first day at the new office but it was a case of onwards and upwards and both horses and jockeys were fine.

Mel’s first winner was The Player Queen at Cheltenham in the bumper and what a place to do it! An extremely emotional day for Mel, her family and the whole team, as her Father had sadly passed away that morning.

Highlights to date:

Wishing And Hoping is a very special horse who has not had the easiest starts. He had a complete fear of jumping and he has been a labour of love for the yard and his owners. But what a turnaround – this horse now runs with his heart on his sleeve, giving everything he has got and has given us some fabulous WINS and results.

My Bobby Dazzler’s hat trick of wins at Aintree Racecourse – he is a homebred and a lovely character who tries his heart out. Named after his owner Bob too – he really has done the yard proud.