Paul Eddrey

FLAT racing jockey Paul Eddery wants to repay the friendship and generosity of Dalepak boss Mick White by romping to victory on a horse named Gordy Bee this summer.

Paul first met Dalepak’s managing director in 2001, since when the pair have struck up a warm friendship, and the rider believes that success for a runner named in memory of one of Mick’s closest friends would be a fitting way to reward his support.

Paul said: “Gordy Bee looks to be an exciting prospect and the form of his one run at Newmarket last August when he was sixth of 17 in a hot two year-old maiden, seems to confirm that.”

He added: “I know how much it would mean to Mick to see Gordy Bee in the winner’s enclosure and while there are a number of nice two year-olds in training with Paul Mason, I realise this has a special meaning and it would be a lovely story to see it win.

“I first got to know Mick properly when I was riding a horse called Crimson Silk for him in 2002, having met him the year before, but he has been sponsoring me now for six years. I consider myself very fortunate to have known him. ”

Gordy Bee runs in the colours of Dalepak’s biggest racing enthusiast and Mrs Rita Bishop-Bailey, whose husband Gordon, a popular character in Northampton, died in December 2007.

Mick said: “The horse is not the most straightforward which in a way ties in quite nicely with the Gordy Bee I knew. The horse is also a big, strapping individual and the trainer is looking forward to running him at some decent venues. He wants to start him off on a straight course at one of the top tracks such as Ascot.”

Paul’s own turf flat season started on a high note when he won the two year-old Brocklesby Conditions Stakes over 5f on Hearts Of Fire for his training brother Pat, for whom he is now the assistant trainer.

However, he revealed this would not interfere with the help and support he lends to Paul Mason’s Culworth Grounds Farm operation, saying: “It is only 40 minutes away in the car from where Pat trains in Buckinghamshire and if anything I am doing more this season with Paul Mason as I am riding out work there at least once a week.

“My brother has been at Musk Hill for four years and it sometimes takes time for trainers to adjust to the gallops and facilities but all of Paul Mason’s early runners have performed respectably with just the odd exception and I believe they are plenty fit enough.”

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