Former Notts County youth player Jamie Parkes is pleased to have found his vocation as a jockey and is hoping to embark on a long and successful career in the horse riding world.
The 18-year-old admitted he was "heartbroken" when, as a 15-year-old with a height of 4 foot 11, he was released from Notts County for being too small.
Mick Leonard, his coach at the time, had to break the bad news to Parkes - now 5 foot 8, a similar height to Lionel Messi and taller than Diego Maradona and Alexis Sanchez - but suggested that he try horse racing instead.
Parkes was not interested at first, given his disappointment at failing to make the grade at Notts.
However, he soon warmed to the idea and began learning the ropes, enrolling at the Northern Racing College near Doncaster.
After graduating from the college, Parkes spent time with Mick Appleby prior to joining Martyn Meade’s Newmarket stable.
Last Wednesday, his journey took the next step up when he raced in the 20:45 at Wolverhampton, partnering Sociologist for Meade in a 1m1f handicap, and came third in the race.
"It was unbelievable," Ravenshead native Parkes told the Hucknall Dispatch. "The best feeling I have ever experienced. He ran really well and gave me the perfect first ride.
"The build-up made me nervous, but as soon as I put my silks on and got on the horse, I felt all right.
"With him being 12/1, there wasn’t too much pressure. But about a furlong out, I thought I might win. I was only beaten a neck and a neck. It was really good."
"I’ve really knuckled down, and this is what I want to do now, for sure. Every young rider wants to be champion jockey.
"But my first aim is to ride as many winners as possible, get some good contacts and get a good reputation."
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