Colin Tinkler Snr, the patriarch of a famous racing dynasty, will be remembered at Beverley next Thursday (August 11) with a unique race named in his honour.

Tinkler, father of trainers Colin and Nigel and grandfather of Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Andrew and his brother Nicky, died last October aged 89. He was also married to champion amateur jockey Marie Tinkler.

An enthusiastic owner and a renowned tipster, he is fondly remembered for being the brainchild of Full Circle Thoroughbreds, a pioneering syndicate that allowed racegoers from all walks of life to have shares in horses.

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap (3.20) at Beverley pays homage to one of the biggest racing personalities on the northern circuit.

The five-furlong handicap – the first ever domestic Flat race reserved just for professional lady riders – will be sponsored by Nigel Tinkler and his wife, Kim. Entries for the race close on Friday, August 5, at 12pm.

Nigel Tinkler said: “It’s going to be a good day, but a sad day for us as a family.

“My father was a great man and also a big supporter of professional lady jockeys, so that’s why we were keen to have a race like this in his memory.

“His work with Full Circle was especially fantastic. Before he started it up, there was only a maximum number of 12 allowed to own a racehorse. My father got Full Circle registered and went to the Jockey Club to essentially change the rules.

“Full Circle had 2,500 members and was a first of its kind as it gave everyone a chance for absolutely anyone to own a racehorse – and to possibly even stand next to the Queen in the paddock.

“My father lived life to the full and loved Beverley, which was always his favourite track. He always used to say you could fill your boots there, so it’s nice to have the race at Beverley for him.”

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “We are thrilled Colin’s life will be remembered here at Beverley.

“He was a larger-than-life personality with a wonderful sense of humour, and is much missed in racing.

“We are extremely proud to lend our support to a race – the first of its type – named in his honour.”

The Colin Tinkler Snr Professional Lady Jockeys Handicap is one of seven races next Thursday as Beverley stages a significant double-header of racing that is spearheaded by Journal Ladies’ Day on Wednesday, August 10.
ENDS