Top jockey Rachael Blackmore has become an ambassador to a charity created to commemorate a girl who died in an accident a year ago and a very talented young equestrian.
Champion riding rider Tiggy (Allegra) Hancock (15) died last June 16 at the Greenogue Equestrian Center in Rathcoole, Dublin, during team training for the European Eventing Championships.
Co Carlow’s teenager is one of Frank and Jane Hancock’s three daughters, both originally from England but living in Ireland for several years.
Tiggy, the youngest daughter of a close family, was a talented rider. When she was 13, she was a member of the team that won the Irish bronze medal at the Pony’s European Eventing Championships.
Jockey Rachael Blackmore celebrates at this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photo: PA
Three weeks after Tiggy’s death, her sisters created the charity TiggysTrust.com. The Cheltenham Racecourse has changed to Tiggy’s favorite color, yellow, due to the official launch of the Trust Fund last December. The yellow ribbon became a symbol of charity after Tiggy’s death and after people wore it to commemorate Tiggy.
Blackmore, the winner of the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the United Kingdom, said: Tiggy’s Trust will help young people reach their full potential. We hope that more young people will be the big winners in Cheltenham. “
On the first anniversary of her death, Tiggy’s family said: Thank you everyone – I received Tiggy’s most beautiful messages and memories.
“Thanks specially to everyone who has helped us over the last few months. Everyone who sees the yellow ribbon in many places, especially Tiggy’s Trust, has put a lot of effort into establishing it. Thank you to the lost person. The heritage she will be proud of.
A service booklet at Tiggy Hancock’s funeral. Photo: Colin Keegan / Collins
“We shed tears and laughed, and we’ve seen Tiggy’s young friends proudly accomplish a lot.”
A young rider training program was established by the Trust. This program provides opportunities for children under the age of 16 who have never traveled before so that ponies can experience and learn about international competition.
The trust organizes and funds the program. Leading international coaches provide training for eventing and mounted games. In addition, there are educational modules for self-development, first aid, horse welfare, and team building.
Many people wore yellow in memory of Tiggy at last year’s funeral. Photo: Colin Keegan / Collins
Riders also receive help and advice to prepare themselves and their ponies for overseas travel.
Ireland
In honor of equestrian champion Tiggy Hanco …
Tiggy’s mother, Jane, said: She was really live, and this really has to be something people remember. We didn’t go looking for it, but people just wanted to help, so they started collecting money.
“We have never demanded money, but the public overwhelmingly wanted to set up a trust fund in her name. People trust us so much to take over her heritage. Seems to be, and we would like to thank everyone very much. “
Tiggy’s Trust will use this money to support young people by providing mental health support through recognized organizations and training and education to help aspiring riders reach their goals. ..
Part of the money raised on the day will also be sent to the Injured Jockey Foundation and the Pony Racing Authority, two organizations close to the heart and spirit of her family.
