Equestrian: If victorious Conder likely to have a half

Attitude and determination define horse racing.

Take Paxton Conder, having her first race ride in the amateur jockeys' event at Hastings this afternoon.

The 20-year-old Conder was told she wouldn't/couldn't ride after breaking the C1 vertebra in her neck last August 28.

Then, determination kicked in. Conder competed in the recent Horse of the Year competition and won a class, then finished second in the Showhunter Junior Rider Championship. However, getting out on the racetrack today has her excited beyond her dreams.

It was on the track that she broke her neck, falling in a gallop at Matamata riding a horse for Karen Fursdon, who trains Conder's ride today, I'll'ava'alf.

"He's been my favourite horse for the last couple of years so I'm thrilled to be riding him in my first raceday mount," said Conder.

I'll'ava'alf is the best horse in the field, but will need to be because with 74kg he has 6.5kg more on his back than the next in the handicap.

"He's a very game horse that tries his heart out so we're hoping that will offset the weight."

One of the toughest opponents for Conder will be Linda Wheeler, wife of Hall of Fame trainer John Wheeler, who rides stable representative Pentathlon.

Another is Michelle Northcott, riding her own horse Cloemmbai.