Fletcher Yarham to ride for Team GB in France

Fletcher Yarham, 25, will represent Team GB in the Longines Fegentri World Cup for Gentlemen Riders at Clairefontaine racecourse in northern France on August 4.

Yarham is one of just three British jockeys picked to ride for the national team at a series of 2023 races that has already taken him to Pisa and Stockholm and will conclude with a meet in Chelmsford in September.

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He said: “You spend two days there and you’re riding local horses. It’s a great experience and a really good atmosphere.”

North Norfolk jockey Fletcher Yarham in action (Image: Supplied)

Yarham grew up near Wells-next-the-Sea and attended Alderman Peel High School.

He said he had wanted to ride horses professionally from a young age. 

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He said: “It’s always been the plan. When I was 16 I went off to the British Horseracing School and never looked back.”  

Yarham was an apprentice professional jockey in his late teens, but he grew too tall and heavy to continue. 

He now lives in Newmarket and works as an exercise rider and trainer. He started riding as an amateur when he was 23.

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North Norfolk jockey Fletcher Yarham in action (Image: Supplied)

Yarham said: “As an amateur you can ride at a higher weight, it’s like the second division.  

“I had a quiet season in 2021 and a really good year last year - I rode four winners. 

“I enjoy working with the horses. Although there are lots of long, cold mornings the odd sunny one makes it all worthwhile. 

“The last 18 months have been amazing, I’ve worked in Australia, America, Qatar, France. 

“It’s been a good ride. Racing is a brilliant adrenaline rush, especially when you’re a winner.”