Committee presents Sheri with perfect Valentine gift

A DELIGHTED Sheri Kong-Legrix was presented with the perfect Valentine's Day present yesterday - but not by her husband.

With a sense of humour and timing that not many thought they possessed, the licensing committee decided to remove - with immediate effect - the restrictions on the riding licences of the married couple that prevents them riding against each other in races.

The action was forced, of course, by the intervention of the Equal Opportunities Commission but it was still a very welcome move from the Jockey Club.

There was no move from either Sheri or husband Eric Legrix to have the restrictions removed as they had agreed to the conditions prior to the start of the present season.

With flashbulbs popping in the jockeys' room after the last race, Sheri said: 'I am really happy because it means I will have more opportunities now. It is a lovely present on this special day.' Legrix, who booted home Big Mac yesterday, said: 'Sheri was always going to suffer from the ban more than me so I am really pleased for her. What a nice thing to hear on Valentine's Day.' HE was a young horse having his first start, raced greenly and hung in the straight.

As a result, the jockey, having hit him four times in the straight, resorted to a hands and heels ride over the concluding stages.