Roy will be sadly missed by many

The Bedale was a sad day for us. Roy Pocklington, 72, from Snaith was a selfless, devoted father, grandfather and owner who sadly passed away on Saturday at the point-to-point.

He had watched his horse, Texas Ranger, ridden by daughter Alison, come third in the Members race when he suffered a fatal heart attack. The paramedics were on hand immediately and the Air Ambulance flew in taking him to hospital but nothing could be done to help.

Roy was a regular at the point-to-points, his gentle and considerate manner won him many friends in whatever circle he mixed in.

He regularly attended the Hunt Balls or Award Dinners, supporting Ali – usually after she'd enjoyed a few drinks and was liable to keel over at any moment. He loved to see us all enjoying ourselves. Always there to pick up the pieces or share in our predicaments offering advice but never in judgement.

Typically he left in a memorable yet undemanding way, we didn't even need to ring for an ambulance. He was considerate to the last. Ali would've made her dad proud – when persuaded to ride on Monday she gave Moment of Madness a super ride to win easily.

There has been much discussion recently in the changing rooms revolving around food or the lack of it provided for jockeys at the point-to-points. Every meet has differing policies on supplying us refreshments. At the Pendle, things are still doggedly done in true 1960s style thanks to senior master Michael Bannister.

It is pure luxury, with valets to help and pony clubbers drafted in to make tea and bacon sandwiches for us as it once was and still is under rules.

Other meetings are of varying standards. Recently nothing was provided by way of refreshment at a particular meeting, the busy organiser promised to provide something as soon as she had chance when asked.

Having polished off all their energy boosting drinks early on, the jockeys were starting to wilt by the third race.

At last a large flask of water appeared on the table. Like marooned sailors we handed it round greedily gulping until it was bone dry. "That tasted like pond water" pointed out Lucy Carr.

"I think that was for washing our boots with," I replied seeing the large washing bowl and towel that had appeared on the table next to the empty flask.

The lads were highly amused, unlike us.

By the end of the day most of us had spent all afternoon running backwards and forwards riding in races without so much as a chocolate bar since breakfast.

As I barely have time to throw more than a drink into my bag on a racing morning with horses to ride out and prepare before setting off, it would be wonderful if Michael Bannister were to spread his old-fashioned ideals to more of the organisers.

Tomorrow it's the Middleton Point. Ex-jockey Sue Mason's in charge of the food, she promised roast beef. My mouth waters at the thought of it, so I might be persuaded to run Wherethat, a winner on Tuesday. His

"air shoes" had the desired effect, along with a set of blinkers. He was only in second gear when he won. I didn't help much, having fallen on Monday and suffered a kicking, my ability to pick a stick up and hit was painful and ineffective.

I screamed every time I had to lift my arm up, which probably proved more efficient in securing the result.

Take note of the ground before placing your Grand National bets, I'm sticking with Mon Mome and Tricky Trickster.

Yorkshire champion lady jockey Jo Foster trains horses at Brookleigh Farm, Menston, West Yorkshire.

CW 10/4/10