Pitman, Jenny (1946–)

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Pitman, Jenny (1946–)

English horse trainer. Name variations: Jennifer Susan Pitman. Born June 11, 1946, in Hoby, Leicestershire, England; m. Richard Pitman (jockey, horse trainer and tv commentator), 1965 (div. 1978); m. David Stait, 1997; children: Mark (jockey and horse trainer), Paul.

The 1st woman to train Grand National and Gold Cup winners, set up training stables with 1st husband (1965); with Biretta, won 1st race at Fakenham (1975) and went on to have numerous successes, including Gold Cup won by son Mark on her horse; won Grand National with Corbieire (1983) and Royal Athlete (1995), as well as King George VI Cup, Hennessey Gold Cup and Cheltenham Gold Cup with Burrough Hill Lad (all 1984); other winnings include Welsh National (3 times), Scottish Grand National, Irish Grand National, Whitbread Trophy, Anthony Mildmay/Peter Cazalet (2 times), Gainsborough Chase, Welsh Champion Hurdle (2 times) and Ladbroke Hurdle (1975–1999). Awarded Order of British Empire (OBE, 1998); named Piper Heidsieck Trainer of the Year (1983–84, 1989–90) and Golden Spurs Best National Hunt Trainer (1984).

See also autobiographies, Glorious Uncertainty (1984) and Jenny Pitman (1994).