OUR SHINING LIGHTS

Published date12 April 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
Kitty's Light has prepared for Aintree by galloping along golden sands near the rugged coastline of Ogmore-by-Sea in Wales

The popular staying chaser is trained by Christian Williams, whose six-year-old daughter Betsy was diagnosed with leukaemia just over a year ago.

Her eight-year-old sister Tilly, mum Charlotte and racing's tight-knit community have rallied round the brave youngster.

And aptly-named Kitty's Light, who completed a unique steeplechasing treble around the same time last year, has made dark days a little brighter.

"The hardest thing has been seeing how the treatment has affected Betsy mentally," said

Williams, a former jockey forced to retire at the age of 29.

"They take them right to the brink with treatment, close to death. One day we'll probably look back and wonder how we got through it."

Racing no longer dominated Williams' thoughts when he learned of especially tough times ahead during last year's Cheltenham Festival in March.

After arduous treatment at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff, the horseman will sit with Betsy while she takes her daily chemotherapy in pill form.

"It has been tough," said Williams. "I have felt very emotional but together we have found a way to cope. Hopefully in May 2025, Betsy will get to ring the bell."

The milestone signalling the end of treatment is a long-awaited time for the Welsh couple, who are running a business around the clock with 30 thoroughbreds to care for.

Kitty's Light, who cost just over £5,000, excelled in staying chases at a time when the family needed it most.

The Flat-bred jumper was first in the 2023 Eider Chase, Scottish National and, a week later, Sandown's Bet365 Gold Cup.

Part-owned by Richard Bedford, who became a racehorse owner for a lockdown interest...

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