CHARLOTTE Jones expressed her surprise at being named winner of The Mail Furness Heating Components Sports Performance of the Month Award for June.

The conditional jockey from Barrow earned the accolade after taking the second victory of her fledgling career on board Lough Kent in the Ron Wadey Now 70 Years Old Handicap Hurdle at Cartmel last month.

It came just over four weeks after Jones’ maiden win on the same horse at the same venue, and she was shocked to have gained extra recognition for her achievement.

“It was surprising,” said Jones. “Obviously I’m really grateful to be nominated and I was a bit overwhelmed because I just turn up to ride the horses and all of this is just additional, but it’s really good.

“I’ve only had nine rides, so there is a lot to take on and learn in those nine rides. But I’ve still got a lot to learn and a lot of improving to do, but it’s crazy.

“I had my first ride around Cartmel just over a year ago and I had my first fall around there prior to my first win, and then I’ve had my first two winners there, so I can’t fault it really. The support from everyone has been really great because, like I say, I just turn up to ride the horse and you don’t realise the rest of it that goes on.”

As well as a certificate, Jones was presented with a cash prize of £50, which she immediately donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

“I can’t believe that the air ambulance is still a charity and it’s a necessity, more than anything else,” said Jones. “Especially in racing, you never know when you’re going to need it and it’s widely used on racecourses.

“Even people riding up and down the gallops or in yards, it’s an awkward place to get to so if anything ever happens, you rely on them.

“Living in the area we live, it’s needed around here as well, so I thought every little helps.”

Other contenders for the June award were Ulverston Triathlon Club athletes Paul Rodger (second in Lakesman Triathlon Ironman distance race) and Duncan Eley (representing Great Britain Age Groups in Austria), former Barrow Cricket Club batsman Liam Livingstone for his England call-up, Ulverston’s ladies’ county golf champion Natasha Slater and young footballer Aimee Everett, who has signed for Liverpool.

You can nominate candidates for the July Sports Performance of the Month Award.

Email sport.em@cnmedia.co.uk or call 01229 840158.