Racing With Heart: Sue Maine, Local Chepstow Owner, Sponsoring the 18:00 PM Race at Chepstow Country & Western Racenight in Memory of Late Husband Michael
Sue Maine, a passionate local racehorse owner from Chepstow, is set to turn a night at the races into something truly special on Saturday 7th June, as she sponsors a race in memory of her beloved late husband, Michael.
The evening will not only feature thrilling racing and country-themed entertainment, but will also include a special tribute to Sue’s late husband. The Michael Maine Memorial Cup, sponsored by Sue, is being held in loving memory of Michael and shines a light on the family's ongoing efforts to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research—a cause close to their hearts.
If you would like to support the fundraiser in Michael’s memory, donations can be made via the Memorial to Michael Maine, 1956 - 2016. Sue and her children have a target goal of £15,000, and are incredibly close to this with £14,665.33 already raised. Additionally, Sue’s daughter Stephanie will be going the extra mile—literally—taking on a 200,000-step challenge to help reach the target, supported all the way by her brother Philip to achieve and exceed the final milestone.
How It All Started for Sue
Sue’s love for horse racing began quite unexpectedly in the early 2000s, while she was living in Swindon. During a visit to the Lambourn Open Day, she and Michael were wandering through the yards when he spotted a horse , which was advertised for sale and encouraged her to “go find out more.” That horse turned out to be trained by Bryan Smart, with his wife Vicky, and the couple ended up taking out their first-ever quarter shares in a filly named Berkley Heights.
That spontaneous decision ignited a lifelong passion for the sport.
Later, Sue joined a racehorse syndicate with the late Henry Ponsonby (HP Racing), and it wasn’t long before one of her horses was running at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse in 2014—a proud moment she still treasures.
From First Wins to Lifelong Memories
Sue’s journey has taken her from shared ownership to unforgettable personal victories. Her first-ever win as a sole owner came with her horse The Cola Kid at Ffos Las Racecourse on 4th July 2023, trained by Grace Harris and ridden by Connor Planas.
But her most cherished moment came in early September last year, when her part-owned horse Some Nightmare with Roger Gould (who lives in Worcester), claimed victory at Chepstow Racecourse, her home track.
“I was just peeling potatoes with the grandchildren and said, ‘I’m just popping down to see the horse run,’” Sue laughs. That spontaneous trip turned into a moment she’ll never forget—her first win in her own colours at Chepstow.
“No matter how low racing can feel at times, that buzz of winning in my colours—at my local track—is a massive buzz and a truly lovely feeling,” she says. “ Chepstow is somewhere everyone is welcome. The staff are friendly, and I even attend races on my own. It’s special.”
Her affection for Chepstow only deepened during the last fixture on Friday, 30th May 2025, when she celebrated a remarkable double victory:
- 3:25 – Some Nightmare (IRE), ridden by Gina Mangan, trained by John O’Shea
- 5:00 – Romanovich, ridden by William Carson, also trained by John O’Shea
Even now, Sue says she’s still in awe of that day.
Racing, Remembering, and a Journey of Hope
For Sue, horse racing isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, passion, and hope.
“Being a racehorse owner is a journey,” she says. “It’s about loving the horses, sharing moments with others, and holding onto hope”.
At home, Sue is surrounded by the animals she loves. She lives with her two cherished horses—Bill, a 6-year-old Irish Cob she enjoys schooling and hacking along the beach and local lanes, and Levi, a 22-year-old Thoroughbred cross Cob who is now retired.
Now, through racing, she’s giving back in Michael’s name. The Michael Maine Memorial Cup is more than just a race—it’s a legacy of love, a celebration of life, and a meaningful contribution to a vital cause.
Join the Celebration, Support the Cause
Join Sue and the Chepstow racing community on Saturday, 7th June, for a night that goes far beyond the track. A night that honours Michael, supports life-changing research, and reminds us all of the power of hope, family, and the joy of the sport we love.
Donations to Brain Tumour Research in memory of Michael Maine can be made at: Memorial to Michael Maine, 1956 - 2016.
Written By Anna Wheatley
