There is no cure for the bite of the horse bug. Once bitten the victim is marked for life and nobody bears out the truth of this better than Linzi Mason.

Linzi, 37, first took riding lessons as a ten-year-old, and now three children and countless jobs later, she is a valuable work rider for Lewes trainer Sheena West.

Linzi is halfway through a three-year course in horse management at Plumpton College.

To make ends meet, she works part time in the Portland pub in Hove.

Such is her enthusiasm for horses in general and racing in particular that 20 regulars at the Portland have caught the bug as well and have formed themselves into the Happy Hour partnership, largely inspired by Linzi.

She said: "The Happy Hour boys have become owners of Glenwhargen, who is trained by Sheena and who I ride out with most mornings."

There was great excitement at the Portland a couple of days ago when the partnership colours of white with a navy blue star, blue sleeves and white armlets were registered, just in time for Glenwhargen's run at Warwick tomorrow.

Linzi left school at 15 and joined trainer Roger Curtis at Bolney for work experience.

In less than a year she became a full time member of the late much-loved Charlie Moore staff at Woodingdean.

She said: "Charlie was wonderful to work with and he taught me everything I know about race horses.

"At school the other on the course are into dressage or show jumping and I'm the only one heading in the direction of racing. When I'm qualified I'd like to think I could become an assistant trainer but I suppose I'll never be able to afford to train on my own."

It wouldn't be safe to bank on that judging by the efforts Linzi has made over the years to stay in touch with horses.

"I had my first child, Ben, at 24 and he's now 13," she said. "I split up from his dad and did cleaning and bar work and all sorts of jobs to earn a living.

"My mum was very good to me too. She had the Full Moon pub opposite Middle Street School in Brighton and I worked there and also as a waitress in the ASK restaurant in Brighton. I did cleaning, you name it, I did it."

By lucky chance a couple of years ago Linzi was having a cup of tea with a neighbour, who showed her the Plumpton College prospectus.

She said: "I noticed there was an equestrian module for the NHD qualification and decided to apply. They took me on and I started in September last year. I'm there four days a week, not always all day, so I have time in the early mornings to ride out for Sheena."

Linzi confesses that she has always wanted to be a jockey and still hopes for the chance to ride in amateur flat races.

"I am less than nine stone so that weight isn't a problem and I guess I am pretty fit!"

As if three children, a dog named Bess and three rabbits are not enough to have on the pay role, Linzi also owns a horse.

When the five-year-old College Blue had to be retired from racing she bought the mare for a 'modest' amount.

She said: "College Blue is at livery at Ovingdean, although she is actually on holiday at present because she hates being clipped, and you can't do much with unclipped horses this time of year."

Perhaps there will be a chance for Linzi to achieve her ambitions one day, but for the moment she is looking forward to leading up Glenwhargen at Warwick tomorrow.

"Some of the partnership are coming up, one guy even keeps the filly's photo in his breast pocket day and night. She is running again at Fontwell on New Year's Eve all being well and all 20 members of the syndicate are planning to be there," said Linzi.

If sheer determination and enthusiasm play any part we shall be hearing more of Linzi Mason before too long.