Lucinda Harwood has a long way to go if she is to emulate her older sister Amanda Perrett as an amateur rider.

With less than 12 months race riding experience, Lucinda has ridden two winners and four placed horses compared with Amanda's total of almost 100.

But she does have the advantage of Sussex trainer Amanda's support and advice and, at 21, is ten years younger.

Lucinda is set to ride Hidden Fort for her trainer sister in the Mirror of Portugal Diamond Handicap over seven furlongs at Ascot tomorrow week.

This, together with the Queen Mother's Cup at York, is the most important race for lady amateurs.

The winning rider receives a diamond jewellery from sponsors de Beers, who also back a Group One race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, the same afternoon. Lucinda said: "Hidden Fort is a wonderful lead horse and schoolmaster for the yearlings and two-year-olds.

"Although seven furlongs is perhaps a bit too far for him, Amanda says that as he is fit and well he should run."

Lucinda, working full-time for her sister as a work rider, will be scanning the list of entries in case she can find a ride with a better chance of winning with Amanda's approval.

She said: "I have had several outside rides and, as I have had a couple of winners and can claim five pounds allowance at Ascot, perhaps a trainer whose horse has a serious chance would like me to ride."

Lucinda has considered becoming a Jockey Club-licensed apprentice jockey.

She said: "There are obviously more opportunities as a professional and maybe next year I will make the change.

"But I must admit I would very much like to be champion amateur some time and anyway riding in amateur races is tremendous experience."

Last year Amanda Perrett made the big time with the brilliant Indian Lodge, who wound up his career with a run in the Breeder's Cup in America.

Indian Lodge has since proved a success as a stallion in Chile but is now back at Rathbarry Stud in Ireland.

Amanda said: "Life is tough without Indian Lodge, but with 90 or so horses in training at our stables, we have several with potential to reach his level."

The trainer, whose husband was a regular work rider for the great Dancing Brave, aims to have several runners at Ascot next Saturday.

But she has the promising two-year-old Laissezaller running in the Travis Perkins Stakes at Newbury tomorrow. He will be ridden by Pat Eddery, who rode him to victory last month.