How did you get into Racing?
After finishing my A levels I chose to take a gap-year before going to university and postponed my dream to become a vet.
What training have you done?
I enrolled on the foundation course at British Racing School and completed the Level 2 Diploma whilst working for Sir Michael Stoute. I started on 14th February 2011 and am now entering my eighth season. It seems that racing is my new dream and I am living it!
Do you have a career ambition?
At the moment my focus is on the riding of horses in the yard. Sir Michael Stoute gave me opportunities to ride in gallops soon after I started working for him, always putting me in groups with more experienced riders who I could learn from. I am grateful for the chances I get to ride work with top jockeys such as Ryan Moore, Ted Durcan, Jim Crowley and a personal idol of mine is Kevin Bradshaw. He has worked for Sir Michael for roughly 40 years and is totally trusted. He rides our most challenging horses, horses with the most ability, the most important pieces of work and has been fundamental to the boss’s success.
I aspire to ride as well as Kevin does and to be as respected by a trainer as he is by Stoute. In the last year I have taken on some responsibilities in the yard; working with the head people and assistant trainer to further my knowledge about caring for racehorses from the ground. Following this path I hope to one day be a head person.
Why do you enjoy your job?
During my time at Sir Michael’s I have been lucky enough to look after a few winners, but the 2017 season has by far been the most exhilarating for me. My pride and joy, Mustashry, who I look after and ride everyday, is a particularly tricky horse to get to the races.
It took a lot of hard work from Sarah Denniff, who is responsible for the older colts at Freemason Lodge, James Horton, our assistant trainer, and of course the boss, but after a treacherous few months he defied the widest draw and flew home at Chelmsford to win by half a length. He went on to win a Group 3 at York but for me the thrill of him winning that first race will always mean more to me because of the ups and downs leading to the win.
