Archive for November, 2021

Hollie has enjoyed another fantastic season riding 162 winners to date. She has had tremendous success in the UK and abroad and continues to break records.

How did you first get involved in racing?

I first got into racing as a child. My grandparents bred Arabian horses so I was always around them. My parents trained a few point to pointers so that’s probably where I got the racing bug from! What was the first yard you worked at? The first yard I worked at was Dave Evans in Wales. I knew Dave from a very young age as my dad used to do a bit of work for him breaking in yearning, driving the lorry etc.

What is a typical day like for you?

I ride out most mornings meaning I would be out of the house anything between 5:30-6:30. Usually finish riding out around 9:30-10 ish then would either head straight to the gym for an hour or so. Depending on if it’s a day or evening meeting racing I’d have a bit of time at home for breakfast or lunch then head to the races! Usually get back home anything between 8-12!

Which jockey inspires you?

Ryan Moore

What is the best horse you have ridden?

Trueshan & Glen Shiel What has been your favourite horse? Glen Shiel

What is your ambition in racing?

To ride internationally and ride a classic winner.

Most memorable ride ? 

Winning my first G1 on Glen Shiel

What do you do in your spare time ?

I like to chill out with Tom, visit family and catch up with friends!

What advice would you give to any young person thinking about getting involved in racing?

Nothing is impossible and there are plenty of opportunities out there if you work for them!

Ontoawinner would like to thank Hollie for taking the time to answer the questions and we would like to wish Hollie the best of luck in 2022.

Check out the latest pictures of some of our yearlings from our stable visit last weekend.

Twilight Son colt

Havana Grey filly

Territories filly

Australia filly

Havana Grey filly

Harry Angel filly

Keatley Racing and Ontoawinner have sold Echosmith privately to continue his racing career in America.

Echosmith was purchased by Keatley Racing & Ontoawinner at this year’s breeze up sales for very reasonable money. He was an emphatic winner on his last start and will be progressive next year.

We wish his owners the very best of luck and we will follow with interest from afar.

Ontoawinner will be doing a series off Q&A sessions with people across the racing industry. We start with Simon Mapletoft who is a leading horse racing presenter on Sky Sports Racing, writer for attheracess.com and ownership ambassador for Great British Racing. Simon excels in his knowledge of all-weather racing and is set for a busy winter as he prepares for the All-Weather Championship series getting into full flow.

Where did your interest in racing come from?

My parents often took me racing as a small boy. The highlight was our annual trip to the Ebor Festival at York.

What inspired you to become a racing presenter?

Watching live sports coverage on TV as a kid fascinated me and it was always my dream to become a sportswriter and broadcaster. I loved football and racing and was fortunate enough to graduate from one passion to another, working firstly as a football reporter for BBC Radio Nottingham and my local papers.

What does a typical race day look like for you?

At least 2 hours researching the day’s card, analysing form and identifying possible interviews and story lines before talking through the broadcast with my producer. For each race I take a close look at the leading contenders in the paddock before previewing and reviewing the action. Then I interview the winning jockey and possibly trainer and/or owner if time permits. During racing I also record newsworthy interviews with jockeys/trainers who have big race runners later in the week. The broadcast usually ends with a review of the day’s highlights.

What is your favourite memory in racing?

I grew up watching Red Rum win his three Nationals and loved Snowy Wainwright’s magnificent two-year-old Music Boy, so to be at York when he won the Gimcrack in the 70s was unforgettable.

Which horse are you looking forward to most this NH season?

As much as I love jump racing almost all of my time in the winter is dedicated to providing the narrative to the All-Weather Championships, but Nicky Henderson’s brilliant Shishkin is the one I’m most excited about.

If you didn’t work in racing, what would you do?

I’d probably like to go back to my roots as a football commentator.

What would you change to improve racing?

It’s a complex issue but I’d try to find a sustainable way of improving prize money, particularly at the lower level. It’s key to retaining existing owners and attracting new ones to our great sport.

If you have spare time, what do you do?

I’m a keen cyclist and enjoy working out at my local gym. I love long walks with the dogs and have pledged to get back on the golf course next spring.

What advice would you give to any budding journalist?

Aim to get as much practical work experience as you can – it looks good on your CV and can present opportunities. Keep on pushing at as many doors as possible. If you’re lucky like I was, one might just open.

We would like to thank Simon for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with Ontoawinner.