Laura Reynolds
Laura Reynolds in an overseas jockey
from England. We recently got in touch with her for an email interview. Read on
what life is like as a jockey in England.
FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
LR: I was born in Kingston Surrey and grew up in and around that area
FOTH: Any brothers or sisters?
LR: Yes I have one brother Robert.
FOTH: What do your parents think of you being a jockey?
LR: Dad was pleased, but my Mum was a bit worried about me
leaving home at 16.
FOTH: What event or events led to you becoming a jockey?
LR: I had always ridden ponies and
just loved them so when I left school I looked into a career in riding and
racing really appealed to me.
FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your first race.
LR: I realized just how fit you needed to be but I
absolutely loved it.
FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your 1st win. Did you get creamed after
the race?
LR: It was absolutely brilliant I led the whole race and
was the only girl jockey. I had a couple of glasses of champagne but not too
much as I was racing on the Monday.
FOTH: Looking back was being a jockey easier or harder than you thought?
LR: I think the work whilst hard is
enjoyable but even being light and strong. It is still hard to get rides, so
getting the experience is much harder than I first thought it would be.
FOTH: What are some of the tracks you rode at?
LR: Salisbury, Bath, Kempton, Southwell, Goodwood,
Lingfield and Yarmouth.
FOTH: Any funny jockey stories to tell?
LR: We tend to have a laugh as much as possible whilst
still being serious about our job but I guess stories will come with experience.
FOTH: Did you get along with pretty much all the jockeys?
LR: Yes most are really nice to me.
FOTH: Did you have a favorite horse/trainer/track that you rode at?
LR: Mr Stylish was my favorite until I won on Garston Star
at Goodwood.
FOTH: How is it riding over there. Describe a bit what is it like.
LR: The riding is good and we have lots of variety of
tracks some are really nice.
FOTH: Is it tough being a female rider over there?
LR: Yes it is tough but we are getting there jockeys like
Haley Turner and Lisa Jones are giving female jockeys a good name.
FOTH: What advice would give somebody who wanted to become a jockey?
LR: Never get above yourself and take a telling off when
given from your trainer. Listen to experience and stay fit.
FOTH: Do you think female jockeys will ever be given a fair shake in the sport?
LR: I don't think it will ever be 50-50 but we hope it
will get to at least 60-40.
FOTH: What are some hobbies and things you like to do when away from riding?
LR: Playing with my little dog Ralph
and jumping ponies. I enjoy shopping and then sleeping.
FOTH: Would you like to come to the US and ride one day?
LR: Yes that would be nice.
FOTH: What goals, if any do you have?
LR: To ride as many winners as
possible.
FOTH: Any last words. thanks a million for the interview.
LR: Thank you it has been fun.