- Series Leaderboards
- Race Results - Hands and Heels Jump Series 2011-12
- Race Results - Betfair Conditional Training Series 2011-12
- Race Results - Hands and Heels All Weather Series 2001/12
- Race Results - Betfair Apprentice Training Series
- Race Results - Hands and Heels Apprentice Series
- Race Results - Betdaq the Betting Exchange Apprentice Series
- Race Results - Axminster Apprentice Race Series
- Previous Years Winners
- Where are they now
- Richard Kingscote - Royal Ascot Winner
- Matt Griffiths - Last Years Betfair Conditional Training Series Winner
- Matthew Davies Wins Richest Apprentice Races
- William Carson Records First Pattern Success
- Two Wins in Two Days for Jockey Coach Pilot Scheme
Richard Kingscote - Royal Ascot Winner
We interview Richard Kingscote, a previous winner of the Hands and Heels Apprentice Series who is now one of the top jockeys in the weighing room and rode two Royal Ascot winners this year, Brown Panther and Rhythm of Light.
How did you first get into racing?
"At 12 my mum got her first pony so my brother and I started riding lessons. I enjoyed riding, was lightweight and didn’t like school so said I wanted to be a jockey knowing nothing about it! My mum found out about the British Racing School in Newmarket. So at 16 I went there for 9 weeks".
How do you feel the Hands and Heels Apprentice Series has helped you throughout your career?
"The Hands and Heels races are good as there is not quite so much pressure as trainers know it's for education. I was lucky enough to win a couple of the races and I won the ‘style’ side of it. If I had ridden in all of the races I think I could have won the whole thing I was beaten in-to second place after missing a couple of the races".
What key skills did you learn when competing on the Hands and Heels series?
"Racing is not all about using your stick, you first need to learn to be balanced and in a good rhythm before u can use your stick effectively. That's what the series is about, being in a race, but also learning to use other ways to get your horse running".
What would you say to any apprentices or conditionals about the series?
"If you have an agent ask him/her to target the series for you, unless of course your boss wants you somewhere else. It's also a good way to make new contacts and ride for new trainers as it's only open to young riders".
How did your relationship withTom Dascombe transpire?
"When I was close to riding out my claim Tom approached my agent to see if I would ride out couple of times a week with a view to riding all of his horses. At the time he had a string of about 35. I was also getting regular rides for a number of trainers including my boss at the time Roger Charlton, but I was still down the pecking order at Roger’s so it came at the right time. I am not retained as Tom’s rider but he is very loyal to me and I repay that by being loyal to him and it works well".
How did it feel to have two winners at Royal Ascot?
"Although we went there this year with some good chances it's easy to go home with nothing whilst the horses still run well, so to have to winners was great. Both horses have given me lots of confidence all year with the way they have been running and it all came together well on the day. It’s a strange feeling as you don't really take time to appreciate it and I should because it was only a few years ago I was watching the big meetings on TV wishing to be there. Overall I was chuffed for me and Tom to repay our owners with nice winners".
What is it like being closely associated with someone like Michael Owen?
"Mike is a very normal man and is just like any other of the owners in the yard. He's not a footballer when he's in the yard, he's just interested in his horses. It is great publicity and is a big help to Tom and to my career having the support of Mr Black and Mr Owen".
How much input does Michael have in how his horses are ridden?
"None. It's left with Tom and if I have anything I want to say I'm lucky in the fact that that I can tell Tom what I think. I’m sure if Michael had any concerns he would let us know but he's very relaxed".
What would you say are the three most important attributes to be a jockey?
"Be polite - my mum always said manners cost nothing and can get you a long way. As a kid I didn’t listen but when I left home I found it to be true".
"Hard worker - the hours are long driving and travelling around the county and world if you’re lucky. This week I would have been to France 3 times and I am currently on my way there now and was up at half 4 to get to the ferry".
"Be honest - I'm lucky to be in a situation as stable jockey I can say what I think about a horse if I know my owners. They like to know my honest opinion if a horse is good or not, of course, be polite about it though. Horses cost a lot to train if it's no good I will tell my trainer and if I muck up I will put my hands up and say it was my fault, don't try and blame the horse if you make a mistake".
If you could win any race what would it be?
"All races are important to the owners and when you ride in listed and group races they are very important. A Derby or the Arc would be on a list but any group race is nice".
Which horses are you most excited about riding for the rest of the year?
"Of course I have Brown Panther who ran great on Saturday but I also have the filly Rhythm of Light who was my first Ascot winner. We finished 3rd in a group 3 in France last week, we had no luck, were still on the bridle half a furlong out I clipped heals trying to make room and she flew when we got out. I think she can win a nice race this year and may well be going to Turkey next month".
How does it feel to have such a live chance in Britain’s oldest Classic?
" I have only ridden in 1 classic a few years ago and this time I have a very nice horse in Black Panther, he ran really well on Saturday at Newbury but I really thought the winner wouldn’t have been able to beat us and a furlong out I felt like I was on the winner. On form I should finish 4th in the Ledger but on the day things can change and I know my lad will give me a good ride so will be doing everything I can".
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What are your goals for next year?
"They are always the same, to do as well as I can and win better races each year. This year so far there has been some Ascot winners and listed winners so group winners will be on the agenda and all being well Brown Panther will still be in training so will look forward to him".
