My latest RISING STAR jockey interview is with Harrison Shaw who has become a popular apprentice rider on Northern racecourses and is now just a few more winners away from riding out his claim after establishing himself on the scene three years ago
HARRISON SHAW
Name: Harrison Shaw
Date of Birth: 22/06/1996
Birthplace: Dewsbury
Twitter: shaw_harrison
What age did you first ride
I first started riding ponies when I was about 12. Messed around a good bit and did some showjumping and first sat on racehorses at Sue Smith’s yard when I was about 17 or 18
Who inspired you to get into racing and when did you first realise you wanted to be a jockey
Both of my grandads liked horses. My dad’s side were into racing and owned several racehorses. My mother’s side have also had horses all their lives
When was your first race ride
My first ride was at Wolverhampton on 11th February 2017 aboard a horse called HEART LOCKET who finished fourth and then second a couple of weeks later
What & When was your first winner ?
My first winner was 20th April 2017 in a dead heat on BLACK GRASS at Ripon in an apprentice handicap for my boss at the time Mick Easterby. I shared the winning prize that day with the years champion apprentice David Egan
Who are your jockey idols you looked up to or maybe based yourself on ?
I think everyone looks up to the lads that are currently at the top of the game, the likes of Oisín, Ryan and Frankie and try to see what they do that makes them the worlds best. I also love watching James Doyle and Tom Marquand ride and I would love to be able to ride like them one day
Which would you regard as your biggest win
My biggest winner to date was in August 2018 winning the class 2 Great St Wilfrid consolation race at Ripon onboard QUICK LOOK for Mick Easterby (below) who won well after taking the lead a furlong out
What are your strengths and weaknesses
I would like to think I can judge pace quite well and can get one out of the stalls. I would like to improve the use of my stick in my weaker hand. I also would like to not be too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned
Which racecourses do you like / dislike and why
I love York (below). It’s very local to me and my family has been going to York races since I was a toddler. There is always a huge crowd and the facilities are second to none. It’s a great buzz riding there. I don’t particularly dislike any course other than not perhaps the kickback at Southwell which isn’t always enjoyable
Who gives you your best advice and what advice would you give to a youngster looking to get into racing
I have received tons of advice since starting out in racing. From the more senior riders like Paul Mullrennan and Ben Curtis to my jockey coach, Phil Kinsella and agent Richard hale. My old boss Mick Easterby was always reminding me to use my brain and that being a good jockey is about much more than just being a good rider such as talking to owners and trainers which also plays a huge role. Phil plays a massive role, he was a successful jockey himself and often points me in the right direction.
My advice would be to stay focused, practice a lot and watch tons of replays to watch and learn what you need to do better
Favourite horse that you have ridden and would like to have ridden
That’s a hard one. MAID IN MANHATTAN would be right up there, she gave me six winners in five months last year and has a quirky lovable character. LORD OF THE LODGE also has to have a mention. I ride him everyday and was also lucky enough to win on him last year. He’s super talented and has already shown that on the track
I would have loved to have ridden FRANKEL. I can’t even begin to imagine the feeling he gave Tom Queally when he quickened !
What is the best horse you have ever ridden
The best horse I have ever ridden would probably be MOVE IN TIME (below). On his day he was a top level sprinter, proving that by winner the Abbaye when trained by David O’Meara. I was lucky enough to ride him in his last ever race last year when he won for Paul Midgley at Ponte
Which stables do you work for or ride out at the moment.
I’m based with Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge (below). Last season I also rode out for David O’Meara and Ben Haslam
What time do you get up in the morning most days and what would be your average kind of day ?
The alarm goes off at 4:30. I would sort the dog out, have some breakfast and then set off to Karl Burke’s (below). First lot is pulling out just after 6am. I would usually ride 4/5 lots and then hopefully jump in the car and head racing somewhere
How did you cope with the difficulties raised due to the coronavirus pandemic and the suspension of racing and how has this affected the routine at your yard (s).
I think I have coped pretty well. I was still riding out every morning and then in the afternoons I’m kept myself busy by getting a few jobs around the house done. As well as trying not to eat too much and exercising daily
Who are your best mates in the weighing room ?
We are quite a close knit bunch in the northern weighing rooms but a few names are Shane Gray, Lewis Edmunds, Cam Hardie, Nathan Evans and Clifford Lee
Any embarrassing moments experienced during your career to date ?
Plenty ! On my first or second ride Nathan told me that if you wanted to wear the goggles in the race you had to wear them out to the parade ring, so I set off walking out of the weighing room with my goggles down….
What’s the worst part of the job !
Constantly maintaining your weight and the driving !
What hobbies or sports do you enjoy to watch or play away from racing ?
I’m obsessed with all things fast so I do enjoy watching the F1 and other motorsports. I also support the Leeds Rhinos and enjoy Rugby League
Favourite food and drink
I do love a good steak with chips and peppercorn sauce. I also have a weakness for McDonald’s strawberry milkshakes !!
Favourite ways to relax on your day off
I enjoy a rare lie in on a day off and then usually doing something with the family and friends
Which course would you like to ride a winner at this year (even if you’ve already ridden a win there) ?
York. I have been placed several times there but not yet been able to bag a winner
How do you like and compare the different All-weather surfaces/courses ?
The all weather tracks are of good quality. There is a range of surfaces that suit a variety of horses and luckily Newcastle is only an hour up the road, featuring a straight mile and usually fair racing. It’s a bonus that’s it fairly close to travel to
If you were put in charge of racing for one day what changes would you like to make ?
I think prize money could be better. Especially in lower class races. Surely there is something that can be done
If you had not got into racing what job would you imagine to be doing now ?
Possibly something to do with cars. Whether it be mechanical or as a salesman/ finance broker, I imagine it would involve a car somehow
What are your ambitions for 2020 and beyond ?
My ambitions for 2020 would be to get my claim ridden out. I have 7 left as of the end of August so hopefully keep tipping away and chalk off the remaining few. After that I would just like the keep the ball rolling, it can be hard when you turn professional to keep things going so that would be my main goal
Can you give readers a horse to follow that you are looking forward to:
Lord Of The Lodge
Give us a trainer and or jockey to watch out for going places in the future
Phil Makin had a successful first year as a trainer last season. The facilities at his yard are top class and I’m sure he’s be training plenty of winners in the coming season. I think Harry Russell is good value for his claim and will have a good year
30/8/20
Many Thanks to Harrison for his time given and good luck on riding many more winners in 2020 and beyond !
PigeonSwoop4 