RYAN HATCH
For my latest ‘PIGEON RACING’ interview as we approach the climax of a thrilling NH season on Saturday at Sandown, i’m delighted to speak with rising star Jump Jockey Ryan Hatch, who is fresh from success at both Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals !
Ryan has taken full advantage of opportunities at the base of Nigel Twiston-Davies since trainers son Sam became stable jockey for Paul Nicholls and his high profile wins have included SAME DIFFERENCE at Cheltenham in 2013, SPLASH OF GINGE in 2014 Betfair Hurdle plus Imperial Cup winner FLYING ANGEL as well as BLAKLION in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and BALLYOPTIC in the Sefton Novices Hurdle at Aintree
Date and Place of Birth
16 June 1993 Hartpury, Gloucestershire
Who inspired you into racing and when did you first realise you wanted to be a jockey
My dad worked for Henrietta Knight when I was growing up and I remember watching the film ‘Champions’ over and over riding the winner on the arm of the sofa, since then i’ve always wanted to be a jockey. He was a jockey for a few years but not when I was born. He was a work rider at Hens, he also appeared in the film as a double for John Hurt !
What age did you first ride
I had a pony when I was about two and had her for about 8/9 years but then didn’t ride for a bit after that until I went to Adrian Wintle’s on a Saturday morning
So where did you start as in what yard and how did you progress to where you are now with Nigel ?
I went to Nigel’s at 16 after a few weeks in the racing school at Newmarket. I ride out for Nigel four days a week and ride out for other trainers on my free days
So i’m guessing Nigel doesn’t have a stable jockey as such – still Sam when available and then you next one down ?
Yeah pretty much it’s works well like that. I have horses that I’d ride as does Jamie Bargary who has certain horses that he rides
First ride & first winner
First ride was in a p2p at Garnons the day after IMPERIAL COMMANDER won the Gold Cup, and my first winner was BATTLECRY for Nigel at Newbury’s Hennessy meeting
Who are your jockey idols
AP is always an obvious choice but he was so good and Dicky Johnson is also a great guy to look up to, if you could ride like any of those two you’d be doing ok!
Who gives you your best advice and what if any was the best advice given
Carl Llewellyn was stable jockey to Nigel for about 20 years so he always has plenty of advice, and obviously understands what it’s like to be in my shoes (Sorry can’t think of any stand out advice off top of my head!)
Biggest or most satisfying/memorable winner
Yes this year has been great and BLAKLION win in the RSA was the most satisfying. Also winning the Betfair hurdle on Splash Of Ginge for a good friend John Neild meant an awful lot
I guess the pressure is off somewhat for you at the big meetings as the media and betting focuses so much on Mullins Nicholls & Henderson horses ?
Yeah a lot of Nigel’s horses don’t get the attention they perhaps deserve but it’s nicer that way as when we have a winner it’s not expected and we can really enjoy the success
What is Nigel like to ride for especially if things don’t go to plan
Nigel’s understands racing and when things aren’t going well he’s not pointing the finger at his jockeys he’s been in the game long enough and is very simple to ride for
Favourite horse that you’ve ridden + one you’d love to ride
Favourite horse is probably BLAKLION he is only small but he is hard as nails and gives you everything in his races And I would love to ride DOUVAN
Favourite racecourse and why ?
Cheltenham riding a winner there can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up
Least favourite or unlucky racecourse
Ayr – I’ve only had one ride there, it fell and I broke my radius, collarbone and wrist and it’s miles away! (Since our chat Ryan also had a disappointing only ride on Sat there when TOUR DES CHAMPS was pulled up in Scottish National)
What are your strengths and weaknesses
I think I’m quite fit in a finish, i’ve plenty of weaknesses and trying to iron them out gradually!
What time do you get up in the morning
Depending on where I’m riding out 6-6:30
What’s the worst part of the job
Wasting when you have a light weight
What hobbies or sports do you like away from racing
I like football, and you can’t beat a Sunday roast with a pint with a good bunch of lads
Food and Drink
As above a roast and a pint
TV Film + Music
I could watch any garbage on tv! Any Martin Scorsese film, and I like any type of music from rock to classic depending on what mood I’m in!
Which course would you like to ride a winner at this year
You can never have enough Cheltenham winners!
If you were put in charge of racing for one day what changes would you make ?
Urm quite a boring answer but the people running the show aren’t doing too bad a job, I’ll stick to riding horses
I think you may have already achieved this but …… What are your ambitions for 2016
I’ve had a brilliant season but my goal will be the same as the year before which is just to better my tally of winners
Finally, can you give readers a horse to follow for 2016 maybe summer jumping
I think FLYING ANGEL could make into a lovely chaser next season. And THUNDER SHEIKH who was a non runner at the national meeting due to the ground, he’s come out of his recent wins in great form and will win in valuable summer hurdles
Ryan after his first Cheltenham Festival win on SAME DIFFERENCE in 2013 Kim Muir when riding as an amateur
Big thanks to Ryan for his time and very best of luck to him for the rest of the season and indeed next season !
I hope you enjoyed our chat !
PigeonSwoop4 