Marco Linus Ghiani
My latest ‘RISING STAR’ jockey interview is with highly promising apprentice Marco Ghiani from Sardinia who had a tremendous 2019 riding 22 winners from his Newmarket base.
Name: Marco Ghiani
Date of Birth: 7 February 1999
Birthplace: Oristano, Sardinia
Twitter: @linusghiani99
What is your background and how did you get into racing:
I started to ride when I was 5 years old to take part in the Sartiglia which is an old tradition in my city. (Sa Sartiglia, as it’s known, is unique in Sardinia, a flamboyant, highly ritualized, 3-day affair with a strong medieval flavour and a vividly theatrical spirit).
When I was 15yo i decided i would like to be a jockey and then at 16yo I went to the British Racing School.
How did your career reach working in England:
I had been working for Luca Cumani (below) for three years when he sent me to get my apprentice licence. I was riding for him just one season because at the end of the year he retired. Then Stuart Williams called me and offered me a job as his apprentice jockey. We are working only 8 months together and things have been going very well
Who inspired you to get into racing and when did you first realise you wanted to be a jockey:
One day an Italian jockey Dario Vargiu (who is 6 times champion jockey in Italy) texted me and said he thought i could be a jockey if I wanted to be. So I started to follow racing and I was enjoying it, so I decided to be a jockey and I was 15 years old.
What & When was your first winner:
My first winner was 22nd of March 2019 at Lingfield on LUNAR DEITY (a fifteenth career win)
How many winners have you had so far:
I rode 22 winners this year (from 131 rides).
What age did you first sit on a racehorse:
The first time I sat on a racehorse was when aged 15
When was first actual race ride:
My first race was 17 June 2018 at Doncaster
What are your strengths and weaknesses:
I think the strengths are that I’m small, strong and fit and the weaknesses is to take the right decision during the race but hopefully that will improve with more experience I get
Who were your jockey idols you looked up to or maybe based yourself on:
I really look up to Andrea Atzeni (below) because he is a good jockey and we are almost the same size. But i really like James Doyle and Frankie Dettori
Which would you regard as your biggest win so far:
This probably was when I lost my 7lb claim on TINTO for Amanda Perrett at Ascot over 6f class 2
What is the best horse you have ever ridden:
I will say DASCHAS. We won two races together (at Windsor and Yarmouth) and in the latest where we won at the Eastern Festival we broke a track record over 5f class 2 in September
How would you assess your 2019 year so far in UK and what are your plans for the Winter:
I’m really happy about this year. I never thought I could ride so many winners in only my second season. I had a great season and hope I can do better next year. The plan for the winter is to go to just after Christmas to New Orleans in America
What is the best advice you have been given and who from:
When i won my first race Frankie gave me the best advice but is a secret between us !
What time do you get up in the morning most days and what would be your average kind of day:
I get up at 5.20 every day and go to work at 6 o’clock. I ride between 4 or 6 lots every day depending where i’m going to ride in the day
Which stables do you work for or ride out at the moment:
I work for Stuart Williams (below) but he gives me chance to go and ride somewhere else if I need to
Who are your best mate in the weighing room:
Oisin Murphy
What’s the worst part of the job:
When you are riding at your bottom weight and you have to go in the sauna and also the traffic for going and coming back from racing
What hobbies or sports do you like to watch or play away from racing:
I like to go running as i was an athlete
Favourite food and drink:
Beef steak and a beer probably
Favourite TV and Film & Music:
John Wick
Which course would you like to ride a winner at this year:
Rowley Mile, Newmarket
If you were put in charge of racing for one day what change would you make:
I think I will leave everything like it is as that is perfect
What are your ambitions for 2020 – Are you the next Frankie Dettori !
We are looking forward to being champion apprentice next year !
Can you give readers a horse to follow for the winter all weather season that you may be looking forward to:
Royal Birth
Many Thanks to Marco for giving his time. Very best of luck on your apprentice title quest in 2020 !
PigeonSwoop4 