Beyond the Finish Line
Running as a jockey down Ascot’s famous Straight Mile has undoubtedly been one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.
It all started with the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood last year, where I had the privilege of taking part in one of the most iconic charity races in the racing calendar. It was an unforgettable experience, and when I heard about Property Race Day, my curiosity was instantly sparked. The event perfectly combined my passion for horses with my career in property, all while raising funds for an extraordinary charity, Action Through Enterprise, which tackles poverty and creates opportunities to transform lives in rural Ghana.
What followed was a journey that taught me far more than simply how to ride a racehorse. It demanded discipline, resilience, commitment and a huge amount of respect for the remarkable world of horse racing.
Training began back in February with brutal 4 a.m. alarms on the cold, dark mornings that only an English winter can provide. Three times a week, I drove an hour to Kings Stables in Royston, where trainer John Jenkins welcomed me into his yard. Before most people had even started their day, I had already ridden three lots alongside professional riders.
Racehorses are extraordinary creatures. One moment they are gentle, affectionate and almost playful; the next they become fiery athletes bursting with power and energy. Learning to ride them correctly on impossibly short stirrups was a challenge in itself. Every gallop felt like doing Pilates on steroids, demanding balance, strength and complete concentration. Safe to say there is no better workout.
The preparation didn’t stop there. Before being allowed to race, I also had to pass the jockey assessment in Newmarket, which included fitness tests, strength exercises and the infamous four-minute plank, alongside a series of seemingly endless physical challenges. It certainly gave me a newfound appreciation for the incredible athleticism of professional jockeys.
Then came race day.
Ascot needs little introduction. It is one of the most prestigious racecourses in the world, and walking the Straight Mile that morning, knowing I would be racing there only a few hours later, was almost surreal. I had to pinch myself.
The atmosphere was electric. The sunshine, the crowds and the excitement made for the perfect setting. Standing in the parade ring, fully dressed in my racing silks, being weighed like every professional jockey before me, I couldn’t quite believe I was actually there. Having watched countless jockeys prepare for races over the years, I was now one of them.
Climbing aboard my beautiful partner for the day, Iftikhaar, we quietly made our way towards the start. Despite the thousands of spectators, those few minutes felt incredibly calm. We walked towards the famous Straight Mile, checked our girths and stirrups, and waited for the starter’s instructions.
Then came the moment.
Lined up side by side for the flag start, twelve horses stood almost perfectly still, each dancing with anticipation while every jockey focused on keeping their mount relaxed and straight. For a brief second, everything fell silent.
Then the flag dropped.
Within moments we were travelling at nearly 40 miles per hour. The acceleration is impossible to describe until you’ve experienced it. What I remember most vividly is the incredible sound—the thunder of dozens of hooves pounding the turf in unison. A fair amount of that turf found its way onto my face too, thankfully stopped by my matching pink racing goggles.
Knowing we weren’t blessed with the strongest horse in the field, my strategy was always to ride intelligently, settle early and position ourselves carefully. Iftikhaar gave me absolutely everything. Although we didn’t cross the finishing line first, we had our own race unfolding against the horses around us. Hearing my friends shouting my name from the grandstand while battling all the way to the line created an adrenaline rush unlike anything I have ever experienced.
As we cantered back towards the presentation ring, I was greeted by huge hugs, laughter and smiling faces. Perhaps the most special moment of all was seeing my trainer’s proud smile. John hadn’t set foot at Ascot for many years, yet he made the journey simply because he believed in me. That meant more than I can put into words.
Looking back, this adventure was about so much more than two minutes on a racecourse.
Of course, it challenged me physically and mentally, but above all it reminded me how special people can be. John’s passion and dedication to racing know no bounds, yet he welcomed a complete stranger into his yard with open arms and patiently shared his knowledge every step of the way. The other riders became friends through months of training, united by a shared challenge that none of us will ever forget.
I was also incredibly touched by the generosity of so many clients and colleagues at Tedworth Property who supported the fundraising efforts for Action Through Enterprise. Their kindness, together with the encouragement of friends and family who cheered as though I had just won Royal Ascot itself, made the whole experience even more meaningful.
Working in property has taught me that relationships are everything. Trust, commitment and genuine human connections are at the heart of what we do every day. Racing reinforced exactly the same lesson. Behind every horse, every trainer and every jockey is a team of people working tirelessly together, all driven by passion and belief.
It was a privilege to represent Tedworth Property in such a unique event, bringing together the property industry, sport and philanthropy in one unforgettable day.
After having had the extraordinary privilege of racing at both Goodwood and Ascot, I suspect it’s time to hang up the racing boots.
Although…I have recently found myself looking at Point-to-Point fixtures. So perhaps this isn’t quite the end after all!
