6. How did you keep yourself occupied and motivate yourself during your serious injury in April 2021?
I was off for six months, and my animals and chickens kept me busy. I even hatched some turkeys. I also did an online midwifery course, something I am really interested in and a career I would love to explore when I stop racing.
7. Pros and cons of horse racing?
Winners are great, but not winning can be disappointing. It can be risky, injuries happen, and setbacks can occur. It can be hard work and my schedule is busy, but I enjoy staying active and busy.
8. What does racing give you, mentally and physically? What fitness and qualities do you need?
The adrenaline rush of riding a winner is unmatched, and it is mentally stimulating to be constantly busy. Being a jockey requires dedication, fitness, and mental clarity. Running, riding out, and race riding keeps me fit. It’s important to stay dedicated as racing demands peak fitness at all times.
9. Why give horse racing a try?
Racing is an amazing sport that brings great satisfaction. It feels like a job you love and don’t consider as work.
10. A typical day?
I start my day at 5:30am, ride out at a racing yard, and head to the racecourse later in the morning. I usually return home by 5pm after racing.
11. Challenges faced by female jockeys?
Racing’s changing facilities for women have improved as the sport grows for women riders. The sport continues to work on making facilities fair and adaptable.
12. Best career moment so far?
Achieving my claim and riding Cheltenham winners. Riding out my claim was a long-time goal, and winning at Cheltenham, my local track, holds special significance for me.
Lilly Pinchin will be riding at The Cheltenham Festival (12-15 March), one of Britian’s Premier Raceday fixtures. Visit www.greatbritishracing.com/premier-racedays/ for more information.
