We are delighted to bring you an interview with Conditional Jockey Jack Savage. Jack is currently with Nigel Twiston-Davies, learning his trade at a top yard. He has been riding from the age of 5, has ridden for JP McManus & beat a certain AP McCoy!
Have you always been around horses and how did your interest start?
It started when I was around 5 and went to a local riding school near Newbury and I took to it like a duck to water. Obviously as a young lad, I did all the sports clubs like Athletics, Football, Tennis etc but riding came naturally and gave me my passion for horses.
What is your earliest racing memory?
Around the TV with all the family cheering on Papillon to win the Grand National
Did you always want to be a jockey?
I have never wanted to be anything else
What route did you take to become a conditional jockey?
At 14 I got my first job in racing for Jo Davis in east Garston working weekends mucking out, riding and all yard duties. At 16 before going to school, I would go riding out as I got a motorbike. After I left school and went full time with Jo & I rode one of her horses in a p2p and had a 4th, a winner, 2nd and 4th and caught the buzz. I turned conditional with a few rides.
I moved to Jonjo O’Neill and had two winners for JP McManus in my first 3 rides!
Who has inspired you?
Sir AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh but no surprise there!
What has been the best piece of advice you have been given?
This was from my dad…. Before my first school parents evening he told me that he didn’t care about my results as long as they say that you always give 100% effort. Which I did and have continued to put 100% into my career.
Can you tell us your first winner?
Market Rasen for JP McManus and Jonjo, I rode Tarvin beating a certain AP McCoy! And after the race, AP pulled me aside in the weighing room to congratulate me. This is a day I will never forget
What are the best & worse parts of your job?
Worst: Riding out in just above freezing temperatures, driving rain and then your waterproofs giving out… This does test your love for the job!
Best: Looking after and riding Al Dancer every day and obviously riding winners…
Have you had any bad injuries?
A van hit me at 16 on my way to work and I was left with broken femur and pelvis. Thankfully I have now fully recovered and have had no problems since.
What are your aims for the season and the future ahead?
The aim is to ride more winners than last year and ride out my 7lb claim
Could you give our readers a horse to follow for the season ahead?
I ride a horse called Lockerroom Talk, we won two novice hurdles last year and will be novice chasing this year. He is a very good jumper and starting to settle but needs quick ground & come the spring, he is sure to notch up a number of wins.
We would like to thank Jack for his time and wish him all the best for the season ahead & the future. We are sure you will see him in the winners enclosure, more often than not!
Interview – Rich Williams
Photos – Jack Savage & File(AP & Ruby)
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