We are pleased to Introduce Toby Eley, son of Tim Eley and an Apprentice with Steph Hollinshead, who has a bright future ahead of him. I will let Toby tell you all about himself and his aims for the Future….
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am from Uttoxeter in Staffordshire. I come from a horse orientated background. My dad was a jump jockey and my mum worked in Racing when she was younger. I rode horses from a very young age, also I am into about every sport going.
I have just moved to be apprentice to Steph Hollinshead, many people will remember her grandad Reg Hollinshead who was a very good trainer and well known for bringing along the best apprentices.
Steph is a fantastic trainer taking attention to detail and the very best care for all her horses. I try to ride out for as many trainers as I can to build my contacts up. I am currently claiming 7
What was your first racing memory and did you always want to be a Jockey?
My first Racing memory would be my dad(Tim Eley) riding his final race at Uttoxeter our local track and it being a winning one!
What route did you take to becoming a Jockey?
When I was old enough and had finished school, I went down to the British Racing school in Newmarket where I completed the courses I needed to complete
Where are you serving your apprenticeship & how did that opportunity come about?
I am currently apprentice to Steph Hollinshead, she is a great boss who supports me and helps me in anyway she can to help me improve and going forward.
What are your thoughts for the future? Champion Jockey?
Of course champion jockey is any jockey’s dream including mine, but for the future I would like to keep riding winners, building as many contacts as I can and keep improving. I have had 3 winners so far, my biggest winner so far was for Adam West at Windsor on a Saturday.
Who has been the biggest Influence on your Career? And did you have any racing Hero’s?
My biggest Influence in Racing would have to be my family who have supported me in every way they can, my dad would have to be my idol as he was a brilliant jockey and a brilliant horse man who was very well respected in the jump weighing room.
If you could ride any horse PAST or PRESENT, who would it be and why?
I would have of loved to have rode Frankel he just looked incredible to ride, like driving a super car!!
Can you give our readers a couple of horses to follow please?
My horse to follow would be a 2year old Tizwotitiz, I rode him on his first run in the Brockelsby at Doncaster and he ran well. I rode him again on his 2nd run at Nottingham and just got beat by a nice horse of Mr Hannon’s.
It has been a pleasure to talk to Toby, he has been a fantastic help with this Interview. We think that Toby has all the right attributes to make to the very top. We wish Toby all the best for the future and look forward to seeing him in the Winner’s Enclosure again very soon.
Interview by Rich Williams -arseonlinetips
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