Second chances

EVEN our selfconfessed “cynical old news editor”, Eleanor Jones — she’s really not that old — admitted to being moved this week when interviewing Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff newcomers award winner Adrian Stewart and his employer, trainer David Nicholson.

Five years ago, Adrian couldn’t put on a headcollar, nor had he the opportunity to do so, because he was in prison. It was there that someone suggested he consider working in racing once he was out.

Adrian was “given a second chance” by Kevin Frost, then moved to David’s and was quickly promoted.

Adrian doesn’t credit having a job with keeping him “safe” — he credits the horses. It’s for them that he is first on the yard in the morning and last out, and now winning awards for his work ethic.

“From day one, my life had been a failure, a screw-up,” he says. “I owe the horses for giving me this life. What I’ve got is down to them.”

David comments on Adrian’s excellent horsemanship, his ability as a rider and “affinity” with the horses, too.

Anyone involved with horses already knows what incredible therapy our equines can offer. It’s stories like these that alert the rest of the world, which is excellent for our industry and everyone in it. It’s also part of the reason we’re so proud to have any affinity with horses at all.