Racing gives former prisoner second chance
Adrian Stewart credits horses for turning his life around after prison as he celebrates a win at the Godolphin awards
THE life story of the winner of this year’s Godolphin newcomer award is credit to the “magical power of horses”, as well as his own hard work and dedication.
Adrian Stewart’s “exemplary” work ethic and “excellent progress” made him stand out for judges at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards (19 February).
The 29-year-old was praised for his dedication to the job, which he started only in his mid-20s after a prison term for a string of small crimes.
“From day one, my life was a failure, a screw-up,” Adrian told H&H. “I could say I regret everything but if I hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
When Adrian first started in racing, he “couldn’t put on a headcollar”, and had never thought of it as a career.
“When I was locked up, there were a couple of people who asked what I planned to do with my life.
“I hadn’t got a clue, [my life] was all I knew. They asked: ‘Have you considered racing?’ I said no but I’d try. I sent the forms to the Northern Racing College and they said to reapply when I got out.
“Horses and racing have kept me safe ever since.”
Adrian worked for trainer Kevin Frost first, but when Kevin left the facilities he shared with dual-purpose trainer David Loughnane, Adrian stayed on.
“He was really likeable and a hard worker; the first in and last out every day,” David told H&H.
“We’d seen his work ethic and knew he deserved a second chance. I think taking him on was one of the best things we’ve done.”
Less than a year later, Adrian has a senior position; riding, feeding and checking the horses’ legs, either with David or alone.
“There’s nothing he doesn’t ride,” David said. “He’s an exceptional horseman, especially as he didn’t sit on a horse until he did. He’s a great rider with real affinity for the horses.”
Adrian has started doing more on racedays; driving, saddling up and generally taking on racecourse duties, with a view to becoming head travelling lad.
“I’ve never seen anyone who’s come in as late as he has and progressed so fast, in every job he’s been given,” David said. “Adrian is testament to what racing can do for people, when given the opportunity, to what you can achieve if you work hard enough and to the fact everyone deserves a second chance.
“Adrian was interviewed [for the award] and said he didn’t want to win on a sympathy vote, but the interviewer said he didn’t want to talk about his past, it was about his passion for horses.
“He can be very proud of what he’s achieved. Lots of other people start in the same situation as him and never do anything, but he’s come out the other side.”
A SECOND CHANCE
ADRIAN thanked Kevin for “a chance” but credited David for his success, saying he is “the best man to work for, and the best when you need someone to talk to”.
Asked what he loves about the job, he said: “It’s hard to explain, but when I’m with the horses, it’s like they’ve given me this life; they gave me the second chance I wanted and needed.
“The feeling I get from them is unbelievable and I feel I owe them; all I can do is make them as happy as I can because what I have is down to them.
“Would I do it all again, if it meant getting to where I am? Of course if I could get here without it, I wouldn’t, but if I had to go through that to get to this, I would do it all again.”
Lynn Petersen is CEO of the British Horse Society, whose Changing Lives Through Horses scheme uses equines to re-engage young people with society.
“This remarkable story is testament to the magical power of horses to transform our lives,” she said. “We launched Changing Lives to harness this power. One year on, 71% of young people who experienced Changing Lives have returned to full-time education; an extraordinary result once again testament to the power of horses.”