Tommy ‘hooked’ after giving pony racing a go
TODAY’S Turf Talk Questionnaire guest is 21year-old amateur jockey Thomasina Eyston, known as Tommy, and who is in her final year of reading chemistry at Bristol University.
She grew up in a “beautiful area of Devon” and her ambition when she finishes at university is to turn conditional as a jump jockey.
She earned a lot of fans when booting home Brecon farmer Brian Eckley’s seven-year-old home-bred Jaunty Freyja at Chepstow last month and he was full of praise for her handling of his horse.
Where and when were you born?
I was born on March 23 in Kingston Upon Thames in Surrey.
How did you become involved in horse racing?
Our family friends encouraged me to have a go at pony racing and from then I was hooked.
What has been your most exciting racing moment?
Probably and unexpectedly winning on my first ride in a point-to-point on a wet and windy afternoon in Cornwall!
Which are your two favourite racecourses?
Well, of course, after riding my last winner there it has to be Chepstow. Cheltenham is incredible for the atmosphere and I enjoy riding at my local track Exeter.
Who do you admire most in horse racing?
There’s so many people I look up to for different reasons. Jockey-wise I have a lot of respect for Adam Wedge and Brian Hughes because they ride with such finesse and show true horsemanship.
Which two people would you like to be seated next to at a dinner party?
James Acaster because he would be daft and entertaining and Brian Cox as the conversation would be fascinating.
What is your favourite televi
sion programme?
First Dates! I love all the different characters that come along and seeing how they interact with each other.
Have you a favourite author or book?
I like reading autobiographies. Perry McCarthy’s Flat Out Broke is a good one.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
To do what you love doing best.
Finally, tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I love quite heavy electronic music.
Meanwhile, Welsh champion point-to-point rider Bradley Gibbs was in good form at the recent Tiverton Hunt Steeplechases, landing the mixed open race on Highway Jewel, which made all the running, and later took the restricted open on Honey I’m Good which drew clear of his rivals three fences from home. Both horses went off favourites.
Please email your racing news and views to brianlee4@ virginmedia.com or telephone 02920736438.