Gavin Ashton takes the reigns

Gavin Ashton at the British Racing School, Newmarket

Gavin Ashton has landed himself a dream job as ‘Head Lad’ at the British Racing School, Newmarket.

After studying at Hopwood Hall College and getting top marks on the MCFC football course he studied there, he decided nevertheless, that being a jockey was his true dream. So, he applied for a place on a 14-week course at the British Racing School and Gavin recalls he was 'over the moon when I was offered the place'.

“It was a dream come true for me. I knew this was now a major step in the right direction to achieving my goal of becoming a successful jockey.”

However, as he hadn’t really had any experience in horse care or racing, he took it upon himself to gain some experience on a racing yard. He also read books to learn more about the animals.

Gavin’s hard work has paid off, as within two weeks of going to the school, he was given the role of head lad.

Gavin added: “This was an incredible achievement for me and I am very proud; I had no experience of working in a racing yard or doing any activities such as riding or mucking out before.

“My instructors are very impressed with how well I am doing with my riding; in fact, I have even taken sets of reigns back to my room at night, to practice hand changes.

“I have also tried to excel in fitness tests by regularly going on runs, and this has paid off, as I have set the best result they have ever seen in the fitness test.”

While he was at Hopwood Hall College, industrious Gavin held down several jobs, including working 50 hours a week in a kitchen.

He summed up: “I believe these jobs, along with football and college, set me up perfectly for my work at the British Racing School. The reason for this is long hours and hard physical work, which I have become accustomed to.

“I have tried to do everything possible to make sure I succeed, as being a jockey is what I want so desperately.”