Blog Archives

As at October 2019: From School to Racing.

When Meg joined us here at Bonita Racing Stables in December 2018 it was her first job since leaving school and during that time she has become a very valued member of the team.

Meg got into racing when she visited Sandown Park with Racing to School. She then went to the British Racing School, graduated and arrived with us. Meg is now a very capable rider and has even had a pop down our jumping lane on board Water Wagtail – which she describes as ‘the best feeling ever’!.

The Sweeney is Meg’s favourite horse on the yard, as you can tell by the photo – and she cannot walk past him without giving him a hug and a polo!

As at October 2019: Bonita’s Racing Stable’s star baker (and rider)!

Molly recently returned to us here at Bonita Racing Stables (she couldn’t stay away!) after spending some time in Australia riding track work. It’s a pleasure to have her back as not only is she a lovely rider but she’s also a damned good baker! And when not working, she likes to spend her time whipping up a cake – which is then generally devoured by the team here!

Molly got into racing as her parents rode out for a local trainer, and since being a child she used to go the yard on weekends and school holidays to watch them, and subsequently she followed in their footsteps.

Molly rode her first winner at Carlisle when she was just 16 on Thewestwalian (pictured), who quite rightly holds a special place in not only Molly’s heart but her parents to – where he is now enjoying his retirement. On the yard Molly’s favourite is the polo monster that is Blushing Red; “He has such a big personality and always brightens up my day’! says Molly.

As at October 2019

From cowboy to jockey!

Brady joined us at Bonita Racing Stables last season, and has just returned after spending the summer in his homeland – Alberta, Canada ahead of the 2019/20 jumps season.

From a background of farming, Brady originally rode western and in rodeos – check out the photo! However, after spending some time at the Racing School in Canada and subsequently in Ireland, he decided that he wished to follow a career in racing.

Brady’s favourite horse in the yard is Viva Vittoria (pictured below) as he rides her regularly and says; ‘I love her attitude, and riding her and her owners are lovely people’. Viva Vittoria, is possibly extra special to Brady as the first time he visited a British racecourse was to lead up Viva when she duly won at Market Rasen – stamping the day as the best in Brady’s racing career – so far!

As at September 2019

Name: Henry Platt

Role: Conditional Jockey

Age: 19

From: Shropshire

How I got into racing: I went to the Northern Racing College and graduated in 2016.

Favourite horse: Boreham Bill (pictured). I ride him a lot at home and have done plenty of work with him and he is just a pleasure to deal with.

Role Model: Champion jump jockey Richard Johnson

My dinner guests would be: Lester Piggott and Sir Henry Cecil

When I am not working: I enjoy going to gym and keeping fit, shooting, cricket and socialising with friends.

As at July 2019

Name: Roddy Griffiths

Role: Head Man

Age: 50 (years young!)

How I got into racing: My parents were involved in the sport and we lived in Newmarket, and my interest in horses and racing grew from there.

I have worked in racing – since leaving school.

Previous roles: I was Assistant Trainer in a flat yard and two jumps yards. I then set up and ran my own breaking and pre-training business for eleven years, and then also worked in equine transport for three years.

Favourite horse in the yard: Boomarang (pictured), as he beautiful to look at, talented and just gets on with life without a fuss.

Favourite horse in racing: Victoria Hill, my daughters point-to-pointer!

Favourite sport (other than racing): Rugby.

In my spare time I enjoy: Walking my dogs and spending time with my family and friends.

My three dinner guests would be: Anyone who makes me laugh!

Sixteen year old Meg Lyth, who joined the team in December 2018, was featured recently on the Racing to School blog on her journey into horseracing and becoming a Racing Groom. It’s a great read and please click here to for the article. Meg is pictured with Junction Fourteen one of her favourites here at #TeamLavelle.