22 March 2011 Landmarks: John Mathias Wins Six At Tivyside
by Carolyn Tanner
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BANAGHER: first training runner for Mathias brought up unprecedented six-timer
photo: Alun Sedgmore
John Mathias rode his way into the record books with a six-timer at Cilwendeg on Sunday, when he became the first British rider to achieve the feat.
The tally catapaulted him into the lead in the Men's Championship, in which he finished runner-up last season.
He was particularly delighted with his sixth winner, Banagher, because it was also his first runner as a trainer. "Training is something I can see happening in the future," he said. "I do struggle with my weight and every year I seem to be a couple of pounds heavier, although it's all right at the moment."
The six winners were all for different owners and trainers, which was quite an achievement in itself, although his banker of the day, Cilrhiwron in the first Maiden, could finish only fourth!
He admits that he especially enjoys riding and educating young horses, so the Confined success of Lydstep Hills was an especially satisfying one, John having broken in the now seven-year-old for his father Philip.
John, who works for Dai Rees as assistant trainer-cum-head lad, rode his first winner on Howdydoody at Garnons in 2007. His ambition when he started was to become Welsh champion, a feat he achieved last year, and to ride 100 winners. He is well on the way to the latter, with 92 already under his belt.
He is one of a rare breed of jockey, one who keeps a record, with added comments, of all his rides. "It's lovely to look back on, even if it's only a couple of seasons ago," he admitted, "because otherwise you forget so quickly. And it will be fascinating to recall everything in about 20 years time."
Presumably by then it will be quite a lengthy inventory, although it probably does not include any extra notes about post-meeting celebrations. Unsurprisingly John spent Sunday evening at the pub, which left him feeling a little less sharp than usual when reporting for work the next morning. "I've no idea what time it was when we left [the pub]," he confessed, "but it was still dark!"
