19-year-old Cameron has been working in racing for five years, having started out with Brendan Powell at weekends and during his school holidays.
After working for Mark Usher and Oliver Sherwood, he’s now based with Robbie Llewellyn near the old Barbury racecourse in Wiltshire and enjoyed a first success in the saddle on Lady Samson (pictured above) at Cocklebarrow in January. Jake Exelby talked to Cameron the other day about his background and hopes for the future.
How did you get into racing and point-to-pointing?
My family are from Lambourn and horses have always been part of my life. My dad’s side were builders – my grandad built Weathercock House for Jenny Pitman – and mum’s dad had been a conditional jockey.
My Mum had Oh So Handy, who’d been a useful horse for Roger Curtis, at home, and I sat on him a few times. I started watching racing, said I wanted to learn to ride properly, took lessons and decided I wanted to be a jockey, so went to see (jockey trainer) David Crosse.
I started with Brendan when I was 14. He and his family have been brilliant to me – they taught me a lot and, when he retired, he recommended me to Mark. He still asks how I’m getting on when he sees me.
I went to work for Mark during my last school year and began riding out. I wanted to ride as an amateur on the flat then become an apprentice, but couldn’t do the weight – I was nine-and-a-half stone even then, so he said I’d be better off in a jumping yard. My aunt knew Oliver and Tarnya Sherwood so I went to work for him at weekends before Covid then, after lockdown, he offered me a full-time job. I spent two seasons with him and did a lot of schooling. I rode the likes of Queens Gamble at home and took her to Cheltenham the day she won her bumper.
Mark had given me two rides on the flat – at Wolverhampton and Newbury – and I was desperate for opportunities, but there weren’t so many at Oliver’s so the likes of Jonny Burke and Kai Lenihan suggested I ride in point-to-points for a couple of years first. Robbie was advertising for a novice rider and I knew he was a good trainer so, while I didn’t intend to leave Oliver – who had taught me so much – it was time to move on when last season ended.
Robbie was taking out a rules licence but continuing to train pointers on the side, so I had the opportunity to get more contacts and rides. I started in July and he’s had five winners under rules plus one in points.
Cameron schooling Bensini for Robbie Llewellyn
Who’s inspired you most in racing?
A P McCoy – as a kid, I always watched him – Leighton Aspell, who won back-to-back Grand Nationals, and Sam Twiston-Davies, because The New One was one of my favourite horses.
Which pointing jockeys do you most admire and why?
Double champion James King is easy to talk to and always helpful with advice for new riders, including on how to ride the track. Darren Andrews, who’s ridden Hunter Chasers for Robbie, is always honest, even when I need to improve! And Freddie Mitchell, who’s been a good friend of mine for a while, and who’s just come back into pointing.
Who have been your favourite horses?
Many Clouds, who I saw win the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and back to win the Grand National. He was one of the key reasons I went to work for Oliver. Then Sprinter Sacre, who I remember as a champion coming back from problems, and the New One. He was a bit of an underdog who wore his heart on his sleeve and always tried his best. He never got the Festival win he deserved but won so many big races and gave so many jockeys big days.
I’ve been surprised at the quality of the horses going pointing – it’s amazing to see the likes of Commanche Red, Rhythm Is A Dancer and Shantou Flyer. Tom Britten, a friend from my time at Oliver’s, trains What A Glance, who will hopefully run in Hunter Chases. My favourites have been Grey Atlantic Way, my first outside ride for Hetta Stevens, and Lady Samson of course!
Two quality horses on the pointing scene - Shantou Flyer and Commanche Red at Larkhill (Tim Holt)Camero
Cameron on Grey Atlantic Way at Cothelstone
What’s your favourite course?
Cocklebarrow, obviously! Also Larkhill, it’s an iconic track, the Cheltenham of pointing. I finished third there and it’s the closest I’ve seen to rules racing. The jockeys and horses are top class and it’s a testing track and a big one to ride.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
I’ve loved getting experience over fences. And both my rides on the flat were on TV, while pointing isn’t, so there’s less pressure – I’ve been able to learn from my mistakes and get experience. I always want to be the best I can be and it’s a learning curve. I’m really enjoying it – win, place or pull up, I get constructive criticism. And there are more opportunities for lads like me – I haven’t got the funds to buy a pointer, or a big yard behind me.
Do you have a personal funniest moment this season?
At Ffos Las, when the ground was bottomless. I held Lady Samson up and was covered head to toe in kickback – I came in looking like a mud monster! The lads were giving Robbie stick about my first rides being a maiden, but Lady Samson is one of the best jumpers I’ve ridden.
Mud Monster Cameron returning on Lady Samson at Ffos Las
What are your ambitions in the sport?
I’d like to turn conditional one day, but spend a couple of seasons pointing first. It would be good to get another winner on the board this season, to get more outside rides and ride under rules as an amateur. To be a champion is my big dream, so I’d like to win some kind of novice title.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I can’t say what I’d do differently, as I’m in my first season and everything’s gone smoothly. I’m lucky to have a sponsor – Storm Recruitment – as the gear is expensive and it’s great to have their support. There are meetings up and down the country but I don’t think anything should change and I’ve never heard complaints. The sport’s brilliant for people like me – without pointing, I wouldn’t have ridden a winner and had half a dozen rides.
What would you do to encourage more horses?
A lot of races are being won by highly rated horses so those rated about 100 can’t compete, but it’s difficult as it’s a business and there’s a lot of pressure to win, then sell. But this isn’t just for pointing, it’s the same for racing in general. It’s expensive to have a horse and becoming less affordable – not everyone has the spare money.
Take my friend Lewis Morgan – he got given his horse (Captain Woodie) for free, but the running costs are still a lot. My Mum would love a horse but it’s easier said than done. Mind you, the upside would be worth it!
What would you be doing if you weren’t working with horses?
Racing’s my job and I love it to bits – I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Hopefully I’ll make a career out of it and – while it can be tough in the winter when it‘s minus eight degrees – I’m lucky to be in this position and can’t thank everyone enough.
Do you have any hobbies outside racing?
I play football – as a right-back – for Royal Wootton Bassett and like to keep fit. I’ve been a West Ham for as long as I can remember – my uncle, who was a big fan of Bobby Moore, used to take me.
What superpower would you like to have and why?
I’d love to fly, because I’m struggling to pass my driving test and need to get around!