Strictly speaking, 19-year-old Harry Greasby shouldn’t be part of the series on up-and-coming South Midlands riders, as he hails from Winchcombe – near Cheltenham – and qualifies with a West Mercian certificate!
However, Harry is one of two novice jockeys attached to Alan Hill’s yard and rode his first winner on a South Midlands horse, Tim Underwood’s Skipthecuddles, at Lockinge over Easter, so Jake Exelby thought he’d bend his self-imposed rule for once and talk to Harry about rugby, music and – of course – pointing.
How did you get into racing and point-to-pointing?
I did pony club when I was young and have always had connections with racing. (IJF Chief Executive) Lisa Hancock is a family friend, the Keighleys train nearby and I knew Roisin Leech (daughter of rules trainer Sophie) when she was pony racing – in fact, I bought my first pony, Bronze Mountain from her. I had about 30 rides and three wins in pony racing. My best was an outside ride, Follow The Fox, on whom I won twice and had a ride at Ascot in the Charles Owen series. It was nice to be able to do that and pony racing set me up and got me more serious about riding.
I was getting heavier, so riding on the flat wasn’t an option and I was half-thinking about going conditional, but Mum wanted me to do A-levels. We compromised and I did a B-Tec in Equine Management at Hartpury College, which I loved. At 16, I started riding out for different trainers, including Emma Bishop, Fergal O’Brien, Ben Pauling, and Martin Keighley. I started schooling for Fergal and developed from there – I found that, when I was riding young horses, I was no longer a passenger.
Harry schooling near his Winchcombe home
Tell me about Gold Mountain
He was with Martin, his owners wanted to sell, and we bought him cheaply. He was perfect for me and taught me so much – he held a little back, so you could run him every couple of weeks. We had ten outings together, were placed seven times and he wasn’t beaten far behind some good horses. We trained him at home, and I put things into the training that I’d learnt at Hartpury, putting the science into practice. We’d turn him out all day, feeding on good quality grass, then I’d ride him in the dark with a headtorch – luckily, he’s very sensible! Emma trains on Cleeve Hill, which is five minutes up the road, so I’d use her schooling fences.
Harry on his own Gold Mountain (green and white)
Our first season was a bit stop-start due to Covid, and I didn’t know what to do with him, so kept him ticking away quietly. He ran once under rules that summer for Emma – it was my first ride over fences, and I’d had one ride on the flat for Fergal.
How did you get the job with Alan Hill?
I was looking to go to university but the childhood dream of being a jockey was still there and, if I hadn’t done it, I’d always have thought, ‘what if?’ So, I saw an ad from Alan Hill on social media when I was sitting by a pool on holiday, called (Alan’s wife) Lawney, went for an interview and started a couple of weeks later. I knew there would be opportunities.
Harry riding Craigmor
I’ve had nine rides for Alan this season and the same number of outside rides. I also had a few spins last season for the likes of Max Comley and Paige Topley.
Harry after finishing third on Max Comley's Knockaderry Flyer
Harry on Harrie (!) for Paige Topley
You must have some funny stories from the year you’ve spent there
There are plenty of them from riding out with (Alan’s son) Joe and (fellow novice rider) Walter Barnett, often when we’re doing flat work with the last lot. I’d love to come up with a printable story but I can’t!
On the round gallop at Woodway Farm for Alan Hill
How did you come by the ride on Skipthecuddles (main image)?
I remember watching Tim’s horses run well four or five years ago at Cocklebarrow and always thought, since then, that I’d like to ride for him. Joe said I should give him a call, so I kept ringing him and he kept saying, ‘Next time’ until I got to ride him at Didmarton. I was polite but persistent!
What did winning feel like?
Relief as much as anything! I’d had a lot of rides – many of whom hadn’t had much of a winning chance – and I was delighted to realise a childhood dream. He’s a cheeky horse, and you have to be able to take a pull with him.
What are your ambitions as a jockey?
I’m going to the Royal Agricultural University next year to study bloodstock, as I’ve got a bit heavy but will give pointing another year and still plan to ride, although just for fun. I may get my own horse again.
Which other jockeys do you most admire and why?
First time out in my second season, I was a bit flustered because my horse had taken a pull. Matt Hampton chatted to me and was kind and helpful – I’ll always remember that. James King, who’s ridden a lot for Alan, is also very good. He always gives me advice and reminds me what to do.
What are your favourite courses?
Lockinge, obviously! I like riding round Maisemore Park and also Paxford, which is local to me.
Who are your favourite horses, in the Hill yard and outside?
Alan’s Coolagh Park has been very impressive. And I’ve enjoyed watching Rupert Stearn and Clara Sorrento.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d give novice riders a claim in all races bar Maidens. People need incentives to give novice riders a chance – it’s obvious that you’d chose the likes of James King over me – and it would be a nice initiative and give us more opportunities.
Also, more prize money, although I know everyone says it. It’s not about money – it’s an amateur sport – but it costs so much to train a horse and even doing it yourself is £5,000-£6,000 per year. The Novice Riders final at Edgcote had £500 for the winner and more races like that would be amazing. It might also bring in more horses.
How else would you encourage more horses?
10-15 years ago, more farmers had one or two pointers, but increasing cost and professionalism has made it more expensive. There’s also more paperwork, which I understand, but it can put people off.
I’d try to get more maidens under rules to run in points. If you could win with them, you could sell them on to other owners.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
I’d probably be a rugby player. I used to be an inside-centre for the Worcester development team, although I’d probably be a winger by now. I stopped because I wanted to stay light for pony racing, they wanted me to be heavier and I preferred horses. While I played for Worcester, I’m actually a Gloucester fan.
Do you have any hobbies outside racing?
I don’t get much time for hobbies, although I like music festivals – the last one I went to was Beautiful Days, where the Levellers played. I like them and they’ve always been my Dad’s favourite band. I’m a fan of country music, for example Zach Bryan, but I’m open to everything.
What are your ambitions in life?
I’d love to have my own yard, breaking and pre-training and developing young horses for the sales. My ambitions lie in training rather than being a jockey.
Do you have a nickname?
Greazy with a ‘Z’. Definitely not Greasy!