Last week’s Pointing People featured Kendall Dickinson, who talked about the friendly rivalry between her and boyfriend Sean Clarke about who would ride a winner first.
Well, Sean must have been galvanised by that as – two days after Kendall was interviewed, he rode Breffni Brave (pictured above) to a debut success at Chilfrome in Dorset. Jake Exelby talked to him about his plans for a career in the saddle, being beaten by his partner to a first victory… and Hot Fuzz!
How did you get into racing and point-to-pointing?
I’m 23 and from Devon – Newton Abbot is my local track and I used to go with my dad when I was a kid. We’d sneak in by the gate next to the bowls club halfway through the card, sit on the bank and watch the racing.
When I was 18, I found out about the British Racing School and went to do the 14-week course for complete beginners – I’d had riding lessons as a child, but barely remember them. I’d been lifeguarding at a swimming complex but had always loved racing and wasn’t going to be a lifeguard my entire life.
After that, I did two seasons with Kim Bailey, then a year with Neil King, before joining Robbie in August last year. I always wanted to take out a licence to ride, but thought it wasn’t meant to be. Luckily, Kendall was training her pointer and I had two spins on Paddy (Mighty Mustang). We finished second at Edgcote and he ran an absolute blinder – I think the horse that beat us was sold for £40,000.
Robbie’s been a massive help. He’s straight to the point, does what he says he’ll do and got me rides. Cameron Johnstone-Baker also works for him, and he’s given us both a pointer to ride this season. Cam has Lady Samson and I’ve got Merry Dreamer, on whom I was second at Lydstep – he was going to go for the Dunraven Bowl but got his leg stuck in a hay net.
Sean schooling for Robbie
How has this season gone for you?
It started brilliantly. I had my first ride on Loup De Maulde at Hereford in October, and we were third – owners Lynn and Martin Redman and Maurice Thomas were kind enough to let me ride him and he’s now Robbie’s best horse, having gone up 30lbs in the handicap. I then rode Grey Atlantic Way in a point-to-point at Larkhill and, a fewer days later, was second on Dock Road at Wincanton.
Sean riding Loup De Maulde at Hereford
Sean on Grey Atlantic Way at Larkhill
Unfortunately, I rode him again at Fakenham on New Year’s Day – we were favourites – but we fell. I did nerve damage in my shoulder and was off for three months. My right arm was asleep for two of those and it was horrible – I’d rather have broken a bone. I was originally told I’d be out for the season, so it was good to come back early.
Sean on Dock Road at Wincanton
How did you get the ride on Breffni Brave?
I’d ridden against him at Lydstep – he fell at the last and rider Osian Radford broke his collarbone. Robbie’s friendly with his trainer Gareth Moore and they agreed I could ride him – I was in the right place at the right time. I hope to get on him again before the end of the season.
Has Kendall been teasing you about being first to ride a winner?
I’m annoyed that she beat me to it… that’s a joke, by the way. Seriously, I was very pleased for her. She does everything with It’s For Alan and she deserved it, with Mighty Mustang not being able to run this year.
Sean leading up Kendall on Mighty Mustang
What are your ambitions as a jockey?
I’m looking to turn conditional for Robbie and am hoping to take the course in June – if not, I’ll do it later in the season. I’m looking forward to it.
Which other jockeys do you most admire and why?
I rate Darren Andrews a lot. He’s come to Robbie’s quite a bit, as he used to ride pointers for him. If I’ve got a question and message him, he always replies, and always gives you the time of day. He’s so down-to-earth and a brilliant bloke.
Darren Andrews - brilliant bloke (c. Neale Blackburn)
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d have 24-hour declarations and put them online. I think that would make punters more inclined to go racing. For example, my Dad loves pointing, but gets put off when you have lots of entries and only a few runners. I also think it would make for bigger fields and better racing.
Also, the sport needs updating. The need to complete paperwork and post it is old-fashioned. If you moved things online, they would go more smoothly, and it would help grow the sport.
How would you encourage more horses?
I’d introduce different types of race, for example for horses that haven’t won more than three times under rules, or for horses that have only run in points. There’s not enough variety and it’s hard to keep progressing once you’ve broken your maiden. We need to allow more horses to go through the ranks.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
God knows – I’d probably still be a lifeguard! I love my job so much now, that I can’t think what else I’d be doing – if I had to leave racing, I’d be lost. I have a PT qualification but wouldn’t want to do that.
Do you have any hobbies outside racing?
I play golf at Marlborough – I don’t have a handicap now but used to play off eight.
Do you have a favourite film?
I love Hot Fuzz and Sean Of The Dead – two Simon Pegg films. I watch them over and over. On the yard, Cam and I are always quoting one-liners from Hot Fuzz. My favourite? “Any luck catching them swans, then?”
What would you choose as a superpower and why?
Time-travel, so I could land some big gambles!