Continuing the 'Horseracing - Behind The Scenes' series and I visited Grand National winning Jockey turned trainer, Nigel Hawke at Thorne Farm Stables. I hope you enjoy the videos, they are good fun even though I say so myself, in two parts.
In Part 1 Nigel talks about his riding career which including winning the Grand National in 1991 on 12/1 chance Seagram. What people may not know is that he bought Grand National legend Tiger Roll for just £10,000 then sold him for a good profit before his on-course heroics. He talks about building his Thorne Farm training yard from scratch and what facilities he has. He also talks about his breeding and 'Youngstock' interests and discusses racing's problems and his views on what should change. We also meet his assistant trainer and right-hand man Eddie Buckley who was also a successful jockey and spent time working for Martin Pipe in his glory years.
In Part 2 Nigel is joined by professional punter Andy Gibson and Eddie where they discuss owners and syndication with some light-hearted banter thrown in. We are given a tour of Thorne Farm's unexpected facilities when give people the opportunity to really soak up the racing yard experience. I also talk to Nigel's Wife Katherine before Andy Gibson and Nigel Hawke have the last word. Many thanks to everyone at Thorne Farm for their hospitality. For more info on Nigel Hawke Racing please visit https://nigelhawkethornefarmracing.co.uk/
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