Pilot Profile - Phillp Prince

Marie Bridgwater looks in to the life of the hugely talented young amateur rider Philip Prince

Priceform's Marie Bridgwater talks to Philip Prince about the frustrations of fulfilling a dream which most aspiring young jockeys would take for granted, how publicity isn’t always good and why you should always pay more attention at school!

Yeovil born Philip Prince has to be one of the most admired young stars to appear in the weighing room. After a year long legal battle with the BHA, where he had previously been rejected his licence due to his deafness, Philip was granted his amateur riding license. He only has his right ear, he also has a lopsided jaw, but possibly the
biggest challenge he has been faced with is the media’s desire to ensure that any publicity he is given always focuses on the one thing that has no relation to his talent. Consequently, not nearly enough is made of his sheer passion for Horse Racing and his genuine determination to succeed.

Pony Racing has shown its strength over recent years in the UK, and, despite having actually been around since the early 1940’s, it wasn’t until 2004 that its popularity rocketed when the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series was introduced. It has certainly proved its weight in gold for Philip, helping him progress quickly and decisively as an amateur jockey. Not only has he had an impressive 30 winners from over 60 rides in the last 3 years, but it has also helped him to build his confidence and adopt a more positive outlook. Philip’s mother Dawn has been quoted several times to say that without Pony Racing she really doesn’t think Philip would be fulfilling his lifelong dream.

The 18 year old has worked for some leading trainers Ron Hodges, Paul Nicholls, Mick Channon & now Alan King who is based at the infamous Barbary Castle in Wiltshire. They have all helped him in one way or another to build up his confidence and ability.

With 2 winners from 10 rides so far in his amateur boots Philip has realistic goals for the new season and hopes of a dream ending in the professional world of Horse Racing. Philip serves as the perfect example that nobody’s dreams are limited, you should always fight for what you want to achieve in life.

M - You’ve moved from Ron Hodges and been attached to Alan King’s yard for a few weeks now, how are you getting on?
P - Everything’s going well, Alan is very supportive of me and he’s got a lot of nice horses. I’m learning a lot here and it’s a great yard to be attached to.

M - Who has given you the most inspiration to succeed?
P - Definitely Ron Hodges, he gave me my first ride and first winner. I owe a lot to him.

M - Do you have a future plan to turn professional or are you just enjoying every minute, taking life as it comes?
P - If all goes well then yes, I would aim to turn Conditional at the end of the point-topoint season.

M - You’ve already been involved with some top names in the industry, is there on Trainer you’d like the opportunity to ride for?
P - It would have to be Alan, everyone can see he’s got a great record and again some fantastic horses.

M - Naturally your family have been very supportive throughout, have you had the same support in the weighing
room?
P - Yes definitely, when I had my first ride, which was at Wolverhampton last year, my fellow jockeys were very supportive, giving me tips how to ride the track etc. I’ve had a lot of support from the jump boys too. Throughout my fight with the BHA, Nick Schofield was a big help in getting my license. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me through this.

M - Not long now until the start of the pointing season, any horse in particular that you’re excited to ride?
P - Nenuphar Collognes, he’s an ex Alan King horse, my Dad owns it.

M - Has one course been particularly lucky for you?
P - Newbury without a doubt, I’ve had a winner and 3 pony winners round there.

M - If you wasn’t a jockey what would you be doing?
P - I wouldn’t like to think about that! Probably driving a lorry! I never paid much attention at school, I was very much into my horses. I was home tutored from the age of 15.

M - Is it true you only got interested in horses when you inherited your brother’s pony?
P - Yes, he gave it up and I took it on … I actually swapped him a quad bike for it!

M - What was the last movie you  watched?
P - Knight & Day, I went with a few of the lads from Alan King’s.

M - Do you look forward to any particular social events in the year?
P - There’s a few Point-to-Point dinner dances, especially up in Yeovil & Wessex area, they‘re a lot of fun and most importantly it raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

M - What are your interest outside of racing?
P - Clay pigeon Shooting, Pheasant shooting, I’m at the gym most days, I enjoy shopping and in the summer I’ll have the odd round of golf.

M - Which jockey do you most admire?
P - Over jumps it would be Ruby Walsh. He’s fantastic, the dedication he brings to every ride, also he’s not as animated as others can be, he hardly moves over a fence. On the flat it has to be Lester Piggott, you’ve got to admire his 4,493 career wins, and also he was battling a disability, he has deafness in his right ear.

M - Do you have a target of winners you’d like this season?
P - Honestly I’d be happy if I could achieve 10 combined, point to point winners & over fences in Hunter Chases. It would be a great end to a new beginning of turning Conditional.

Marie Bridgwater