Pilot Profile - Mr Sam Drinkwater

Marie Bridgwater talks to talented amateur Mr Sam Drinkwater

Favourites
Favourite Sport - Football, I'm a massive Man Utd fan
Favourite Colour - Blue
Favourite Holiday - Cornwall
Favourite Food - Chinese
Favourite Music - I love a bit of Bon Jovi before a race!
Favourite Car - Audi & Range Rover Sport

Sam's love affair with horses and talent for riding was found by accident. The lad was more into playing football - and had a fear of horses. What a difference a few years can make. Having learnt his trade at one of the top National Hunt yards in the country (Nigel Twiston-Davies) for the past 2 years, Sam’s now freelance and enjoying adding to his total of over 40 winners.

How did you first get involved with horses?
I was playing football outside my house with my friends, and a girl I know came trotting down the road on her horse and I asked if I could have a go (having never been on a horse before) I gave it a kick and it bolted off down the road, I was bouncing up and down which only made the horse go faster - I could have been in trouble if it had gone to the main road, I was about 2 strides away but luckily a lady came out in the lane and stopped it.

So would that be your funniest moment?
Probably not - I was at Maisemore in a maiden race, it was like the Grand National, 3 fallers at the first, by the 2nd there were loose horses everywhere, my horse landed on top of the fence, we didn’t fall but I’d lost my footing, managed to correct myself before the bend, my horse was running out to the right, so we headed straight for the river and off I came- the commentator thought I was swimming! Luckily I was OK

Are your family involved in the sport?
Well my Mom has had ponies and horses all throughout her life

Who do you mainly ride for?
Fergal O’Brien in Point-to-Points, & for David Bridgwater under rules

What’s the best horse you’ve sat on?
Damman, I’ve won 4 Point-to-Points on him, he’s a top horse and he’ll be heading for Cheltenham this year, Banjax Girl & I’ve schooled The Giant Bolster

Favourite Point-to-Point course?
Chaddesley Corbett

You had 2 years with Nigel Twiston Davies. Did that help you?
Yes, I enjoyed my time there and learnt a lot. I had a lot of help, especially from Fergal.

And why did you leave?
Blood’s thicker than water, what with Sam & Willie coming through there were fewer opportunities for me.

You are now freelance; explain how that differs from being attached to a yard …
I don’t have to go to the same stable as I’m not employed by anyone. I go to Fergal O’Brien’s every morning, ride 2 or 3 lots then I will visit various other yards to school or ride out.

Do you have any future career plans?
Just to do as well as I can in racing and give my all when I ride. I’ll most likely work for my Dad’s company in the future.

What’s your pet hate in life?
I hate fish and arrogant people

Who do you most admire in racing?
Timmy Murphy
Nicky Henderson
David Bridgwater

Marie Bridgwater