Pilot Profile - Martin Lane

Marie Bridgwater talks to champion apprentice Martin Lane

Quick Stats
Born - Kilworth, Co. Cork - 10/10/1985
Favourite Racecourse - York
Favourite Horse - Wigmore Hall
Favourite Hobby - Golf
Favourite TV Programme - NCIS

Proven rising star Martin Lane has been in England for just 2 years, has already ridden well over 100 winners and has his name in the records book by winning the John Smiths Cup on Michael Bell’s 4-y-o gelding, Wigmore Hall & being crowned champion apprentice with 41 winners - 2010 was definitely the year that made him.

Whilst chasing the title, Martin rode out his claim at Pontefract, only to have that high deflated 24 hours later by a four-day whip ban acquired at Yarmouth.

Towards the end of 2009 Martin made the decision to move to the hub of horse racing - Newmarket, to work for Group 1 winning trainer David Simcock.

This season Martin is hoping to emulate his success without his claim, hoping to improve on his winning totals each year - he certainly has the right mind-set, talent and the people surrounding him for a successful future.

When did you first get involved with horses?
I was 11 when I first got into horses, it was through a good friend of mine in school, his brother was a trainer and I used be around the yard every day and got the bug and it went on from there.

How did it feel to leave home & join Karl Burke’s yard?
It was very hard for me to leave home, I was quite close to my family, and at the time I didn’t have the confidence in myself to think that it was going to work out. My agent Kevin O’Ryan, and trainer Ger Lyons convinced me to give it a go and they very kindly sorted me out with the job at Karl’s.

Did you have any previous career ambitions?
Well, like everyone in flat racing I’d love to win the derby some day and it would also be amazing to one day be champion jockey but I’ll have to settle with champion apprentice for now!

Simon Dodds is your agent, how long have you been with him?
I’ve been with Simon 2 years now which is as long as I’ve been in England. He’s played a major role in the success I’ve secured to date, he knows the form book inside out and from day one he’s had a play which involved me making contacts in my first year here, and in my second year I was able to use them contacts to launch my challenge for champion apprentice, and thankfully it all worked out to plan like most things Simon is involved in - he’s had 3 of the last 4 champion apprentices in the form of William Buick and Greg Fairly.

What was it like to participate in the International jockey challenge?
The international jockeys challenge in Mauritius was an incredible experience, the country itself is so beautiful with people that are so helpful it’s almost embarrassing, as for the racing it was a brilliant experience, the atmosphere from the 40,000+ crowd is amazing and almost reminds you of why we do this job. When I was chasing the title it became a numbers game as I drove up and down the country so it was brilliant to go and be reminded of the passion I have for racing and why I do my job.

What’s been your luckiest break so far?
By far my luckiest break was getting to ride on Wigmore Hall in the John Smith Cup. Winning that race instantly put me in the limelight and kick started my chase for the apprentice title.

Do you have to watch your weight?
I’m one of the luckier ones in the weighing room; I don’t really have to watch my weight. I naturally stand on the scales at 8st so I can pretty much eat what I like and as much of it as I want!

Do you have a lucky charm or a ritual before a race?
No I don’t have a lucky charm and as for a ritual before a race, it’s just doing some stretches for about 20 minutes and then Sudoku.

What, where & how was your first ride?
My first ride was on a horse called Miss Isabella for Frances Crowley at Killarney, as for how it went it was great, I finished last and it seemed to be over in a split second, but that split second was at the time, the best thrill ever and I absolutely loved it.

What have you learnt since then?
Just to relax in a race and let things happen rather than trying to make them.

Have you had an increase of rides since being crowned champion?
It’s hard to say if they have or not as its been on the all weather since, which is always a quiet time of the year especially in these economic times, and a lot of the people I ride for don’t run horses on the all weather, but as of January I’m up on winners from the same time last year so all is good.

And the media attention?
The media attention has gotten better and better from winning the John Smiths Cup and the media attention is really picking up as the start of the flat season is nearing.

What’s been your best career decision so far?
My best decision is moving to England and since being here its been moving to Mr Simcock’s and having Simon Dodds as my agent - both are proving to be excellent decisions.

Do you have any goals for this season?
My goals for this year are to ride as many winners as I rode last year (52) which won’t be an easy task as I’m trying to do so without a claim but all is going well so I hope I’ll get there.

Marie Bridgwater