Pilot Profile - Josh Baudains

Marie Bridgwater talks to apprentice Josh Baudains

Apprentice Josh Baudainsn hails from Jersey, an idyllic island located in the Channel Islands. In fact, just a stone’s throw away from the only racecourse on the Island - Les Landes. Previously a young top show jumper, Josh’s talent and his horse’s abilities elevated him to taste success, also earning him valuable experience and
confidence. Josh is currently based in Lambourn with trainer Stan Moore, who is one of many seeing the benefits of aiding this young talent to blossom. Having just 6 rides in the UK, Josh is always keen to maintain a confident yet cool head and gets on with the job in hand.

Talk me through all your equestrian heritage & your involvement with horses.

I’ve been show jumping from a young age, I’ve been lucky enough to have competed in many events across the UK such as Pony Internationals. My Mom used to train back home in Jersey, and my Granddad owns several horses. I’ve ridden for Fiona Wingrove back in Jersey & also I captained the junior Welsh Show jumping team.
On my latest horse Cactus, I competed in the Members cup - jumping 120cm having a clear round. Also the Foxhunters Masters 120cm upwards & Talent Spotters 125cm.

What made you switch into racing?

It’s always been my dream so it was just the natural route I wanted to take.

What’s your first experiences been like?

First ride in Jersey was for Miss Joan le Brock, on a horse called Last Chapter, I wasn’t nervous, actually feeling quite confident - I was so excited, from then on racing was for me - I caught the bug!

You clearly have a love for jumping - Is your goal to turn conditional?

No, I’ll try and stay on the flat if my weight mstays down - I can do 8st, and a visit to the sauna helps!

How are you finding your time with Stan Moore?

It’s a brilliant place; I’m really enjoying my time here. I have a variety of horses to ride every day. Stan’s really nice and helpful to me; he helps keep my fitness up. We watch replays of my rides to ensure I’m learning what went wrong or right and how I can improve from that.

Explain the process of training and how you got your first job in racing.

I didn’t start off by going to a racing school, I came to the UK and worked for Ian Williams for a few months, I learnt a lot there, it was great experience for me. I then attended the Northern Racing College in Doncaster to take my level 2 NVQ apprentice course, I was then granted my licence and my journey could begin! At some stage I will go back to take my level 3 NVQ.

Who do you admire as a jockey?

David Bridgwater - what he achieved as a jockey and how he’s made the transition to be where he is now. He’s been a huge help to me, if I need some advice I can just give him a ring and he‘s happy to help. Kieren Fallon
- his ability to read a race a race and what he gets out of a horse. He may not have the style factor or clean reputation but he’s one of the greats.

Favourite Racecourse?

Warwick.

Favourite horse?

Escardo - I’m lucky to have had all my UK rides aboard such a genuine, straight forward horse - I’ve gained a lot of race riding confidence from him.

Marie Bridgwater