I’m Charlie Davies, Horse Racing Business Development Specialist here at Haddon Training. My role involves working closely with trainers and learners across the racing industry, as well as coaching and mentoring a small number of apprentices myself.
Before joining Haddon, I spent around 12 years working in horse racing. I started out as a stable lad at Jonjo O’Neill’s, before going on to ride as an amateur jockey for Jonjo and then as a conditional jockey for Charlie Longsdon.
I eventually stepped away from race riding, mainly due to my weight and, if I’m honest, probably a lack of natural talent. I turned my focus to the training side of the industry, which had always interested me more long term. This led me to Ditcheat in Somerset, where I worked for Paul Nicholls, first as Pupil Assistant and then as Assistant Trainer.
My plan wasn’t always to go into horse racing. When I was at school, I originally wanted to be an equine vet. I’d always enjoyed horses and riding; I first sat on a pony at five and was pretty much hooked from then. That said, I never really thought about racing as a career. I followed it growing up but didn’t have any real intention of working in the industry until much later.
I first seriously considered it between my first and second year of A-levels. After getting my AS results back, it became clear that becoming a vet wasn’t going to happen. So that summer, I decided I wanted to become a jump jockey.
I was lucky that Nick Mitchell trained only half a mile down the road, so I started riding out there during my holidays and weekends. I couldn’t have asked for a better first mentor in the sport. Before long, I was riding out first lot before school. I learned a huge amount in a short space of time, and after about three or four months, I knew this was what I wanted to do for the foreseeable future.
During my time in racing, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some brilliant days, but there are three that really stand out.
The first would be riding at Cheltenham for Jonjo. When you get into jump racing, Cheltenham becomes everything, so to ride there a couple of times was a real bucket list moment. I didn’t manage to ride a winner there, but it was still incredibly special.
The second would be getting the Assistant Trainer role at Paul Nicholls. To be given the opportunity and to follow in the footsteps of people who had done it before me felt like real recognition for the work I’d put in to get there.
The third would be Bravemansgame winning the King George. I’d watched that race every Boxing Day growing up, so to be there on a day like that is something I’ll never forget.
Are you interested in a future career in racing? You can find out more about our racing apprenticeships here.
If you have any questions about our apprenticeships or if you’d like to hire an apprentice for your business, please get in touch here.
