Ö÷²¥´óÐã

Raise Your Game: How did you first get involved in horse racing?

Sam Twiston-Davies: I was born into racing so I've done it all my life. My dad, Nigel Twiston-Davies, trains race horses and my mum took part in a lot of eventing and point-to-pointing (form of amateur horseracing over fences for hunting horses) so both my parents were very keen riders and have always had a passion for horses.

RYG: What keeps you motivated in the sport?

ST-D: It's the enjoyment and the buzz that you get from it that you don't get from any other sport. The feeling of going over a fence or galloping flat out is one of the most enjoyable things you can experience.

RYG: How did you feel when you rode in your first big race?

ST-D: Obviously I was very nervous, but the atmosphere was amazing. There's a difference between what you can imagine and what it's actually like. It was unbelievable!

RYG: What skills are required to be a jockey?

ST-D: You need incredible balance, you need to be able to ride very well, have the ability to see a stride and to know when to sit. Your hands and your lower leg position are crucial because you don't want to be interfering with the horse when it's trying to jump and you need to be able to keep focused and concentrate.

You also need excellent communication skills because when you finish a race the owners of the horse are very keen to find out what you think of their horse and they want to know how you think it can improve. The key is positive criticism even if you have been beaten, because not everyone is going to be happy about it and the key thing is to focus on what can be improved.

RYG: How much hard work does it take to reach the highest level?

ST-D: You need to be very committed to reach your peak fitness so that when you are up against top jockeys such as AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh you'll be fit enough to do the job properly. I'm riding most days now and I also work out in the gym.

RYG: Has it been difficult to balance your studying with your training?

ST-D: Not really because I have had a lot of help from others, especially my teachers. I make sure I keep my head down, get my work done and my teachers help me keep up-to-date with my work. I am studying three AS levels and during my free periods I go to the gym and I also come home to run.

RYG: Do you feel it is important to have your education as a back up?

ST-D: If you get injured and you can't ride, you need to have a back up plan so that you have other goals to work towards in your life.

RYG: How do you cope with the pressure of racing against the best jockeys in the racing world?

ST-D: All of the jockeys have been great support to me and I have ridden with many of them in other races so they can trust me. They know I can ride in a straight line and that I'm very capable of riding with them.

I'm naturally a very nervous person. I get nervous before every ride. What I try to do is keep myself to myself and keep my thoughts positive rather than negative otherwise I'll get myself worked up. I concentrate on the job in hand and remember that at the end of the day it's a race. Nobody is going to hate you over it so all you can do is try your best.

RYG: In previous interviews you have stated that part of your preparation involved walking the course with twice crowned Grand National winner Carl Llewellyn as well as seeking advice from other top jockeys. Do you feel it is important to ask others for advice?

ST-D: Yes it's very important. In any race I'll have a run around the track to take a look. Carl gave me a lot of advice in terms of the best parts of the course and when to use the whip. Tom Scudamore sat with me and said "At the end of the day, it's not the end of the world if anything goes wrong. Ride it like a normal chase."

RYG: Is it a positive team environment?

ST-D: Yes, and that's one of the best things about being a jump jockey. All the jockeys are so helpful and if you need anything you can always ask any one of them for advice. Everybody looks out for each other.

RYG: What are the benefits of horse riding?

ST-D: It keeps you fit, you're out in the fresh air and glorious countryside and it's something that everybody can take part in together.

Riding has taught me to keep my head down, work hard and it has also helped improve my confidence. On my first ride when I was 16-years-old I was very shy. I kept myself in a corner and didn't say much. Now I feel I can talk to any of the jockeys and ask for their help.

RYG: How do you keep focused and in control during a race?

ST-D: I just keep my head down and I keep focused on what I am doing in terms of getting the horse to go that little bit quicker.

I always want what's best for the horse so I'm never too hard on them. There is always the next day to consider and you want to look after them as much as possible.

RYG: What are your plans for the future?

ST-D: I would love to continue riding as a professional jockey. I love riding out everyday so it's just a bonus to go racing. Obviously being younger I have less experience, but being that little big younger and fitter, I should be able to recover from any falls or setbacks.

RYG: Where's the best place to start if you want to be a jockey?

ST-D: The British Racing School is a great place to start. It can be expensive but their programme is very educational. They teach you the basics and they put you in a racing yard where you learn about every stage in a jockey's career such as riding out, improving and schooling your horses at home and then when your trainer thinks you're ready you get your license and ride as an amateur.

RYG: What would be your advice for any young people looking to follow in your footsteps?

ST-D: Keep your head down and work hard and then nobody can judge you. You'll always get appreciated for your dedication.