Loveday Williams was born into point-to-pointing and racing, as a daughter of trainers Jane and Nick and sister to former professional jockey Chester and – notably – to pioneering female rider Lizzie Kelly, the first British woman to ride a Grade One winner over jumps. So, it may come as a surprise that Loveday didn’t make her debut in the saddle until the age of 21, at Wadebridge in December on her mother’s Favori De Sivola. Jake Exelby spoke to her after the pair’s second outing, to find out the reasons for her late start, and why she doesn’t plan to emulate her siblings.
What do you do?
I’m studying creative direction at Bournemouth University. I started in September and would like to work in fashion eventually.
Talk me through your background in riding and how you came to have your first mount between the flags this season?
I was riding before I could walk but was never as committed as Lizzie and Chester – I was six years younger than Chester and ten than Lizzie. Because I was the baby, I didn’t ride the difficult horses, which is probably why I didn’t get into it as much as them.
By the age of 17, I’d pretty much quit riding, although I was helping Nigel Hawke, and was working as a legal secretary. My Mum organised for me to go to Willie Mullins for a fortnight and I must have fallen off three times on my first morning! It was overwhelming and I felt like such a muppet! But I knew I’d be able to ride well if I survived the two weeks and ended up staying for five months. I decided than that I wanted to keep riding.
Last summer, I went to work on a ranch in Connecticut for Camp America and told the kids I was going to be a jockey, so I had to do it!
How much have your parents helped?
Mum’s attitude is ‘Go for it, whatever you do. Whether you’re a tattoo artist or a pilot, be the best!’
Dad’s more reserved and was less keen on me race-riding. But I go over to France sometimes to help him out and I love the racing there. I prefer the big jumps, which are more like eventing. When she was younger, Mum used to do the Crystal Cup European Cross-Country Challenge.
Talk me through your feelings on your first ride
Favori De Sivola, ‘Raven’, is one of Mum’s horses – an old schoolmaster who was retiring from rules racing. I hunt him with the Dulverton Farmers and he’s a gorgeous horse, so simple. We’ve lined him up a home with jockey David Noonan, who also loves him.
Because I’m 21, I thought I couldn’t be nervous and just get on with it, but I was worried I’d be sick on the way to the start! I probably jumped more fences that day than I had in my life as I rarely school at home. But it was really good fun, although I cringed when I watched the race back and couldn’t stop laughing. The second race was an improvement – I think the better you get, the more fun it is – and we’ll be out again in March.
I’ve asked both Lizzie and Rachael Blackmore if the nerves continue the more you ride and Rachael said that she doesn’t get nervous about the riding itself, or the fences, just about the pressure (to win).
Talking of pressure, do you feel any being sister to Lizzie, with all her success?
No. She’s been a great support and it’s been lovely to be in her world, going racing and walking the course. Riding myself is probably the first time I’ve understood how much she knows and has achieved – and it’s the same with Chester. I’ve got another brother – Patrick – but he’s not interested at all.
I read an article recently which said that the eldest child does what their parents appreciate most – racing in our case – the middle one does what’s second most important, which is school, and Chester is very smart. Then the youngest does whatever they want, because those roles are filled. Why would a youngest child want to follow their siblings (she asks rhetorically)?
Which has been your favourite horse?
Aubusson, who’s retired now. He was so trustworthy. Lizzie and Chester both rode him in France, and I’d have loved to have ridden him in a cross-country race there.
What about (Lizzie’s Grade One winner) Tea For Two?
Tommy? No, I had no connection with him! Sometimes it’s like you can talk to horses, but I couldn’t with him. Unlike Lizzie – she and he have always been besties!
Which other jockeys do you admire?
In point-to-points, Jo Supple. She’s so lovely and a good role model for young jockeys. I always ask her for help and, if I had a little sister, I’d send her to Jo.
Under rules, Paul Townend. I worked with him at Willie’s and he’s another lovely person. When you watch him ride, it’s like poetry in motion. He knows exactly when to ask the question and is connected to his horses – it’s like he can access another gear.
What are your ambitions in pointing and racing?
Mum may have others I could ride, but I think I’ll tie my career to Raven and hang up my boots at the same time as him.
I’d like to be a showjumper – I’ve done it but haven’t got a horse at the moment. I’d also like to buy showjumpers as foals, then sell them on.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
This will sound controversial (particularly from someone whose siblings first rode at 16!) but I’d change the minimum age for riding to 18. At 16, you can’t drive, you can’t drink and it’s an early age to be put in that position (race-riding). There can be a lot of pressure, and you may not want to do it so young.
What are your non-horsey hobbies?
I’m into singing and music and have just formed a new band, though we don’t have a name yet. I like listening to pop and indie – Sam Fender’s a current favourite.
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