Matty
Whilst I was in Australia, I wasn't entirely sure what my next step in racing would be. On a bit of a whim, I sent an email to Highclere. It was more out of hope than expectation…
Little did I know that a couple of emails and a few Zoom calls later, my bags were packed and my flight home was booked. Before long, I'd swapped Australia for West Woodhay and was starting an exciting new chapter with Highclere.
My first Highclere runner was Carlenrig, who went on to win the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Followcato then decided that losing races wasn't really his thing and went undefeated. Coincidence? Probably. Did I tell everyone I was the lucky charm? Absolutely.
One of my earliest memories was visiting Park House Stables in Kingsclere for the first time. Having grown up watching Andrew Balding at the races and on Horsepower, finding myself sat in Andrew and Anna Lisa's kitchen before heading out on a cold, foggy February morning to see the Highclere horses felt slightly surreal. It really was a "meeting your hero" moment.
A few months into the internship, after seeing first-hand what Highclere was all about, I managed to persuade my parents, as well as my aunt and uncle, to buy a share in Resemblance. To this day, they still joke that I must be on commission! Safe to say, I won't be needing to issue any refunds.
Since joining the syndicate, they've already enjoyed two fantastic days at Ascot and Haydock, experiencing first-hand what makes Highclere ownership so special. It's never just about owning a racehorse, it's about the whole experience. From stable visits and events to meeting trainers and fellow owners.
There has been so many memorable moments, whether it be the countless stable visits, Respond on Oaks day, The Royal Ascot Picnics, or the trip to Southwell to watch Centigrade dance his way to victory, a novice performance which was definitely more exciting than a certain Constitution Hill’s!
The Newmarket trips have been some of my favourite days at Highclere. Watching the horses work on Cambridge Road and the Al Bahathri, visiting different trainers' yards and standing on Warren Hill listening to Sir Mark Prescott's stories are memories I'll always look back on. Every visit taught me something different and reminded me why Newmarket is such a special place for anyone who loves racing.
It's now time for me to make me way back up t'North and begin the next chapter of my career as a Racing Secretary at Charlie Johnston Racing.
I'm looking forward to a new challenge, but I'll still be keeping a close eye on the Highclere runners. On the occasion one lines up against a Charlie Johnston horse... well, I think a dead-heat would keep everyone happy!
I'm sure our paths will cross again at racecourses around the country, and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Thank you to everyone at Highclere for making my time here so enjoyable. It's been an experience I'll always look back on with a smile.