Kevin Stott’s William Hill Christmas blog

It’s a busy time of the year for everyone in racing, and ahead of the festive period, we asked our ambassador Kevin Stott a few questions about how a jockey goes about doing things over Christmas. We also got a little help from his girlfriend Megan Nicholls too!

Do you celebrate on Xmas Eve (the Danish way… with roast duck!)

If I’m spending Christmas in Denmark, then yes, we’ll celebrate Christmas the traditional, Danish way by having a delicious roast duck on Christmas Eve. I haven’t been able to spend Christmas in Denmark for a few years now, sadly, as a result of riding through the winter both in the UK and abroad. I’ve spent a couple of Christmases at Ditcheat with Meg’s family, and one in Dubai, which – as you can probably imagine – wasn’t anything like what I’m used to!

Are you allowed to have Christmas lunch (including pudding)?

Yes! I’ll normally have to be a little bit sensible, but last year I wasn’t riding over the Christmas period and went on holiday a few days after the 25th, so very much enjoyed myself then. This year, I’m spending Christmas at Ditcheat again and have a day off on the 26th, when hopefully I’ll be cheering home a winner at Kempton on Boxing Day. You couldn’t be expected to go to work after Christmas Day at Ditcheat! As far as Christmas pudding goes, I actually don’t really like it anyway so tend to steer well clear…!

Is this time of the year harder than any other period for jockeys?

Yeah, it is a tough time of year for the jockeys. It’s colder, so it can be harder to maintain your weight because you want to eat warm, comforting food to get you through the day, but the likes of pie and mash aren’t things you can eat a lot of as a jockey! The days are long if you’re riding out in the morning and going to an evening meeting later – it can be pretty exhausting. Luckily for me, I’ve been having a good time of it with some nice winners, which is keeping my motivation up.

Best chance of a winner of the Xmas period/horse you are most looking forward to riding?

Cappoquin and Attrazione both won last time out and run on Wednesday 21st December – they’re both worth keeping an eye on!

King George Winner?

It’s got to be Bravemansgame for a win in the King George, hasn’t it?!

What would it mean to win the All-Weather Championship?

It would mean a huge amount to me to win the All-Weather Championship. I’ve put a lot of hard work into what I do and would like my CV from the winter to really propel me into the turf season in the new year, with trainers and owners taking notice of my riding. A lot of credit has to go to ARC as well, though, because they’ve done so well with all the bonuses this winter. Normally, winter prize money is pretty low but they’ve worked hard to turn that around and make all-weather racing more attractive for all connections of the runners.

You’ve built up a very good relationship with George Boughey recently – is it a partnership we can expect to see a lot more of next year?

George has been very good to me. His horses are straightforward to ride, they’re always in great shape, and he usually leaves the riding up to me. He lets me know what I need to know about the horses, but doesn’t give too many instructions – too much instruction is rarely a recipe for success. I’ll certainly keep riding out for him, and very much hope the relationship continues. But you never know what opportunities are around the corner, and whatever they are, George has helped me get there.

What time do you get up on Christmas Day/Days around Christmas Day?

I’ve been working pretty hard lately so feel I need a bit of a lie-in over Christmas, if I’m honest! So I’ll be in no hurry to get out of bed. As I’m spending Christmas at Ditcheat this year, I’ll get up at about 7:30am to ride out the one lot that Paul gets out on Christmas Day – the Boxing Day runners who’ll do one canter up the hill. It’s always a good laugh, with everyone in good spirits, and maybe I’ll get put on a winner!

Have you got Paul Nicholls a Christmas present?

Meg and I have got him a joint present this year. I thought Meg was hard to buy for, but Paul is IMPOSSIBLE. It was a hard find, so I’m not going to spill the beans just yet!

Should there be a longer Christmas/winter break for jockeys?

Yeah, the jockeys’ ‘break’ is frustrating. The timing is ridiculous – we have one two weeks into the all-weather season, which makes no sense, and one the week after Cheltenham, which is over the run up to the start of the Turf season. Both of these are at times when we don’t want a holiday because we need to be riding work, keeping fit, keeping our weight level and preparing. It makes no sense and doesn’t work at all.

Best moment of 2022/Any targets for the New Year?

I’ve a few things to highlight! Winning the John Smiths Cup on Anmaat for Owen Burrows and Shadwell – that was a big winner at one of my favourite tracks and the horse has progressed really well from there, too. Going to France on Proverb for George Boughey was a big thrill, too. He went to France for a Listed race after I’d won on him at Hamilton, he showed a really willing attitude and is an improving sprinter. It was really special to get a Listed winner for George over in France, where the prize money is great.

And getting the 100 was massive! My first century of wins, and from there I’d love to ride another Group winner in 2023, and throw my hat in the ring as best I can for the turf championship.

For Meg – three horses from Dad’s yard to keep an eye on over Xmas.

There’s hundreds! All this racing being cancelled has been a nightmare because the horses can get out and plans have to change. Even so, McFabulous has a massive chance in the Kauto Star at Kempton, so keep an eye out for him, and also Threeunderthrufive, who is ready to go soon.