Gavin's geed up for star jockey goal

GAVIN Ashton from Oldham at the British Racing School, Newmarket

AN OLDHAM teenager has turned his back on football to land his dream job in horse racing.

Gavin Ashton (19) has secured the role of 'head lad' at the British Racing School, Newmarket in his bid to become a jockey.

After studying at Rochdale's Hopwood Hall College and getting top marks on a Manchester City football course, he decided that being a jockey was his true dream.

So, Gavin applied for a place on a 14-week course at the British Racing School.

He said: "I over the moon when I was offered the place. I knew it was a step in the right direction to achieving my goal of becoming a jockey."

However, as he hadn't really had any experience in horse care or racing, he took it upon himself to gain some experience on a racing yard. He also read books to learn more about the animals.

Gavin's hard work has paid off, as within two weeks of going to the school, he was given the role of head lad.

Gavin added: "This was an incredible achievement for me and I am very proud. I had no experience of working in a racing yard or doing any riding or mucking out before.

"My instructors are very impressed with how well I am doing with my riding; in fact, I have even taken sets of reigns back to my room at night, to practice hand changes.

"I have also tried to excel in fitness tests by regularly going on runs, and this has paid off, as I have set the best result they have ever seen in the fitness test!"

While he was at Hopwood Hall, industrious Gavin held down several jobs, including working 50 hours a week in a kitchen.

He said: "These jobs, along with football and college, set me up perfectly for the racing school. The reason for this is long hours and hard work, which I have become accustomed to.

"I have tried to do everything possible to make sure I succeed, as being a jockey is what I want so desperately."