#BettingPeople: MATTIE BATCHELOR

#BettingPeople: Mattie Batchelor has been described as one of racing’s good guys. He’s enjoyed a career spanning over 20 years and ridden over 300 winners. He’s also well known in racing as an hilarious raconteur and presenter something he’s looking to pursue after hanging up his boots. Meeting Mattie Batchelor with Simon Nott.

MATTIE BATCHELOR (part 1 of 4)

Mattie talks about his reputation as one of racing’s good guys, how retirement is suiting him, how difficult it is for a jockey that’s winding down their career. He talks about his memorable rides including winning the Hennessy and the Jewson at the Cheltenham Festival. that latter success landing him the first of two ‘Lesters’ riding awards.

MATTIE BATCHELOR (part 2 of 4)

Mattie talks about how despite living within sight of the racecourse at Brighton, or at least the hill he originally had no knowledge or interest in horse racing. He talks about his first experience of riding the Grand National fences and a near miss getting a mount in the National itself.

MATTIE BATCHELOR (part 3 of 4)

Mattie talks about his career riding in Jersey where he was Champion Jockey three years in a row, he also talks about his career in front of the camera including in adverts, on TV and a role in the hit movie War Horse as well as being a merciless host at Cheltenham Festival preview nights!

MATTIE BATCHELOR (part 4 of 4)

Mattie concludes with explaining what happened to ‘Wocket Woy and the Pwoducer’, getting his hip replaced and other injuries sustained during his time in the saddle. He also discusses whether he considers racing to be a good career move for young people and talks about his own hopes for the future.