JUST WILLIAM: Women To Follow on Twitter
Hello all!
I hope this column – another special – finds you all well. It’ll be the last one for a week or so, as next week we have the small matter of the Cheltenham Festival to take in.
This Monday was also International Women’s Day – an occasion which I’d be remiss if I didn’t mark in some fashion – and with the Festival a week away and everyone experiencing it at home, what better thing to do than point you in the direction of great women in racing who you should be following, listening and watching all year round.
As ever, please let me know if I’ve missed anyone – I’m sure I have – and send any suggestions or comments the way of @KeejayOV3.
Best!
Kate Austin (@kateaustin496)
A legend of the game, the Queen of the London Racing Club (my words!) may be known to some readers here as not only a racemaker but also one of the organisers of the London Racing Club’s Cheltenham Preview and a judge in her own right. Acutely aware of the issues facing the sport and determined to fix them, Kate’s deep knowledge of the game we all love to dearly makes her a must-follow and an imperative name on this list.
Zoe Smith (zoelouisesmithx)
Readers here should absolutely know about Zoe, who filled in for me with a brilliant guest blog only a couple of weeks back. A writer who’s currently looking into what makes a people’s horse, Zoe covered a range of racing subjects in the past and has a top back catalogue of interviews to enjoy as well.
Kitty Trice (@KittyTrice)
One of two reporters from the Racing Post here – and a previous #BettingPeople guest – Kitty is also one of quite a few purists on this list. A key part of the Post’s bloodstock desk, her work is essential reading to keep abreast of breeding developments and a brilliant follow for those who want to learn more about where your favourite horses come from. And yes, she is the one you know from the Magnolia Cup.
https://www.starsportsbet.co.uk/bettingpeople-kitty-trice/
Maddy Playle (@mp_horseracing)
A previous #BettingPeople guest, Maddy has long been active on social media and will be well known as a Weekender Columnist, Saturday Jury member, and also the presenter of the Racing Post’s Monday Review postcast to you. She’s also a great presence on social media, balancing debate with a ton of engaging content.
https://www.starsportsbet.co.uk/bettingpeople-maddy-playle/
Hanna Baycroft (@racingwithanna)
Someone who I’m glad to say is from the Star Stable – and watch this space on that – Hannah started her racing content channel, Racing With Hannah, during the first UK lockdown as a way of building her presenting portfolio and since then she hasn’t looked back, interviewing the likes of Richard Johnson, Peter Scuadmore, Mick Fitzgerald, Mike Cattermole and many more. A rider in her spare time, her timeline also has the benefit of many lovely jumping videos and pictures.
Samantha Martin (@sam_angelina22)
There’s nothing more that we love to see than young people with knowledge and expertise in the sport, so who better to add to this than Samantha Martin, the 16-year-old journalist who’s already writing with wisdom beyond her years. A must follow for any self-respecting racing fan.
Lydia Hislop (@LydiaHislop)
Lydia has been on nearly every racing list I’ve written, and with good reason – she’s an outstanding broadcaster. It would be a surprise if you hadn’t read or watched her work already – and if not, gosh, what a treat you’re in for – but her cool-headed commentary on the Gordon Eliliot photo and fallout was much needed in the light of those awful events.
Julie Collier (@JulieCollierTV)
Another from the Star Stable – and someone here who specialises in greyhound racing – Julie is a must have in this list. My knowledge on the dogs was non-existent until I joined Star, and few people have helped me understand the game more than Julie, whose interviews have provided hours of entertainment and education. Also, you get tons of dog pics – a great bonus.
https://www.starsportsbet.co.uk/category/julie-collier/
Katie Clements (@KatieAndGrumeti)
The last week and a half has shone a spotlight on horse care, so I would be remiss without including Katie, who is not only extremely knowledgeable on all things racing, but also is an expert on rehoming horses – as she’s doing currently with Grumeti. Her adventures with the ex-Alan King horse are a welcome tonic to much of what we see in the world.
Laura King (@LauraKingDXB)
I very much enjoy racing from Dubai, which makes Laura King the perfect follow for constant updates on everything that’s happening there. An excellent presenter to boot, she can be found on Dubai Racing Channel fronting their live coverage whilst also interviewing the top jockeys and trainers involved with the Carnival.
Kaitlin Free (@kaitlinefree)
I also – can you tell I enjoy International racing? – Am partial to racing from America, and Kaitlin’s coverage of the top graded events is invaluable, especially when it comes to keeping track of the leadup to the Triple Crown and then the Breeders’ Cup.
Megan O’Brien (@megz_obrien)
The racing manager of Titanium racing, Megan is a great source of knowledge on not only ownership but also breeding and foaling, and her timeline is a must as we head into the magic that is foaling season.
Francesa Altoft (@FranAltoftPhoto), Shamela Hanley (@simmy_hanley) & Melissa Bauer-Herzog (@mbauerherzog)
No list of any people to follow would be complete without photographers, so please have three in one – because the work that Francesca, Simmy, and Melissa produce is absolutely outstanding. Melissa’s own company, Pyrois Media, is also very much worth looking at for a whole host of really impressive content creation services – see the websites of all three below!
https://www.francescaaltoft.co.uk/
https://www.shamelahanleyphotos.com/
CJ (@_iHateFeds)
This is a late addition and a shameful omission, particularly as I’ve had the pleasure – as you can see from the photo – of meeting CJ and spending a day at the races with her in person. A judge of all sports – and especially when it comes to finding the best value mounts of her favourite jockey Jim Crowley – CJ is a must follow for anyone who wants to make the game pay, espically the flat.
Have a wonderful time at the Cheltenham Festival next week and be kind to each other!
Best,
William
Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers.