New Zealand
Featherstone takes leap into Kiwi jumping scene
Will Featherstone is the latest English jumps jockey to answer New Zealand’s call, travelling across the world to further his riding career on Kiwi soil.
The 21-year-old has family roots in racing, following in his father's footsteps in becoming a point-to-point jockey, and he has been race-riding for the past four seasons, while working under Jamie Snowden.
"I've always ridden horses, I can't remember a time that I didn't," Featherstone said.
"I got into racing pretty much straight away really, I've always wanted to be a jockey because my Dad used to ride pointing back home. I did a lot of pony racing from the age of nine until about 16 or so, then I got my first pointers.
"I'm 21 now, and I've had seven winners under rules from about 66 rides."
Prior to being contacted by trainer Lucy de Lautour last season, Featherstone admits he had very little knowledge about New Zealand racing. While he elected to stay on home soil on that occasion, he took up the opportunity this year and has based himself in Hawke's Bay.
"Lucy sent me a message through Facebook and had watched a couple of my rides in England, so she asked if I wanted to come out to New Zealand," he said. "Instantly I did want to, but I ended up staying for another summer and thought I would give that a go next season, which I've done now.
"I didn't have a clue about it (New Zealand racing) to be honest, I didn't know you don't have ballots or that you jump out of the stalls (barriers). I found out a few bits before I came and thought 'oh god, I'm going to have to come out of the stalls', but I've just done a few jump-outs and so far all good, touch wood, I haven't fallen out of them yet.
"So far I'm enjoying it, my first ride was a fall the other day at the last fence, but we'll kick on from there. Fingers crossed the next few have a good chance and we can win on a couple."
Outside of racing, Featherstone is looking forward to seeing plenty of the Kiwi countryside in the coming months.
"The scenery is lovely here, I haven't experienced the whole winter yet, but so far it doesn't seem too cold, I'm currently wearing a t-shirt," he said. "Back home, we'd be wearing a coat and probably another coat on top.
"I'm planning at the end of my time here to go skiing and treat it as a bit of a holiday as well, to see some more of the country."
Featherstone is contactable for rides on 029 026 17451.
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