Guy Lewis
Born in Newport, Gwent, on November 17th, 1974, Guy Lewis was the epitome of a journeyman jump jockey.
Born in Newport, Gwent, on November 17th, 1974, Guy Lewis was the epitome of a journeyman jump jockey.
His family history was steeped in horse racing.
His family history was steeped in horse racing.
Guy's paternal grandfather, Wilfred, had ridden with success in point-to-points: his father, Roger, was also an accomplished rider 'between the flags' who, between the ages of 14 and 35, won thirty races - plus another 3 under National Hunt Rules - in a 21 season career. Guy's mother, June, was also no stranger to success, riding many a point-to-point winner in her ten years in the saddle. She even rode when pregnant with Guy and his twin sister, Hannah.
Guy's paternal grandfather, Wilfred, had ridden with success in point-to-points: his father, Roger, was also an accomplished rider 'between the flags' who, between the ages of 14 and 35, won thirty races - plus another 3 under National Hunt Rules - in a 21 season career. Guy's mother, June, was also no stranger to success, riding many a point-to-point winner in her ten years in the saddle. She even rode when pregnant with Guy and his twin sister, Hannah.
Aged three, Guy was already riding without the security of either a leading rein or a docile mount. This could have proved disastrous: one day, riding his pony Jerry, the infant Guy was carted off and over a row of show-jumping obstacles by the errant animal. It was this experience that instilled into the youngster a lifelong love of speed and jumping.
Aged three, Guy was already riding without the security of either a leading rein or a docile mount. This could have proved disastrous: one day, riding his pony Jerry, the infant Guy was carted off and over a row of show-jumping obstacles by the errant animal. It was this experience that instilled into the youngster a lifelong love of speed and jumping.
By eight he was competing in junior show jumping and cross country competitions. His sister Hannah was also devoted to riding: together, for three seasons, they remained unbeaten in pairs events at hunter trials.
By eight he was competing in junior show jumping and cross country competitions. His sister Hannah was also devoted to riding: together, for three seasons, they remained unbeaten in pairs events at hunter trials.
Guy was educated at Monmouth School and spent his holidays riding out for Newmarket trainer Ben Hanbury. He also once tried his luck as a stable lad at Lambourn, spending two weeks with jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.
Guy was educated at Monmouth School and spent his holidays riding out for Newmarket trainer Ben Hanbury. He also once tried his luck as a stable lad at Lambourn, spending two weeks with jumps trainer Nicky Henderson.
In February, 1991, then aged 16, Guy rode at his first point-to-point meeting: a month later, riding his mother's mare Blinkin' Nora at the prestigious Beaufort Hunt meeting, he won his first race. In doing so, he upheld a family tradition: his grandfather had won the race back in the 1940s while his father had triumphed several times, notably when beating his wife into second place in June, 1976.
In February, 1991, then aged 16, Guy rode at his first point-to-point meeting: a month later, riding his mother's mare Blinkin' Nora at the prestigious Beaufort Hunt meeting, he won his first race. In doing so, he upheld a family tradition: his grandfather had won the race back in the 1940s while his father had triumphed several times, notably when beating his wife into second place in June, 1976.
Guy's tally of six winners in his first season brought him the Wilkinson's Sword Edge Novice Riders' Trophy.
Guy's tally of six winners in his first season brought him the Wilkinson's Sword Edge Novice Riders' Trophy.
It was an excellent start to a promising career.
It was an excellent start to a promising career.
On Saturday, August 24, that year, he had his first race under rules. Riding outsider Id's Gamble at Hereford, the pair pulled up.
On Saturday, August 24, that year, he had his first race under rules. Riding outsider Id's Gamble at Hereford, the pair pulled up.
The following March, having had the bright idea of joining the Territorial Army in order to be able to compete in Sandown's Barclay Bank Hurdle (in which all riders must have served in the armed forces), Guy rode the mare Ketti to an impressive victory. Not only was this Guy's first winner under Rules - but also the event was televised, advertising Guy's riding talent to a wider audience. Grand National-winning trainer Jenny Pitman was one such observer: she offered the seventeen year old the ride on Strong Gold at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The horse made a bad mistake at the second last, but still managed to claim fourth spot.
The following March, having had the bright idea of joining the Territorial Army in order to be able to compete in Sandown's Barclay Bank Hurdle (in which all riders must have served in the armed forces), Guy rode the mare Ketti to an impressive victory. Not only was this Guy's first winner under Rules - but also the event was televised, advertising Guy's riding talent to a wider audience. Grand National-winning trainer Jenny Pitman was one such observer: she offered the seventeen year old the ride on Strong Gold at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The horse made a bad mistake at the second last, but still managed to claim fourth spot.
His first steeplechase winner came in February 1993: he was still an unpaid amateur, and when, on November 11, he rode four horses at Taunton for absolutely nothing, he realised that it was time to join the ranks of professional riders.
His first steeplechase winner came in February 1993: he was still an unpaid amateur, and when, on November 11, he rode four horses at Taunton for absolutely nothing, he realised that it was time to join the ranks of professional riders.
In January the next year, Guy rode his first winner as a pro; Colossus Of Roads at Lingfield - later that month he lost his seven pound claim.
In January the next year, Guy rode his first winner as a pro; Colossus Of Roads at Lingfield - later that month he lost his seven pound claim.
In the 1995-96 season, Guy rode 13 winners and while this was numerically his best season to date, he worked out that 59 jockeys had ridden more. Lying sixtieth in the jockeys' table, he was, in his own language, firmly in mid division.
In the 1995-96 season, Guy rode 13 winners and while this was numerically his best season to date, he worked out that 59 jockeys had ridden more. Lying sixtieth in the jockeys' table, he was, in his own language, firmly in mid division.
Guy's riding career lasted ten years in which he rode over 100 winners, including two at Cheltenham.
Guy's riding career lasted ten years in which he rode over 100 winners, including two at Cheltenham.
Increasing weight and lack of realistic opportunities scuppered further success in the saddle and he retired in 2000 to work as a sports broadcaster. Any spare time was used training & schooling horses at his parents' home, Court Farm. He then became a BHA racecourse judge.
Increasing weight and lack of realistic opportunities scuppered further success in the saddle and he retired in 2000 to work as a sports broadcaster. Any spare time was used training & schooling horses at his parents' home, Court Farm. He then became a BHA racecourse judge.