The latest episode of Star Sports’ Betting People series saw the Grade 1 winning jockey, Nick Scholfield share his insight on what it takes to break into racing and how he developed his status in the sport.

As he embarks on something of a slow period in the year, Schofield emphasised that even in the downtime he maintains a solid level of fitness and continues riding in order to stay sharp. 

He went onto detail the fine balance that jockeys face of remaining lean and staying fit, whilst not building an excessive amount of muscle or fat as they seek to maximise performance and make weight as efficiently as possible. 

Reflecting on how he got into racing, Scholfield remembered his first day as he described himself as ‘a boy in a man’s world’ when he began his journey, he added however, that the sport has evolved into the 21st century – with additional health and safety measures and elevated help for young jockeys.

Following the revelation that he loved a takeaway when he was younger, he remarked that ‘the game has grown and become so much more professional’. 

He concluded the opening part of the interview by emphasising his love for the Cheltenham Festival, with his favourite race being the first time he rode at the Festival as he described it as ‘horse racing’s Olympics’. 

‘If it’s good for the sport then we should have a fifth day, but what you don’t want to do is dilute the sport, I’m on the fence about it really’, he added on whether he believes the Festival should be extended to a fifth day. 

He also stated that he feels it’s good for jockeys to keep an eye on the bookmaker prices, in order to be aware of what they are up against and where the money is coming from – adding it can flag a potential threat in the race.