Siobhan Miller, maybe not yet a household name like Frankie Dettori or AP McCoy, but is definitely a young jockey going places. In only a handful of rides she has impressed with her horsemanship and strength, during that time showing herself no slouch when taking on the boys. But who is Siobhan Miller? Hopefully after this article you will be able to answer that for yourself, as we look over how she got to here and what the future holds.
Miller grew up over the border in Scotland, in a town called Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. As a girl she dreamt of working in fashion, a hobby she continues to this day, but as she grew older her interest in horse racing grew.
Before she turned her attention to racing she competed in Show Jumping at an affiliated level through ponies. This lasted for a year in which she competed in the pony club games still when only a child. It was after all this her focus changed to the real love of her life and what will one day become a career for her.
This is where it all began, like many jockeys in the sport today her roots are from pony racing. It was after this she found her inspiration within the sport, a certain Hayley Turner who herself was just catching the public's eye. Things were then taken to the next level and the real start of Miller's career.
This leads to the next chapter of her life when attending the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, the dream was in action. Things were about to pick up in a big way when she earned her first job in racing at Park House Stables, home of 2003 Oaks winning trainer Andrew Balding. During her time at the yard Miller was rewarded with her first ride, not for Andrew Balding but for Jamie Poulton.
On August 19th 2011 at Salisbury the public were introduced to Siobhan Miller in an Amateur Ladies race. Her mount that day was a grey 4 year old mare by the name of Push Me who at the time had two wins to her name. Miller was prominent early and as others around her fell away she made her move and hit the front 3 furlongs out. She led until just over a furlong out when tiring and edging left, eventually fading to finish fifth in a strung out field. That was her only ride aboard the mare. After a year with Andrew Balding she moved over to her current stable of David Simcock in Newmarket where she became an apprentice.
Watch her first ever ride here - http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/19-08-2011/salisbury/result/453521/savills-lady-riders-handicap-for-lady-amateur-riders/video
It was there at Simcock's yard Miller found the man of her dreams, he came in the form of the classy grey Glass Office. Since then she has looked after and become inseparable with him without riding him on the track yet. In September he won the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton under Jim Crowley leaving Miller overjoyed. But it is her riding that has caught my eye.
Since joining the Simcock yard Siobhan Miller has earned two regular rides the first of which being Dixie Gwalia. Partnering him a total of 8 times to date, coming placed on 3 occasions and finishing worse than 6th just once. It is her more recent partnership with the yard's Hierarch whom she has ridden only 4 times but to good effect. The last two times they have seen the track together (at Kempton and Lingfield) they have been touched off and settled for second. Most recently denied by a neck, beaten by Jack My Boy at Lingfield when up in the box seat most of the race.
Watch her most recent ride -http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/31-01-2013/lingfield-park/result/545875/follow-us-on-twitter-at-lingfieldpark-apprentice-handicap/video
Hierarch again ran today (5th February) at Wolverhampton in which he managed third, this run is best forgotten though. On the turn for home Miller was poised to strike before being broadsided leaving Hierarch unbalanced. She managed to get him running on again and he stayed on for a place late in the day. Its debatable but in my mind Hierarch looks more of a Lingfield styled horse and is definitely one to follow.
This leads us to the current day, what does the future hold for a 22 year old Siobhan Miller? Well unfortunately I cant see into the future, but I can predict that if she keeps working as hard as she has been to get here, Hayley Turner has a real rival on her hands. I asked Miss Miller what her ambitions and dreams are for her career, nobody says it better than herself. 'To become a successful jockey, internationally too. I would love to be the inspiration for young girls like Hayley Turner was for me coming Into the game.'
At this time I would like to take the chance to thank the lovely Siobhan Miller for helping me write this. I would 100% recommend following her on twitter, you can find her at @Shiv_Miller, if you have enjoyed this article drop by my page and say hi, @Lukeyboy1325. I will leave you with a question and answer session I shared with Siobhan and once again thank her.
> Favourite Racecourse? Ascot, but I'm sure wherever I have my first winner will be my new fav!
> Favourite Racehorse of all time? Sea the stars, as I watched him win the Guineas and had a Tenner on him (I wasn't a jockey then!)
> Favourite Racehorse running now? Glass office, I rode and looked after him since day one, he's my main man!
> Funniest guy/girl in the jockey room? Shirley Teasdale , always cracks a joke !
> Racing idol? Hayley Turner!
> Flat or Jumps? Flat of course! Although always love watching the big jump meetings!
> Royal Ascot or Cheltenham Festival? Have to be royal ascot!
> Do you have a party trick you are willing to share? Not a trick as such, but I'm very well known for falling over, can not walk in heels, even when sober!
> If I were to be generous and give you a tenner for one horse at Cheltenham, who would it go on? Long run! For some reason I love that horse.
> If you had the chance to ride any horse in all its races next season who would it be and why? Definitely via glory. He means a lot to the yard, and would be great to have plenty of opportunities to snatch up a win on him!
> Racing UK or Attheraces? Oh I can't choose, I'm forever flicking between the two!
> If you weren't a jockey what would you be? Fashion designer. Addicted to fashion, and was planning to go study it at college before I got into racing.
> Matt Chapman or Nick Luck? Matt chapman yeehaaaaaa
> Strictly or X Factor? Xfactor. Went on a few dates with a contestant.0, but he who shall not be named!! Haha
> Ryan Moore or Frankie Dettori? Ryan moore's riding is inspirational but Frankie is such a part in racing , and the only person who gets me star struck in the weighing room!
> Favourite sport other than Horse Racing? American bull riding, love watching it!
> First Car? Fiat punto!
> Favourite Band? Mumford and sons.
> Favourite Song? Empire State of mind, love it !
> Would you rather ride a winner at Royal Ascot, the Breeders Cup or the Dubai Carnival? Breeders cup as it is much more international fields, but I'd settle for a winner at any!
> Preferred drink on a night out? Disaronno & coke!
> And finally, as always, who is the longest in the shower? Have to be myself, oops! And I love to have a good sing a long in there too!!
> Nominate a jockey who I should next focus on? Shirley Teasdale!
Thank you very much for reading, hopefully this is the first of many like this, next on the list Shirley Teasdale, hopefully.
Thank you for reading
Showing posts with label hayley turner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hayley turner. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Friday, 13 July 2012
Time For a Change
Last week was a very average week for us, only two bets landed with 8/1 and 10/1 places. Today the going is looking to be on the testing side which could blow some of the fields wide open across the country. Also i passed 100 followers on twitter this week (mostly racing related). If you aren't following me then you can @lukeyboy1325 where during the week I post fancies etc.
One more topic of discussion, next Friday I am moving to Canada for the foreseeable future and will be trying to keep up to date with English racing. If there are less posts than now then that is the reason why, who knows I may throw in a few Canadian races. Onwards and Upwards though
2:10 Newmarket - Maxentius - A very smart performer from his two starts thus far. Hails from a yard in the form of their life lately and one of the most in form jockeys on board in William Buick. He absolutely cantered home in his last race at Doncaster when being eased down late on. This Colt by Holy Roman Emperor should take all the beating today and will be fresher than Olympic Village after bypassing Royal Ascot. Should take all the beating today. (3/1)
2:25 York - Bolivia - She is a mare by Monsun who has been doing well with his offspring. Bolivia is a 6 year old though, a lightly raced one at that. I think she was a selection when she absolutely bolted in at Sandown a few weeks back. She has been raised 10 pounds for that effort and that shouldnt be enough to stop her today on this testing ground she dearly loves. Always one that is there but you got the feeling she turned over a new leaf in her last run and should go well at decent odds again today. (12/1)
3:20 Newmarket - Sirius Prospect - Yet to refind his best form from last year when winning a listed race at Doncaster on Soft ground. He came late that day and that could just play to his advantages here today with pace almost guaranteed on testing ground. The return to testing ground should see an improvement in his performance, also the most encouraging factor was his return to form behind Black Caviar last time at Ascot. He has a bit of work to do if he is to reverse running with Society Rock from last time though. Real chance (14/1)
3:35 York - Caledonia Lady - I couldn't believe the price she is when I first saw her. I was there last week when she won the Coral Charge very easily after running into horrific traffic problems. Hayley Turner keeps the ride today after winning last week. She has ridden this horse 3 times finishing 4th, 2nd and 1st and she obviously gets on very well with the horse. Today should be another big race for her to claim. (8/1)
4:30 Newmarket - Janoub Nibras - Yesterday the Hannon stable was flying and today should be another big day for him and stable jockey Richard Hughes. This looks to be their best chance of the day however after just prevailing at Kempton in a two horse race. The return to turf looks to be the much in his favour today after finishing 3rd on debut in testing ground at Ascot. On debut he was behind the impressive Cay Verde and Hototo who have both won big races since. Should be bang there (9/2)
Hopefully today will throw up a few winners and spark a return to form from last week, I also hope that I am able to put up a blog next week, but only time will tell.
thank you for reading, happy punting
One more topic of discussion, next Friday I am moving to Canada for the foreseeable future and will be trying to keep up to date with English racing. If there are less posts than now then that is the reason why, who knows I may throw in a few Canadian races. Onwards and Upwards though
2:10 Newmarket - Maxentius - A very smart performer from his two starts thus far. Hails from a yard in the form of their life lately and one of the most in form jockeys on board in William Buick. He absolutely cantered home in his last race at Doncaster when being eased down late on. This Colt by Holy Roman Emperor should take all the beating today and will be fresher than Olympic Village after bypassing Royal Ascot. Should take all the beating today. (3/1)
2:25 York - Bolivia - She is a mare by Monsun who has been doing well with his offspring. Bolivia is a 6 year old though, a lightly raced one at that. I think she was a selection when she absolutely bolted in at Sandown a few weeks back. She has been raised 10 pounds for that effort and that shouldnt be enough to stop her today on this testing ground she dearly loves. Always one that is there but you got the feeling she turned over a new leaf in her last run and should go well at decent odds again today. (12/1)
3:20 Newmarket - Sirius Prospect - Yet to refind his best form from last year when winning a listed race at Doncaster on Soft ground. He came late that day and that could just play to his advantages here today with pace almost guaranteed on testing ground. The return to testing ground should see an improvement in his performance, also the most encouraging factor was his return to form behind Black Caviar last time at Ascot. He has a bit of work to do if he is to reverse running with Society Rock from last time though. Real chance (14/1)
3:35 York - Caledonia Lady - I couldn't believe the price she is when I first saw her. I was there last week when she won the Coral Charge very easily after running into horrific traffic problems. Hayley Turner keeps the ride today after winning last week. She has ridden this horse 3 times finishing 4th, 2nd and 1st and she obviously gets on very well with the horse. Today should be another big race for her to claim. (8/1)
4:30 Newmarket - Janoub Nibras - Yesterday the Hannon stable was flying and today should be another big day for him and stable jockey Richard Hughes. This looks to be their best chance of the day however after just prevailing at Kempton in a two horse race. The return to turf looks to be the much in his favour today after finishing 3rd on debut in testing ground at Ascot. On debut he was behind the impressive Cay Verde and Hototo who have both won big races since. Should be bang there (9/2)
Hopefully today will throw up a few winners and spark a return to form from last week, I also hope that I am able to put up a blog next week, but only time will tell.
thank you for reading, happy punting
Friday, 11 May 2012
Ascot and Haydock Handicaps
Its been a great week of racing at Chester, but the highlight of the week for me was Overturn running yet another fantastic race when coming second in the Chester Cup under top weight. Donald McCain had the first two home with Ile De Re passing overturn just under 2 furlongs out under Jim Crowley.
The Jumpers seemed to dominate the week with Donald McCain also training the hurdler Absinthe to win the first race on Thursday in the hands of ex jump jockey Graham Lee. Lee went on to score a double that day with a later winner. But in a hope that all race meetings will be on come Saturday morning we shall crack on with the weekends racing.
Ascot - 2:50
One of the races that will be on today on the straight course and a competitive one with the ground being so testing. MOONE'S MY NAME looks the likely favourite, she is a rapidly improving filly but she has never encountered ground like this. With that being a massive gamble on whether she handles today others are easily preferred. CERTRAL ran well on her reappearance at Nottingham but has done all her winning on fast ground, for that reason she isnt fancied to go one better today. The humourously named FORK HANDLES has the burden of carrying top weight, that will be no easy task today with the ground being this soft. She was considered good enough to contest in the Oaks last year but never really figured. If she is able to build on an encouraging reappearance she will go close today and could be the each way value. MAKING EYES was tried in top Handicaps as a three year old but seemed well short in that class. This is a weaker race today but is still hard enough to fancy. DIVERTING was well ahead of Ian Mongan's mount today the last time out at Newmarket. But like many others in the field she is an unknown on the ground and may just struggle to get competitive today. COCHABAMBA was well out of her depth last time behind Penitent at Sandown. She has already had 4 runs this year and in good company, however three of them were on the all weather. In her early two year old days she had some very smart form and looked a useful prospect. If she returns today that today she will be a big player, but its a big if. SHESASTAR must overcome the longest layoff in the field of 248 days. She went well first time out last year and also landed a valuable Fillies Handicap at York last season. Her stamina will have to be proven over the mile trip and that will be no easy task today. IMAGINARY WORLD didnt get home over the mile at Doncaster on soft ground last time but still until the final furlong was bang in contention so must be considered as must RUSSIAN RAVE who has some good form on softer ground but has to prove stamina over the trip on testing ground today. If she does stay then she could be a major player. A trio of 3 year olds go to post today and powerful stables are represented. CHATTERATI carries the lowest weight in the field and Dominic Fox takes off a further three. But all of Mark Johnston's filly's better form is on the polytrack and not on turf therefore has something to prove today. The other two 3 year olds belong to Richard Hannon with FREE VERSE seeming the first string after winning on Softer ground last year in a nursery. She may just need the run today and the selection is the other Hannon horse. MY QUEENIE had a pipe opener at Kempton where she was running on in third under a pretty tender ride from Richard Hughes. She also ran a credible race in a top two year old contest at Goodwood last year. Her only win has come on quick ground but has run well on more testing ground. She will have to improve to win today and should go close.
Ascot - 3:25
Jim Goldie is going for back to back wins in this race with HAWKEYETHENOO who hasn't been seen since fourth Behind PASTORAL PLAYER last year over Course and Distance. Both would need firmer ground to perform to their best today. MABAIT is dropped a furlong in trip today after a disappointing first run for David Simcock he needs firm ground to win and is opposed today. BONNIE BRAE won a competitive handicap at Doncaster in November but may just need this run, Ryan Moore is a very interesting jockey booking for today. KING OF JAZZ ran a cracker on debut for Michael Bell but goes well on better ground. NASRI has some decent form to his name and some of that on softer ground so cant be dismissed easily today, however his last run was on testing ground and left something to be desired. LIGHTNING CLOUD is an ultra consistent type but needs faster ground and is left alone today. ADVANCED is the other Kevin Ryan runner in the race and is an admirable veteran, if he can put his best foot forward he will go close but has place claims at best. EXCELLENT GUEST will have to overcome a long layoff and a career high mark which means improvement will be needed. WHITE FROST is inexperienced compared to others in this field and enjoys softer ground it would be no surprise to see him go well today. FATHSTA has showed form on soft ground before but would be a surprise winner today, although he has been slipping down the weights as of late. GLOBAL VILLAGE is a confirmed mudlark but must overcome a career high mark, if he can overcome that then he will be right there when it counts. BRAE HILL won the Lincoln last time out but performs best on firmer ground and others are preferred. TARIQ TOO is one out of one for Amy Weaver and loves testing ground. He is the selection today after winning his last two and being a fast improving horse. Id be surprised if he isnt at least placed.
Haydock - 3:50
It's a shame that winner of the last two years isn't in it as Eradicate seems to come into his own in this race each year. Nicky Henderson is still very strong handed in this race with 3 fancied horses. LIFESTYLE looks to be the most fancied one off top weight but after seeing her in the flesh, id have my doubts that she can carry top weight in a handicap like this as she is very small framed. PETIT ROBIN has struggled since coming back from injury and is best watched right now. The last of the Henderson trio is ALL THE ACES who disappointed when i fancied him last time at Aintree. He will appreciate the softer ground today though. SAPHIR RIVER has form on soft ground in France and improved at Aintree from his fall at Cheltenham. He has to be in with a chance today. ARAB LEAGUE is in good form with himself and seems to improve on soft ground, Frances Hayes gets on very well with him and it would be no surprise were he good enough to win today. IFYOULETMEFINISH was outpaced the whole time in the County Hurdle, the softer ground will ensure he has enough pace today and id fancy he will get on with soft ground. DOUBLE ROSS was beaten two and a half lengths by Cinders and Ashes on bottomless ground over course and distance. He could go well off a low weight today. PAINTBALL won the Imperial Cup really well then disappointed at Aintree when fancied to follow up. He is best watched right now as it remains a thought that his win at Sandown is a flash in the pan. Darryl Jacob is a positive jockey booking. DREAM ESTEEM is improving this year and loves softer ground, both of David Pipe's should go well today. CHARM SCHOOL is a tough horse but may come up short today. SECRET EDGE stays further but has had some tough races as of late and they may catch up with him today. Real place claims though. UBI ACE has disappointed on two runs since switching to Jonjo O'Neill but on his day is very talented, a return to his best will put him right there at the end. The selection today is DREAMBROOK LADY who travelled well into the race last time at Cheltenham behind Une Artiste on softer ground but was hampered before the turn for home and could never quicken afterwards. She looks very well handicapped today and Nick Scholfield prefers her to the other Jeremy Scott runner.
Nap - Dreambrook Lady
NB - My Queenie
But id just like to say that there really isnt much between the three selections and i fancy all three fairly strongly.
As always Happy Punting. I usually try and put up some ante post selections on my twitter account, if you dont follow me but would like to its @lukeyboy1325
Have a Good day
The Jumpers seemed to dominate the week with Donald McCain also training the hurdler Absinthe to win the first race on Thursday in the hands of ex jump jockey Graham Lee. Lee went on to score a double that day with a later winner. But in a hope that all race meetings will be on come Saturday morning we shall crack on with the weekends racing.
Ascot - 2:50
One of the races that will be on today on the straight course and a competitive one with the ground being so testing. MOONE'S MY NAME looks the likely favourite, she is a rapidly improving filly but she has never encountered ground like this. With that being a massive gamble on whether she handles today others are easily preferred. CERTRAL ran well on her reappearance at Nottingham but has done all her winning on fast ground, for that reason she isnt fancied to go one better today. The humourously named FORK HANDLES has the burden of carrying top weight, that will be no easy task today with the ground being this soft. She was considered good enough to contest in the Oaks last year but never really figured. If she is able to build on an encouraging reappearance she will go close today and could be the each way value. MAKING EYES was tried in top Handicaps as a three year old but seemed well short in that class. This is a weaker race today but is still hard enough to fancy. DIVERTING was well ahead of Ian Mongan's mount today the last time out at Newmarket. But like many others in the field she is an unknown on the ground and may just struggle to get competitive today. COCHABAMBA was well out of her depth last time behind Penitent at Sandown. She has already had 4 runs this year and in good company, however three of them were on the all weather. In her early two year old days she had some very smart form and looked a useful prospect. If she returns today that today she will be a big player, but its a big if. SHESASTAR must overcome the longest layoff in the field of 248 days. She went well first time out last year and also landed a valuable Fillies Handicap at York last season. Her stamina will have to be proven over the mile trip and that will be no easy task today. IMAGINARY WORLD didnt get home over the mile at Doncaster on soft ground last time but still until the final furlong was bang in contention so must be considered as must RUSSIAN RAVE who has some good form on softer ground but has to prove stamina over the trip on testing ground today. If she does stay then she could be a major player. A trio of 3 year olds go to post today and powerful stables are represented. CHATTERATI carries the lowest weight in the field and Dominic Fox takes off a further three. But all of Mark Johnston's filly's better form is on the polytrack and not on turf therefore has something to prove today. The other two 3 year olds belong to Richard Hannon with FREE VERSE seeming the first string after winning on Softer ground last year in a nursery. She may just need the run today and the selection is the other Hannon horse. MY QUEENIE had a pipe opener at Kempton where she was running on in third under a pretty tender ride from Richard Hughes. She also ran a credible race in a top two year old contest at Goodwood last year. Her only win has come on quick ground but has run well on more testing ground. She will have to improve to win today and should go close.
Ascot - 3:25
Jim Goldie is going for back to back wins in this race with HAWKEYETHENOO who hasn't been seen since fourth Behind PASTORAL PLAYER last year over Course and Distance. Both would need firmer ground to perform to their best today. MABAIT is dropped a furlong in trip today after a disappointing first run for David Simcock he needs firm ground to win and is opposed today. BONNIE BRAE won a competitive handicap at Doncaster in November but may just need this run, Ryan Moore is a very interesting jockey booking for today. KING OF JAZZ ran a cracker on debut for Michael Bell but goes well on better ground. NASRI has some decent form to his name and some of that on softer ground so cant be dismissed easily today, however his last run was on testing ground and left something to be desired. LIGHTNING CLOUD is an ultra consistent type but needs faster ground and is left alone today. ADVANCED is the other Kevin Ryan runner in the race and is an admirable veteran, if he can put his best foot forward he will go close but has place claims at best. EXCELLENT GUEST will have to overcome a long layoff and a career high mark which means improvement will be needed. WHITE FROST is inexperienced compared to others in this field and enjoys softer ground it would be no surprise to see him go well today. FATHSTA has showed form on soft ground before but would be a surprise winner today, although he has been slipping down the weights as of late. GLOBAL VILLAGE is a confirmed mudlark but must overcome a career high mark, if he can overcome that then he will be right there when it counts. BRAE HILL won the Lincoln last time out but performs best on firmer ground and others are preferred. TARIQ TOO is one out of one for Amy Weaver and loves testing ground. He is the selection today after winning his last two and being a fast improving horse. Id be surprised if he isnt at least placed.
Haydock - 3:50
It's a shame that winner of the last two years isn't in it as Eradicate seems to come into his own in this race each year. Nicky Henderson is still very strong handed in this race with 3 fancied horses. LIFESTYLE looks to be the most fancied one off top weight but after seeing her in the flesh, id have my doubts that she can carry top weight in a handicap like this as she is very small framed. PETIT ROBIN has struggled since coming back from injury and is best watched right now. The last of the Henderson trio is ALL THE ACES who disappointed when i fancied him last time at Aintree. He will appreciate the softer ground today though. SAPHIR RIVER has form on soft ground in France and improved at Aintree from his fall at Cheltenham. He has to be in with a chance today. ARAB LEAGUE is in good form with himself and seems to improve on soft ground, Frances Hayes gets on very well with him and it would be no surprise were he good enough to win today. IFYOULETMEFINISH was outpaced the whole time in the County Hurdle, the softer ground will ensure he has enough pace today and id fancy he will get on with soft ground. DOUBLE ROSS was beaten two and a half lengths by Cinders and Ashes on bottomless ground over course and distance. He could go well off a low weight today. PAINTBALL won the Imperial Cup really well then disappointed at Aintree when fancied to follow up. He is best watched right now as it remains a thought that his win at Sandown is a flash in the pan. Darryl Jacob is a positive jockey booking. DREAM ESTEEM is improving this year and loves softer ground, both of David Pipe's should go well today. CHARM SCHOOL is a tough horse but may come up short today. SECRET EDGE stays further but has had some tough races as of late and they may catch up with him today. Real place claims though. UBI ACE has disappointed on two runs since switching to Jonjo O'Neill but on his day is very talented, a return to his best will put him right there at the end. The selection today is DREAMBROOK LADY who travelled well into the race last time at Cheltenham behind Une Artiste on softer ground but was hampered before the turn for home and could never quicken afterwards. She looks very well handicapped today and Nick Scholfield prefers her to the other Jeremy Scott runner.
Nap - Dreambrook Lady
NB - My Queenie
But id just like to say that there really isnt much between the three selections and i fancy all three fairly strongly.
As always Happy Punting. I usually try and put up some ante post selections on my twitter account, if you dont follow me but would like to its @lukeyboy1325
Have a Good day
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