Image © Healy Racing
Name: Thomas Kileff
Age: 25
From: Hillsborough
Bold Fury provided Hillsborough native Thomas Kileff, with his first point-to-point success at Kirkistown for handler Ross Crawford.
How did you get involved in horses?
I started off with a pony when we were in Zimbabwe. As we left and moved to Ireland my sister started riding horses.
I made the comment “that looks easy, what's so good about it” and she said “if it's so easy why don’t you get on and from then on I've enjoyed it, it's been amazing.
I went down the showjumping route when I was in school, I also did mounted games with the pony club and polocrosse. I represented Ireland four times in polocrosse, twice against England on the under 16s team and once against USA in the under 21 team.
I competed twice at the Home Nations with Northern Ireland Senior polocrosse team. It was against Scotland, England and Wales. We competed twice once winning the Senior Trophy. The pony clubs Iveagh and Kilultagh supported me and brought me through.
I was undecided what I wanted to do as a career, I took a year out from engineering and got offered work in a polo yard in France. I was still keen to travel, but Ross had broken his leg and he asked if I could help with the horses.
That was last year, I've been at the racing yard ever since.
Do you work with Ross full time?
Yes, I work with Ross full time.
Will you remain in racing or return to college?
I am enjoying racing, I think I will pursue it for the time being and strengthen my riding ability and improve my horsemanship.
What was the first racehorse you sat on?
Wowsham was the first racehorse that I ever sat on.
How did you start working with Ross?
My dad is friendly with Ross and he was after breaking his leg before I decided to come home. He was looking for help and dad said Thomas can ride. Ross said bring him out and we will see how he gets on. So, I went in and I've been there ever since.
How did riding Bold Fury come about?
Bold Fury is a joint venture with ourselves and Ross. I am working with him every day, making a connection with him and the aim is to have fun and have a go at it. All for fun really!
Were you expecting a good run from him?
Ever since Tyrella, everything clicked, each day he got stronger and stronger. I felt he had something in him to win it.
He ran with a hood, is he difficult?
He would be keen and buzzy and with my inexperience we thought the hood would keep him relaxed.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first winner?
I got a rush of Euphoria. The way he jumped along, all the work was being checked off.
Was your family there?
Yeah, my whole family were there and my friends. My mother was in tears and my dad didn't stop smiling! Both my parents came from horsey backgrounds.
Do you ride with someone at work that would have a lot of experience?
Yeah with Ross, doing flatwork, making corrections, finding the middle ground with the horse. Trying to get a soft connection or relationship with the horse before riding on the gallops.
Do you know what the plan for Bold Fury is?
We will freshen him up, he's had the week off. We will see how he is and aim for a winner's race.
What are your ambitions for the remainder of the season?
More understanding of racing, on positioning, ride better as a jockey and hopefully by the end of the season be able to get outside rides.
Do you ride out anywhere else?
I just ride out at Ross’ at the moment but the Crawford brothers would offer me horses to ride when they are going schooling, they have given me a lot of support.
I also get coaching from Stephen O’Connor and J.J. Slevin, the whole team are great for giving advice.
Was it always the plan to take out your License?
I got support from Ross and my father when I decided to take out my license.
How long do you have your license?
I have it since October 2023.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
That would be Ross and my father!
What’s the best advice you have been given?
To concentrate on myself and the horse, not to worry about anyone else.
Have you any interests/hobbies outside of racing?
Rugby and polocrosse.
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— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) March 20, 2024
Bold Fury provided Thomas Kileff with his first point-to-point success at Kirkistown for handler Ross Crawford.
%uD83D%uDC49 To find out more about Thomas click here https://t.co/s8nmuJzsDN pic.twitter.com/1apehZnGX8
