A good question – well here is me……
I’m a self confessed sports nut, away from the racetracks of Britain, I follow Southampton FC through “thin and thin” and a season ticket holder, a big cricket fan and an anorak on sporting trivia that no one should really know!!
I have always had a keen interest in racing but growing up in a family which includes 2 jockeys and several horses, I could never really escape. I was also taught the fine art of punting from a very early age from a family friend who gave me a free bet every Saturday, so studying the Racing Post has been firmly embedded in me!
I have been fortunate to have gained some really good industry contacts over the years including trainers, bloodstock agents and owners and I have gotten to know a few of the jockeys from both the jumping world and the flat boys.
What I really love about racing is the fact there is always something new to learn, just because of the sheer nature and size of the operation. Although I have always enjoyed racing I only really used to take a strong interest if I had something at stake whereas the more I have learn’t the more I now appreciate the sport and can watch hours and hours of racing both live and highlights.
I am never more at home than at a racetrack and appreciate them all for their unique aspects, I was fortunate to visit Royal Ascot this year and it is an absolutely amazing experience, yet I am equally as happy soaked wet through on a damp Tuesday at Bangor-on-Dee such is my love and passion for the game.
In my columns I intend to deliver my opinion on the racing world and i wont hold back. I will speak to some of the jockeys, trainers and owners to hopefully point you in the right direction of a winner or two as well! I don’t expect you to agree with me on everything I write – this is a game of opinions and as long as you have had your bet you are entitled to your opinion so lets make my columns fully interactive and if you want to have a go at something I have written or yet another of my catastrophic predictions – then do it, either here in the forum or tweet me @sijlaw
Enough of the intro – let’s get punting
(The picture is of me dressed as a toff at Ascot)
