Stories from the Saddle: Jimmy Munro
- pporacommittee
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
17-year-old Jimmy Munro had his first winner – in his debut season and on just his fifth ride – when Chris Barber’s Mount Sinai got him off the mark at Howick last weekend.
Jimmy, who splits his time between Barber’s and Christian Williams’ rules yard, grew up riding – his father Jason was a champion junior driver and still races trotters and mother Claire has 12 horses at their home at Heol-y-Cyw near Bridgend – and had his first mounts on Uno Mas, a prolific winner for Williams under rules and now owned and trained by former leading Byron Moorcroft, a great friend of Jason and something of a mentor to Jimmy. Jake Exelby spoke to the level-headed youngster after his victory to find out more about him.
Talk me through your career in racing so far and how you got into point-to-pointing in the first place?
We’ve always had ponies around the yard, and I’m told I first sat on a Shetland aged one – there was probably a pony waiting for me before I was born. So, I had no option, really! I did pony club, some showjumping, then started riding Dad’s cobs. I grew up watching Byron pointing, as Dad used to help him.
Byron had some stores last year that he broke-in for our farrier, Arron Jones, and I used to help him school them. That’s where the idea came from for me to start pointing.
How did the connections with Christian Williams and Chris Barber come about?
I left school and had plenty of spare time, so went to Christian’s to earn a few bob. I started there last Easter and got some experience and strengthened up before I started race-riding.
At the first Larkhill meeting, Byron and I got chatting to Ed Doggrell, who said I should come up to Chris’ yard. I started working there the week before Christmas and, on my first two days, rode out three lots then went schooling at Lambourn. I go there every week when I can.
I’ve ridden Famous Clermont but not Grace A Vous Enki – his rider Georgie won’t get off him. Maybe if she disappears on holiday, I’ll get a chance!
Generally, I’m with Chris on a Wednesday and Thursday, riding work and schooling, and at Christian’s the rest of the week. Christian is very supportive of me going to Chris’.
Tell me about Uno Mas.
He’s my boy. He’s 12 now, so has a little bit of age about him but he jumps brilliantly. He doesn’t like the rain – he got smart to it at Buckfastleigh on Sunday, and there’s no point in doing it if he doesn’t like it. He ran out of his skin at Larkhill (the time before) and is waiting for better ground and the sun on his back.
How did you come to get the ride on Mount Sinai?
Ed Doggrell asked me to ring Chris and said I might have the chance to get on her. Uno Mas was also ready to run at Howick but luckily was double entered, so Byron said, ‘You jump on her, lad’. I’ve got to give it to Ed for making it happen. He’s been very good to me – he could have ridden Mount Sinai himself but went to Cothelstone and let me ride her.
Talk me through your emotions during and after the race.
I was more nervous riding Mount Sinai than having my first ride at Lower Machen. But as soon as I swung my leg over her and went down to the start, everything was lovely. We jumped off, travelled well and, when I saw James King (who rode the runner-up) come off the bridle, we galloped home.
I was trying to pull up after the race when she got keen again. Dewi-John Haddock came up behind, grabbed hold of me and shook me. I said, ‘DJ, I’m trying to pull up’. He’s my best mate – we’re thick as thieves.
Byron Moorcroft is obviously a big influence on you. What do you remember of his riding career?
Not much, as I was very young. But I do remember one day at Ystradowen, on a mare he was training himself, he was about 20 lengths clear trapping down to the last, took a pull and she slowed to a trot. He landed on her neck and finished second. I’ve never seen my Dad go so nuts in his life – he ripped into Byron, who had nothing to say (for a change!)
What’s the best advice he gives you before you have a ride in a race?
When I ride Uno Mas, he tells me, ‘If he doesn’t go, he doesn’t go. But if he does, give it your all.’ I just go out there and enjoy it – there’s zero pressure.
You’ve mentioned Ed Doggrell and Dewi-John Haddock. Which other jockeys do you admire?
I like Sam Burton – I get on well with him in the changing room. I used to get on with Sam Lee, bless his soul. He rode a Maiden for Byron last season and it’s very sad he’s no longer with us.
Under rules, James Bowen – he rides them flat to the boards – and Jack Tudor’s very good.
Why do you think Wales has produced so many great jockeys?
We’re hard and gritty and have a strong work ethic and, because pointing’s smaller here, it matters more. We’re struggling with the number of fixtures, so every meeting counts.
What's your favourite course?
Maisemore Park. It gives me a buzz, and I’ve hunted across the track with the Ledbury. It’s always been nice weather, Byron and Arron Jones have had a few runners there and the viewing’s really good.
What are you most looking forward to about the rest of the season?
I’d love to have another ride on Mount Sinai, but Chris hasn’t decided where she’ll go next. I’ll try to pick up any other rides I can, but am just going to take it steady, see how it goes, go with the flow and try to have fun.
What are your ambitions in pointing and racing?
I’d like to turn conditional… perhaps. I want to do plenty of seasons pointing first, to gain experience, ride out my claim and get in with more owners and trainers. You’ve got to have a good base before you build a house!
The first step would be to get my Category B licence (to ride against professionals under rules. But there’s no rush – I’m only 17.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d try to find a lot more Welsh meetings! It would be good for it to go back to when Byron was riding, good quality racing with him and Bradley Gibbs duelling at the last.
What would you be doing if you weren’t involved with horses?
That’s a difficult one – horses are in my blood.
What are your non-horsey hobbies?
I boxed for a few years, but that’s a lonely sport compared to racing. I’ve got a few dogs, which I like showing, and we farm some cows at home. Apart from that, I’m flat out on the horses.
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