An Interview with Gayle Evans, Second Head of Travelling to Philip Hobbs and Johnson White

Gayle Evans’ time working for Philip Hobbs and Johnson White has sandwiched employment in other jobs. ‘I’ve worked in a children’s nursery as well as a bed and breakfast,’ she explained, ‘which led to me doing some work front-of-house in a hotel.’ Yet the racing bug had bitten and it wasn’t long before she returned to what she loved. ‘After covid, I was missing my horses so rang up the Governor (Philip Hobbs) to ask if a parttime job was available. I was lucky enough he said yes.’

Initially starting in September 2009, Gayle, 43, left in May 2015 to have a family and then she returned in  2021 to the role of second head of travelling. She lives in Minehead, Somerset with partner Matt, daughter Chloe, 10, and Harry, 8. They own a miniature dachshund with ‘a big attitude’. 

Life is hectic to mix racing and being a mother but not one to shy away from busyness and hard work, Gayle makes it all run as smoothly as clockwork.

Did you have a horsey childhood? I’m from a little village in west Wales and I was always lucky to be able to ride whenever I wanted. My mum and dad ran a livery yard so we literally had ponies outside the backdoor of our house. I also did a lot of hunting as my dad was chairman to the local pack. 

Family connections to racing: We always had all sorts of horses at home, including point-to-pointers and racehorses to pre-train. 

Have you ever competed? I have showjumped to quite a high National level as well as, when I was on ponies, I was lucky enough to be on the Welsh team. I had some nice young horses, which I brought up through the grades from novice to grade A. And I qualified some to jump in the main ring at Hickstead.  

Which trainers have you worked for? My first job in racing was working for Peter and Karen Bowen and I did a bit with Debbie Hammer as well as I used to pretrain a few for Ciral Griffiths.  

Have you been a jockey? I only had about six rides. My first one was on Mr Mad for Paul Hamner.

Has racing ever taken you abroad? I’ve been to Punchestown and I’ve also driven two of our horses out to Crean in France.  We had two runners in one of their big cross-country races, one of which was Baltazar King who won for the second consecutive year.  

Favourite racehorse: Duke Of Lucca because he took me to some of the biggest racecourses and now, maybe, now it has to be French Ship as I think he’s a lovely little horse.

Favourite racecourse: Ffos Las. It’s the closest track to where my parents live and they try to get there when I go with runners. 

Favourite meeting: Chepstow’s early meeting because we get to see some very nice horses for the coming season. 

Favourite canteen: Last season at Doncaster, the food was very good with lots of options. 

Favourite overnighter: I don’t mind as long as the room has a telly, a bed and somewhere to make a cupper. I’m very boring when I go overnight!

Favourite jockey: Richard Johnson. He never gave up on one and sometimes, he was braver than a lion with some of the slides he sat! And he’s a nice person too. 

Who do you admire in racing? Racing secretaries because they have one of the most difficult behind-the-scenes jobs, and they have lots of different parts to their job every day. 

Best day in racing so far: Watching Captain Chris win the Arkle.

What do you love about racing? If you’re lucky, you make some lifelong friends. 

Please describe your role as a second travelling: I go to the second race meetings and make sure the washing goes up the drying room when Seanie has consecutive days racing. 

What do you love about doing the travelling? Sometimes, getting time to yourself when driving. Plus, I love seeing the horses run well. 

Worst aspect to being a travelling head: The long days we often have. And getting stuck in traffic. 

Can you describe working with head of travelling Seanie Mulcare for so many years? He’s one of the best to work with because his knowledge about racing is second to none, and his racing room is immaculate and everything has its place. He never puts pressure on you but equally, you can learn a lot from him. He’s taught me not to stress when things aren’t going to plan!

How do you juggle working in racing and having a family? It can be very tricky and expensive as we use after-school and breakfast clubs but my partner and his mother are also good at school pick-ups and drop-offs. 

Hopes for the future: For the horses to stay healthy and to keep having winners. 

Favourite meal: Steak and chips. 

Favourite drink: Tea or coffee or a Pimm’s.

Favourite snack: Sour Haribos or sweet chilli crisps.

Favourite holiday destination: Probably New York, as I’d love to go back. 

Favourite film: 8 Seconds.

Favourite book: I don’t read enough to have a favourite but I sometimes get audio books for while I’m driving. 

Favourite music: I listen to most things and enjoy a bit of country.  

Hobbies: I don’t really have time for my own hobbies, but watching the children do theirs is fun.