An Interview with Rachael Lytham, Head of Travelling to Greenall Guerriero Racing
Born in Bury in Lancashire, Rachael Lytham has worked in racing for twelve years, during which her achievements have been formidable. She has risen in the ranks until, five years ago, she got her dream job as head of travelling to joint trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
Rachael, 32, has led up memorable winners, such as Iroko and Jagwar, particularly at the Cheltenham Festival and has accompanied many more winners, big and small. At last year’s Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, she finished commendably in the top three in the Leadership category, proving how highly regarded she is.
Situated ‘off the yard’ in the next town along, Whitchurch, Rachael lives with her boyfriend Callum and little cocker spaniel Max. She has also recently acquired long-time yard-favourite Homme Public in his retirement so is planning lots of reschooling and retraining.
As well as fundraising in the past for charity races, Rachael ran in the London Marathon in aid of Racing Welfare, raising more than £5000. ‘It’s one of my biggest achievements,’ she laughs. ‘It was very difficult to train; I had to do long runs on my odd day off and I had a few mental breakdowns! I knew I hadn’t run as much as I needed to. Due to racing, I couldn’t stick to a training plan and it was a bit overwhelming.’ Rachael smiles triumphantly, adding, ‘I did it just under four and a half hours so I was delighted. I wanted to enjoy it, which I did.’
A modest account of an incredible achievement – like with the job she loves, Rachael is dedicated and committed, and that’s the reason why she’s so successful.
Did you have a horsey childhood? Yes and no. I started riding when I was eight at a local riding school. I got a pony at 12, which I shouldn't have really. I thought I could ride but couldn't and he was the classic little shit of a pony who was very naughty! I never competed or anything serious like that.
How did you get into racing? I was at college in Bury, studying for A-levels and sorting out UCAS forms for university – I had it in the back of my head to become a PE teacher but felt out of my depth. I was still involved with horses and came across the British Racing School in Newmarket. I went there and the rest is history. I basically fell into racing, it wasn't planned and I don't have a racing background.
Trainers worked for: Straight after the BRS, I went to John Quinn's and was there for just short of the year. Then I went local to home, to Chris Kellett’s, a small trainer near Aintree. In four years, he taught me a hell of a lot, but he said I needed to widen my horizons. I went to Dave Loughnane’s in Market Drayton – he had been assistant at Quinn’s when I was there, so I had known him for years. In the eighteen months I was there, Dave was brilliant, such a nice man and I learned lots more.
I started doing a bit of the travelling and I realised that was my favourite bit was to go racing. Sadly, there wasn't really a role for me to do more travelling and I was thinking about what to do, when Ollie and Josh advertised for a head of travelling. It was half an hour down the road and in an area I liked.
Have you been a jockey? I've done two charity races – Ollie, my boss, organises the Bangor point-to-point meetings and there's always a charity race. He was short of numbers and asked if any of us would do it. ‘Oh, go on then,’ I said and rode the yard legend who hadn't won for two years (pictured). The head lad was on the horse everyone fancied, which was rated 140 over fences but I only went and beat him! It was massive upset in the yard as they're all backed against me! It was really good fun.
Two years ago, I did another one at Nottingham for Racing Welfare. That was an epic fail because I was on a two-mile hurdler and it was a six-furlong sprint. I was out paced; he dropped his shoulder passing the stables and then I couldn't pull him up. I still laugh about it to this day!
Favourite racehorses: Gesskille was our stable star and we lost him at the Cheltenham cross-country in December 2023. He was such a gent, won the Grand Sefton and one in Auteuil. I have amazing memories of taking him to France which I'll never forget. I was distraught when we lost him because he was amazing.
The recently retired Homme Public – he's been at the yard since a three-year-old is and his nine now. He gave us some great days – won the Grade 2 Arkle Trial by default when JRP One unseated at the last and he always picked up prize money. You could hack him down Malpas High Street and he wouldn't look at anything. He's an absolute dude and a sweetheart. He was one I always hoped to have in retirement and this came true three weeks ago – he's such a gent and easy to do anything with. I’m giving him a holiday so he can completely let himself down and fingers crossed, he’ll be the perfect little pony.
Favourite racecourses: I love going to Aintree. I've had so many special days there that won't ever be topped. I like Haydock too – it's an hour down the road so handy and it feels like home as it's not far from Bury.
Favourite meeting: The Grand National meeting is great but it's so hectic and I don't enjoy it as much as I should because I'm so stressed. I like Boxing Day at Aintree and Ayr’s Scottish Champion Chase meeting in February. Everyone is up there so it's fun.
Favourite jockey: I'll always be loyal to the ‘Greenall boys’, like the retired Henry Brooke Craig Nichols and Toby Wynne. Henry and I had some bloody good days at the races and he’s also a great friend. I also love Jonjo O'Neill Jnr – he doesn't ride for us officially but we've also shared some brilliant days.
Favourite overnight: Ayr - you can't beat that accommodation.
Favourite canteen: Both Newbury and Haydock are very good.
Has racing ever taken you abroad? I have been to France four times, which is always like a little holiday. Half the time, I didn't know what was going on because of the language barrier but it’s been great fun.
Funnily enough, I went to Switzerland, which was an experience. I took Furius De Ciergues and his owners lived in Switzerland. The syndicate was called The Mainefeld Syndicate and that's where the racing was. It felt like a community day out. There were cow faeces all over the course but as far as scenery goes, it was stunning. I loved going; it was such an experience.
Best days in racing so far: Iroko finishing second and fourth in consecutive Grand Nationals. This year, it was frustrating being so close but he tried his heart out. Also, last year, when he won the Graduation Chase at Ascot was fantastic. Even though it wasn’t a huge race, it was one of my most enjoyable days because the whole day was just thoroughly enjoyable.
Gesskille winning the Grand Sefton – any winner over the National fences is amazing and I was an emotional wreck. Plus, him winning a Listed race at Auteuil was fantastic.
And how can I forget Iroko winning the Martin Pipe and Jagwar winning the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival? They were both amazing days.
The best aspects to working in racing: I like the people I meet along the way. I have met so many friends. Particularly doing my job, I spend a lot of time with people from other yards – and I look forward to seeing them and I'm grateful for that.
Just dealing with the horses – sometimes, I want to pinch myself because if little old me could see me now, I wouldn't believe what I'm doing twelve years later.
To have the days I've experienced is amazing.
The worst aspects to work in racing: Definitely losing a horse. There's no worse feeling coming home with an empty box or seeing the empty stable. I wouldn't wish it on anyone working in racing – or on any horse. It's heartbreaking.
The unsociable hours, especially being a driver. Everything is always so last minute so you don't know where you are or can't plan. Sometimes, we miss out on family or friends’ events.
Best racing celebration so far: This year with Iroko coming second in the National and Jagwar’s win at the Festival last year. However, I tend to miss out on parties because I'm still driving home. Our local pub, The Crown, have lots of parties that I arrive to the back end of.
What do you love about being head of travelling? My family outside work – seeing the same people every day is nice, and knowing people are there for you. Even if I'm driving on my own, I know such-a-such will be there. Also, I like teaching young people coming up through the yard; I get to see them progress and take up more responsibility.
What are your bosses like? They're the best people I've worked for, and I'm not just saying that! It's hard work, but I'm incredibly lucky how good they are to me and for all the opportunities. They’re so fair and trust me with my knowledge of the horses.
Hopes and dreams for the future: To be healthy and happy. To enjoy my job, always to be a part of the yard and, one day, to compete my little Homme Public in ROR.
Favourite meal: I love a prawn linguine.
Favourite drink: A glass of white wine.
Favourite snack: I love Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations with sour cream and chive dip. I could nail a bag in one go!
Favourite music: I really love 2000’s old school R&B, like Chris Brown, Usher, Mya. It reminds me of going out when I was 17.
Favourite book: I love reading and wish I read more. I like Lisa Jewel books – her stories are a bit doom and gloom so I get gripped by them.
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody – I love that film.
Dream holiday destination: On my bucket list is a safari in South Africa.
Other hobbies and interests: I do a bit of running. When I get a day off, I like going for hikes with my dog and Callum.
Comments