An Interview with Richard Farmer, Head of Travelling to Jim Boyle

In a way that only the Irish can, Richard Farmer brings together banter, bonhomie and positivity when telling amusing anecdotes. His compelling laughter is never far away.

This native Dubliner is an ex-jockey, excellent work rider and talented horseman – not even a snapped girth prevented Richard riding out a two-year-old, he took the saddle off and continued bareback. Richard, 48, is an exceptional judge of horses and, as Head of Travelling, has been Jim Boyle’s righthand man for twenty of his thirty years in the sport. As well as teaching younger colleagues and having incredibly high standards turning out runners, Richard is excellent at dealing with owners. He is also a fabulous oddjobber, building many improvements to the yard and hostel over the years.

In recognition to Richard’s commitment and dedication, he was the worthy runner up in the 2008 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Award in the Rider-Groom category. Whether it’s on or off a horse, behind the wheel or grafting, Richard is an asset to racing, the yard and Epsom. He lives on Jim Boyle’s yard with partner and head girl Louisa Allen and a rescue cat called Suki.

No saddle, no problem...

Did you have a horsey childhood? Growing up in a council estate meant if you didn’t have a pony, you weren’t worth knowing so there were plenty of horses and ponies around. We didn’t have any saddles, just a bit of rope and a bit – that was it.

How did you get into racing? My grandfather did ‘flapping’ as a kid and so did my old man. He rode one lot out before work so I used to follow him there before I went to school. I used to follow him everywhere, to be fair.

I left school at fourteen and went down to RACE to do the course there.

What trainers have you worked for? I started off for Con Collins in Ireland, before I got out of racing for six months and went home. A friend of mine went to work for Geoff Oldroyd up in Yorkshire and he gave me call, saying ‘Do you want a job?’ So, I took the job and that’s how I found myself in England.

Then, I worked for Mel Brittain in North Yorkshire, before coming down south to get rides. I worked for John Akehurst and got a few rides for him. After he retired, I worked a dealing yard with showjumpers but couldn’t resist going back into racing. Lou gave me a call and poached me to come to Jim Boyle’s. That was about twenty years ago. Between Lou and Jim, I would’ve got less for murder and I’d be out on parole by now! I should have a Rolex by the time I retire.

Were you a jockey? I had a hundred and eighty rides and three winners – four if you count a charity race comeback. A few years ago, Epsom held two charity races for stable staff – I won the first and then came third in the second one. I haven’t done it since!

Favourite racehorse: There’s been so many. Idle Power and Marlay Park, Beat The Heat, Rees Rascal were my best.

Favourite racecourse: I like Newbury – it’s a nice track and we’ve had a few winners there.

Favourite meeting: I enjoy Royal Ascot for the whole prestige of it. But, I wouldn’t go for a day out – I couldn’t be doing with the crowds.

Favourite canteen: Newbury.

Favourite jockey: Back when I was younger, it was Frankie Dettori when he was getting up to where he is today. I had posters of him stuck all over my bleeding bedroom!

Joe Fanning – sound as a pound, a proper grafter, always says hello and is Irish.  I also like Hector Crouch – he talks to us all the time and is very friendly.

Best days in racing so far: It’s nice that we’ve got Epsom on the doorstep so leading any winner into the winner’s enclosure there is special.

What do you love about being Head of Travelling? That I get to go to all the courses and be alongside the horses and staff so I get a bit of glory!

What aspect do you least like about being Head of Travelling? The horrible wet days. I don’t like getting wet and I don’t like getting cold.

What is it like to work in Epsom? I’ve been round here for nearly half my life so it’s home. the gallops are good and we know everyone who works around here.

I don’t like moving around. If I’m happy in a job, I’ll stay in a job.

How has travelling changed for the better? I’m on the executive community for NARS and I have seen what the good work the racecourse inspectors do and how much racecourses have improved overnight accommodation and food. At least, I get free meals in the canteens and I don’t have to eat the missus’ food when I get home.

Plus, there have been huge improvements in horse welfare too.

How has travelling changed for the worse? Nothing on my side – racing is getting a lot better and can only improve. Other yards struggle with staff but we have a good, strong team. It’s a small team but a good one.

Sum up how you feel about working in racing: It’s nice to find a few horses you like and I enjoy doing all the travelling, especially getting some of that glory!

What is it like working with Lou as your head girl? I don’t step on her toes and she doesn’t step on mine – and she’s always right! Lou is pretty good. Everyone gets on side and we pull together. I have another team member, Ciara who is second travelling. Before, I did all of it but now we share it.

How does the yard celebrate? We don’t need to have a party to be happy, we’re just happy being mental. During the summer, barbeques are always flowing round here. As long as the sun is up, I will be outside helping Lou with another staff barbeque. We also have breakfast mornings here – even Jim will put the bacon, sausages and all on.

Favourite meal: Anything with chips.

Favourite drink: Peroni.

Favourite snack: Crisps. It has to be Walkers or Taytos when I go home.

Dream holiday destination: I haven’t been to Las Vagas yet. Another thing I want to do on the checklist is a rodeo as a PBR rider and have a go on a bull. Recently, Lou asked what I’d like to do before I die. I answered, ‘A bull ride’ and she said, ‘Not get married?’ If I don’t survive the bull ride then Lou will receive the pay-out anyway!

Favourite film: A true romance like Scarface.

Favourite TV program: Fago is a very good series.

Other hobbies/interests: I play darts and poker, and I’m all right at both.

The small team of Jim Boyle's yard, flanked by Richard and his partner, and head girl, Louisa Allen in the middle