The Racing Life of Trainer Matt Sheppard

Last season was trainer Matt Sheppard's best numerically. He also turned 60, published a book, spoke on Luck On Sunday and, at the time of being interviewed, had undergone a second hip replacement.

He was determined not recuperate on ‘box rest’ for long. His first outing since the operation was at a wedding scheduled for the next day. He said that he wouldn't be out late or dancing but he'd be there.

This portrays Matt's grit and resolve; a zest for life that has kept him afloat when, perhaps, factors weren't always stacked in his favour. However, he’s still training and training his greatest number of winners ever.

Wife Nicky heads the point-to-point side of their yard and son Stan, talented jockey of past Welsh Grand National and Betfair Hurdle wins, rides many of his runners. All their horses are trained up the grassy banks of the beautiful estate of Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, where not having an all-weather gallop is a positive, not a hindrance.

Through penning his own memoir, which brings the plight of a National Hunt trainer vividly and humorously to life, Matt hosted a talk with ex-jockey Davy Russell at the Hay Festival, the most prestigious of literature festivals. The latter's autobiography is out in hardback and Matt questioned Davy about those glory days of a Cheltenham Gold Cup and two Aintree Grand Nationals.

Yet, if you want to read one book on racing, do order a copy of Matt’s. It’s paperback so fits snugly in your hand and burrows into your heart – a unique account of the survival of this small but successful trainer.

Did you have a horsey childhood? I grew up in Llangorse near Brecon, a dairy farmer's son who hunted and went to Pony Club*.

How did you get into racing? It was inevitable once my father had talked me out of becoming a farmer.

Trainers you worked for: After starting at Mercy Rimell's in 1986, I spent a summer at Paul Cole’s and then I was assistant trainer to Arthur Moore for three years*.

Nicky, far left, Stan and Matt (at the back) with Famoso after winning the Matt Sheppard Slow

Two Miler Handicap Chase at Hereford, November 2024

Describe your career as a jockey: Extremely moderate.

When did you start training? Nicky and I started training point-to-pointers at Eastnor in 1993.

Why did you start training under Rules? Point-to-pointing was our only source of income and had a very short season. I started training professionally to extend our income.

First winner trained under Rules: Seek The Faith won at Chepstow in November 1995, beating Challenger Du Luc by a nose at 33-1. It was a bit of a shock!

Favourite racecourse under Rules: I always like going to Ludlow because it has a really good racing crowd.

Favourite racecourse between the Flags: Chaddesley Corbett.

So far, which winners have given you most satisfaction? Modeligo won nine races. He was owned by the late Simon Gegg who also owned Allez Toujours, who was the lowest rated horse I won a race with. That was an achievement.

Favourite racehorse you’ve trained: The Bay Birch. She was very good.

Over the years, what has changed in point-to-pointing? Nothing has changed in point-to-pointing for the better. There are no hunting farmers, and too many shooting farmers. The whole countryside type of person has changed completely – that’s the problem.

In your opinion, what does racing generally do well? It's got a deadly aim to shoot itself in the foot.

Where can improvements be made? Prize money, prize money, prize money, prize money, prize money.

How safe is racing’s future? The state of racing is rocky. Flat racing is fairly safe but jump racing is not so safe because of the way it is viewed by society. People are getting so far removed from reality – they think they love animals but they really don't.

Why did you start writing your memoir, Confessions of A Slow Two Miler? It had been in my head for multiple years and as soon as the first lockdown was implemented, I started writing it. I enjoyed the process a lot and I have made some notes for Volume 2 but I'm struggling at the moment to gather the enthusiasm.

Volume 1 was all in my head and I hadn't made any notes – it just flowed. I knew where to start and how I was going to end it, which meant the hardest bits to write were all sorted early on.

How has your book been received? I have received multiple emails and letters, and have had many people shaking my hand and telling me how much they enjoyed it. I've been humbled at its reception and the readers’ response. It's very honest and says it exactly how it is.

How do you instill a sense of team with your staff? Nicky and I are working with the staff the whole time so they all become our friends. We encourage everyone to love and do their best for the horses. Everyone coming back safe is the best outcome all round.

Best racing party so far: The end of season party we're going to have very shortly after having our best season ever with seventeen winners.

Favourite meal: Steak.

Favourite drink: Red wine.

Favourite holiday destination: South of France.

Favourite book: Mine!

Favourite film: Memphis Belle is a great movie.

Favourite music: Anything from the 1980s.

Ideal dinner party guests: Nigel Farage, Andrew Elliot, JK Rowling and Liz Hurley.

Describe your character: What you see is what you get.

*To read a more detailed account of Matt's racing life, buy Confessions of a Slow Two-Miler by Matthew Sheppard is available here.