Catherine Weilby

Catherine Weilby is a jockey that rides over in Scandinavia and she emailed us with some nice comments on the site. We asked her if she wanted to be interviewed for the site and she agreed. So, we fired off an email with some questions and here is what was said.

FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

CW:  I was born 1 april 1981, in a small town called Gladsaxe, just outside Copenhagen, Denmark.

FOTH: What sort of girl were you growing up?

CW: I have always loved animals. Played with teddy bears instead of dolls. You never saw my in a fine little dress, but always running around in training suit. When my school mates started going out and using make up, I was more in a hurry to get to the stable.

FOTH: What do you parents think of you being a jockey and have they ever seen you ride?

CW: First they were really angry at me. They want me to go in high school and get a fine education. But they gave up in the end, and now they are my biggest fans, I think.

FOTH: What event or events led to you becoming a jockey?

CW: I started on a riding school in 1994. But after a couple of years, I miss some action, so my trainer sent me to the race course. I used all my spare time in one of the barns, riding and mucking, all I could help with. And the last year in school, I knew that I would be a jockey. I was so fascinated with the races, that I have to try it myself!

FOTH: Looking back, is being a jockey harder or easier than you thought it would be?

CW: It has been much harder than I ever dreamed of. Sometimes I'd nearly given up. So many disappointments. And hard work all day long for 4 years as an apprentice.

FOTH: Tell us what you can remember about your 1st race.

CW: I remember my first ride as if it was yesterday. It was a nice old sprinter, called Bold Risk. He really took care of me, and we finish 3rd. And I promised you, it was the horse that knew his job.

FOTH: Tell us what you remember about your 1st win. Did you win by a lot?

CW: My first winner was very special. I think it was my races no.24. It was on my favorite filly, Farfrae. She was very special to ride and all the jockeys hated her. But I rode her every day so we were best friends. I won by one length to 24 times the money. It was the greatest feeling, to cross the finish line first. When we were waiting for the gates to open, I had a very good feeling, I felt the horse would do it, I know her so well!!

FOTH: How long have you been riding for and how long would you like to ride for?

CW: I have ridden for about 10 years; races for 5 years. I will ride as long I think it's fun and exciting.

FOTH; What tracks have you ridden at?

CW: Copenhagen Racecourse, Denmark, Ovrevoll, Norway Taby and Jagersro, Sweden Club Hipico de Santiago, Hipodromo Chile and Clubhipico Concepcion, Chile.

FOTH; Would you ever want to ride in the US one day?

CW: If I ever got the chance I would like to come to US and ride.

FOTH; Is it hard being a female jockey in your country?

CW: The female jockeys have to work twice as hard as the male jockeys, to get half the same chances.

FOTH: What was your proudest moment as a jockey?

CW: I think my proudest moment was, when I rode my first winner. I could almost fly that day ;) 

FOTH: Take us through what you do in a typical day?

CW: Get out of bed 5.30am. In the stable 6.00am. Ride out to 12.00-12.30am. Go home, take a short nap or doing some paper work. Go to the races. Those days there's no races, I'm riding out for another trainer in the afternoons. I also got my own horse down there, so i have to get her out as well. I'm home about 6.00pm, or if racing off course later. Some times I go for a run in the evenings, and sometimes I'm just so tired so I go directly to bed.

FOTH: Are there many female riders where you ride?

CW: In Scandinavia I think there is 50% male and 50% female jockeys. But the male jockeys are more used than the females. A female jockey has to be twice as good as the male jockeys, before trainers and owners will give her a chance.

FOTH: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do when you’re away from the track?

CW: I don't really have any time away from the track. But if I do, I like just to relax and maybe visiting some friends.

FOTH: If a young girl wanted to be a jockey, what advice would you give to her?

CW: I would tell her how hard it is, and that she should prepare herself, not to have so much time to friends and fun. You have to be very strong physically.

FOTH: Any other female athletes you admire?

CW: I'm not really following any other sports.

FOTH: What injuries have you had and what one was the worst one?

CW; I got kicked right in the face, by a yearling, and lost a front tooth and bit through my lower lip. So now I got an ugly scar in my face, for the rest of my life. But else I have been quite lucky (knock on wood).

FOTH: Catherine, many thanks for the interview. Any last words?

CW: You’re welcome for the interview.

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