We recently had the pleasure of an exclusive interview with former trainer Alison Thorpe, who owns the exciting new brand “The personalised jockey company” who specialize in making lawn jockeys

Visit the site - www.thepersonalisedjockeycompany.co.uk

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in mid wales. My father was a policeman and mother a teacher. I have always had a passion for horses from an early age. My first pony was one on loan from a trekking centre. I spent my childhood competing, show jumping and eventing. Along came my three lovely children and I took a break from horses.

How did the new business start?

I then owned point to pointers, had horses in training and one day decided to take out my own licence to train. I trained for twelve years from my home in Carmarthen, South Wales. During that period, I enjoyed much success as a trainer. Some of the horses include Maidstone Monument, Do it on Dani, Cleymor House,Il Penseroso, Rushneey River, Treaty Flyer, Dishdasha and Nortonthorpe Lad.

I retired in 2012 but my interest in racing continued and to this day the racing post is visited daily.

In my spare time I took a course in ceramics and thoroughly enjoyed working with clay. The majority of my pieces were horses and racing. It was a trip to the 21 Club in New York that gave me the idea of creating the modern-day lawn jockey. And here I am today turning them out like a Terracotta Army

What price are your lawn jockeys?

There is only one standard jockey, but another will be produced in the next few weeks. The price is £495, and delivery can be discussed depending where you live.

What makes your business, different to others?

Whilst owning and training horses I frequently searched for personalised racing gifts. These would have looked great in my yard.

What is your ultimate aim?

My aim is to produce a variety of personalised racing figures. Commissions are always considered

What are your favourite silks?

My favourite silks are those of my fathers who sadly passed away last year from prostate cancer. He was a true gentleman and was great company on many a journey to the races.

Most memorable moment in racing?

My most memorable racing memory was not too long after I started training and Do it on Dani won a decent race in Market Rasen that was televised on Channel 4. Bearing in mind I had never been interviewed before when Tomo placed the microphone in front of me I went weak! After that I took an awful lot of ‘stick’ about my welsh accent and I remained camera shy for quite some time!

What is your favourite horse?

My favourite horse of all time has to be Maidstone Monument my father’s horse. Bought for 500gns he went on to win 11 races and 19 placings. He loved the good to firm ground hence he spent a lot of time in the swimming pool!

How do you relax?

Time to unwind is modelling with clay at the kitchen table. Sometimes I get carried away.