Rachel Robins has worked with racehorses for over twenty-one years, starting off in rural Devonshire before making the move to Ireland to work for Champion Trainer Willie Mullins. 'I'd have to double check but I think I moved to Ireland in August 2015,' muses Rachel as if the last ten years has blurred, though not in a mundane way. She hasn’t looked back. There's been a long list of graded and big race victories puncturing a happy decade, in which Rachel has found herself right at home with the Irish way. She’s cared for a wealth of talented horses on the Flat and over jumps, the most prolific being last season’s Champion Hurdle winner State Man. She has long since settled in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow and has travelled the globe alongside many brilliant horses.
Originally fom Brayford, near Barnstable, the nickname 'Scoop' followed her across the water. I’d presumed it was due to Rachel being a dab hand with a feed scoop but no, as Rachel, 37, explains. ‘Scoop was the yellow backhoe digger in Bob The Builder and I was named after it whilst I was in the Young Farmers Club.’ A seemingly random but cheerful moniker for someone who always wears a big smile, works dilligently and has some of the best horses under her care.
Did you have a horsey childhood? Not really, I just had ponies for hunting, of which one called Tilly was my favourite.
How did you get into racing? I could see Victor Dartnall’s gallop from my house, and said that I wanted to ride racehorses one day. When I was fourteen, I went over there and got a job.
Have you ever been a jockey? Yes, I must’ve had twenty to thirty rides but I never rode a winner.
What trainers have you worked for? I was at Victor Dartnall’s as head girl and Willie Mullins’ as head girl – I have kept it simple.
Why did you make the move over to Ireland? I’d had enough of England and fancied a change so I thought I’d try out Ireland.
Are there any differences between working in Ireland and the UK? People are a lot friendlier in Ireland.
What is Willie Mullins like as a boss?! An absolute gentleman.
What was it like to lead in State Man after he won the Champion Hurdle? The best thing about the day was leading him in in front of my mum and knowing how proud she’d be of me.
State Man's third Irish Champion Hurdle, another Grade 1 victory in the Matheson
Hurdle and what a pair (photo credit: Emma O'Brien)
What kind of character is State Man? I just call him ‘State of the Man’ and he is so laid back, the most laid-back horse you’ll ever meet.
What was it like to be beside I Am Maximus after he’d won the Aintree Grand National? Aintree has a completely different buzz to Cheltenham. The odd thing is, Aintree is a lot more relaxed.
Back in the Dartnall days, Team Mullins on tour and a Nashville winner with Scaramanga
What does it feel like when the yard is sending out Gold Cup winners? It’s amazing. It’s especially great for Adam Connolly, who is Galopin des Champs’ groom.
What is the best thing about working in racing? Leading up Grade 1 winners.
What is the worst thing about working in racing? The long hours.
Favourite racecourses in the UK: Aintree for its incredible atmosphere.
Favourite racecourse in Ireland: Punchestown – that’s where we can always drink lots of champagne and take up the trainer’s title at the end of the season.
Favourite racecourse internationally: Nashville, USA.
Favourite canteen: Ascot and York.
Favourite meeting: The Punchestown Festival.
Favourite racehorses: In the past, I loved Thomas Hobson and now, State Man and Kopek des Bordes (nicknamed Kevin) are my favourites.
Favourite jockey: Ruby Walsh and Paul Townend.
Has racing ever taken you abroad? Last year, I took Scaramanga to Nashville when he won and Max Dynamite to the Melbourne Cup when he finished second in 2015.
Proudest moment in racing: The Tuesday of the Cheltenham Festival last year when I led up the Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior (Gary) and then State Man won.
What does racing mean to you? Everything. I love the horses, especially as I prefer animals to people.
Best racing party so far: The yard’s Christmas parties at the Lord Bagenal Inn.
Favourite meal: Steak.
Favourite drink: Cider.
Favourite snack: Cheese.
Favourite holiday destination: Dubai.
Favourite music: Florence and the Machine.
Favourite film: The Devil Wears Prada.
Favourite book: I’m not a reader but I did read The Hunger Games once and it was good.
Other hobbies and interests: Drinking.
Hopes and dreams for the future: To marry a handsome farmer.
If you didn’t work in racing then what job would you do? A lap dancer or even a pole dancer. I reckon I’d be a good dancer.
Aintree Grand National winner I Am Maximus' homecoming parade
Comments