Oct 18

Oct 18 Get to know Leonna Mayor - Our interview with the Horse Racing Presenter

Horse Racing: Leonna Mayor joins us for a virtual chat in the spring sunshine.

Sky Sports Racing & ITV Racing presenter and former jockey Leonna Mayor gets nostalgic with us in this special edition interview.

What was Leonna’s First Car?

A light green Fiat Punto. Fond and funny memories. I battered it about a bit after reversing it into a quad LOL. I ran out of petrol once as I enjoy playing petrol roulette and I’d parked on a hill it wouldn’t start in Newmarket. Luckily a mechanic friend came and pointed out how stupid I was and went to get me some fuel.

What was Leonna’s First ever Job?

My first ever job was at about 13. I worked for a showjumper in Whitchurch called Peter Lamb. I used to ride ponies that had come over from Ireland before they were sold. I worked weekends and school holidays and stayed in a caravan on-site.

Can you remember your first big purchase?

Yes a good few years ago now I bought a really nice Tag Heuer watch. I still have it and wear it a lot. I feel proud I worked hard to buy it for myself.

First memory of Horse Racing?

First really strong memory is when I was a stable lass at Tony Carroll’s and my favourite horse was called Harbour Blues. I rode him out most days and always took him racing. He was flying at home and Tony has put Cathy Gannon on him at Haydock. I was excited to be going and that a girl was riding him. I’m talking about 13 or so years ago now. He won best turned out and went and won the race. I was so proud of him but wished it was me riding!

Leonna’s first day on the job in sport?

I started out at Brian Baugh’s in Stoke on Trent at 14. I don’t remember the exact first day. But I loved going there around school and enjoyed galloping the horses so much. And with being small and light it was then always the plan to get a licence one day and ride some winners.

Favourite memory of your life in sport?

My favourite memory... as regards my life in horse racing as a whole there been too many! But from my riding days, I remember this like it was yesterday. It was when I won the King Richard III class 3 handicap at Pontefract on Thunderball it was my 4th win on him. And we had such a bond. He was huge about 17.1 and very fractious and scared in the stalls. But I rode him at home a lot and knew him well. So we got through the ordeal together :-)

Did you ever contemplate doing something different?

I wanted to be in the mounted police. That was my first dream job. But I think after looking how long it takes to get to that stage I thought that takes far too long. Patience has never been my forte!

If you had to work in another sport what would it be?

Horse wise it would be eventing as it’s what I do with my own horse outside of racing and work. And completely away from horses I enjoyed spinning a lot. So maybe cycling or I’ve always fancied being a gymnast. Getting a bit old for that now though I think.

Leonna’s Sporting Hero?

The sporting hero is a difficult one. So many amazing people dedicate their entire life to sport don’t they to be true athletes and winners. My Nana used to make me watch tennis all the time. I’ve always thought Maria Sharapova is amazing. She was so good at such a young age. And tennis is so tiring.

Isolation tip?

Well, I have dogs and a horse so I am still getting to do a lot of normal things. Like walk the dogs and take care of my horse. I suppose it really is to try and keep busy around the house. I’ve been making myself lists of little jobs so I feel like I am achieving something. To try and keep motivated like cleaning the car inside and out and I learnt to make pasta. I have an active mind and like to keep busy so doing lists and jobs is keeping me occupied.