Frankie Pickard, MGC 2000 Leaver

Horses have always played a huge part in my life, dating back to when I was an even smaller person. I started riding out for Nigel Twiston-Davies before school during Sixth Form, continuing through my degree at the Royal Agricultural College. My time at Nigel’s was fantastic and he applied for my amateur licence to start me off. It was clear very early on that I was more suited to flat racing due to my size and build so, during my gap year, I spent six months working in Dubai and six months with Investec Oaks’ winning trainer, Ed Dunlop, in Newmarket. Every holiday I would work for Ed and also I spent time in Ireland at Champion Jockey Charlie Swan’s stables. After graduating with my BSc in Agriculture and International Equine Business Management I felt I had to give race riding a shot full-time whilst I was able, and headed to Jamie Osborne’s stable in Lambourn where I was an apprentice jockey.

I rode professionally for four years as one of only twelve women at the time and had two hundred rides. I had the time of my life and was able to travel around the world doing something that I loved and made incredible friendships and connections along the way. I stayed working within the industry up until December 2017 when I felt that the time had come for a new challenge.

Today, I am on a completely different career path as a Fine Art Consultant with Clarendon Fine Art, based in their gallery in Cobham.  I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been able to take the career path that I would have taken on leaving MGC if horses had not been in the picture. Having been able to experience both careers has been fabulous and I am excited about the future.

What does success look like?

Achieving what you set out to do through pure grit and determination. There will be knockbacks along the way but stay focused - if it was easy then where is the fun in the challenge?

What is your best piece of advice?

Do not be afraid to carve your own path, follow your heart and lead the way.