Interview with Harrison Shaw

Harrison Shaw is a 25-year-old, flat jockey based in the North of England. After losing his apprentice claim a year ago he has since become the stable jockey to Declan Carroll and regularly rides for Karl Burke and Bryan Smart among others.

Harrison first interacted with horses when his dad bought his younger sister a pony, "I got involved through the pony and then I went show jumping. I was show jumping against Amy Ryan and she told me to go into her dad's yard and give it a go", he said. His career started very quickly after this he went straight from finishing his A-levels to trying to get his apprentice license.

He's had an allergy to animals his entire life and this comes out like eczema in hives, watering eyes and red skin. His parents helped him get onto a medical trial with about five other people for a new drug. This amazingly worked. He said: "Everything else I tried medically didn't work until this. I get an injection regularly and it reduces my allergy symptoms from what was 90% to now below 20%. I wouldn't be able to be a jockey without it."

Harrison with Ireland's Eye 

Like many jockeys, Harrison often has to make low weights, his lowest in the last 12 months has been eight stone four, when he gets a cheat day he either has a Chinese takeaway or steak and chips. Commenting on these low weights, he says: "I don’t struggle with the weights but I could make it easier for myself. I like food too much and would rather eat and go for a jog to lose weight on the course than starve myself and be weak when riding." He praised his boss Declan Carroll for being understanding about the challenges jockeys can sometimes face making the of weight. Adding that Carroll would never push his limits.

One of the main horses Harrison has a buzz about for next season is Tweet Tweet her impressive wins at York, Haydock and Thirsk have shown her quick turn of pace. He feels confident about her getting black type in the future. He maintains the view that she is one to watch out for! 

Harrisons next ride is at Southwell on Friday on Sir Sedric, who won last time out. We wish him luck and a safe ride.