An Interview with Paul Webber

Paul Webber has followed in the footsteps of his father, John.

Since 1995 Paul, 63, has kept the winners rolling from Cropredy Lawn: a Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2001, two Red Rum Chases with Jungli in ’00 and Tidour in ’04 and three victories at Royal Ascot, including Full House in the Ascot Stakes in ’07.

Most recently Time For Rupert was a flag-bearer, winning eight, three of which were round Cheltenham, and Indefatigable has so far won six races, giving Paul a first Cheltenham Festival win in ‘20.

What is your first racing memory?
'When Dad was still riding, I remember being packed into the back of the Land Rover alongside the tack, equipment and the big picnic. That Land Rover was always the last vehicle to leave, usually in twilight.'

Were you a jockey?
'I rode as an amateur and was Champion with thirty-two winners in the 1980-81 season. I had a couple of offers to turn professional and nearly did so but stayed amateur, because I always struggled with my weight.'

Did working in racing ever take you abroad?
'As a jockey, I rode in the Maryland Hunt Cup and I was the first Englishman to get round.

When I was a Director of the Curragh Bloodstock Agency, I bought horses in the USA, South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Argentina.

I have trained winners in Spain, France and on the snow at Saint Moritz. I do love an overseas raid!'

What was the best advice your dad gave you about training racehorses?
He said ‘Keep it simple, stupid!’

What was your favourite racecourse as a jockey?
'Aintree. I didn’t ride a winner there but I had seven rides in the Foxhunters’, finishing second and third. I had one ride in the Grand National in 1981 when Aldaniti won.'

What was your favourite racecourse as a trainer?
Sandown. I’ve trained lots of lovely winners there, including the Imperial Cup, Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and other big handicaps.'

What’s been your best day in racing so far?
'Winning the last race, the conditional jockeys’ race, at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival with Indefatigable by a short head. The country went into lockdown a few days later. She probably shouldn’t have won but, thankfully, it did happen.'

Which have been your favourite racehorses?
'As a trainer, it’s difficult to pick one, but Time For Rupert was a wonderfully solid horse. It’s a tossup between him and Indefatigable.

From when I was involved in bloodstock, it’s Last Second. I bought her as a yearling and she became the foundation mare for Denford Stud. I also brought both the sire and dam of Tiznow as yearlings.'

What race would you love to train the winner of most?
'Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.'

What is the best aspect to horseracing?
'Bringing new people into racing who then discover how fascinating, interesting, frustrating, exciting and successful it can be.'

And the worst aspect to horseracing?
'Walking back up the track with an empty bridle or ringing owners with bad news.'

Who is your racing hero?
'John Magnier for his vision and creation of Coolemore, by being such a brilliant judge of humans and animals.'Paul Webber has followed in the footsteps of his father, John.

Since 1995 Paul, 63, has kept the winners rolling from Cropredy Lawn: a Scottish Champion Hurdle in 2001, two Red Rum Chases with Jungli in ’00 and Tidour in ’04 and three victories at Royal Ascot, including Full House in the Ascot Stakes in ’07.

Most recently Time For Rupert was a flag-bearer, winning eight, three of which were round Cheltenham, and Indefatigable has so far won six races, giving Paul a first Cheltenham Festival win in ‘20.

What is your first racing memory?
'When Dad was still riding, I remember being packed into the back of the Land Rover alongside the tack, equipment and the big picnic. That Land Rover was always the last vehicle to leave, usually in twilight.'

Were you a jockey?
'I rode as an amateur and was Champion with thirty-two winners in the 1980-81 season. I had a couple of offers to turn professional and nearly did so, but stayed amateur because I always struggled with my weight.'

Did working in racing ever take you abroad?
'As a jockey, I rode in the Maryland Hunt Cup and I was the first Englishman to get round.

When I was a Director of the Curragh Bloodstock Agency, I bought horses in the USA, South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Argentina.

I have trained winners in Spain, France and on the snow at Saint Moritz. I do love an overseas raid!'

What was the best advice your dad gave you about training racehorses?
He said ‘Keep it simple, stupid!’

What was your favourite racecourse as a jockey?
'Aintree. I didn’t ride a winner there but I had seven rides in the Foxhunters’, finishing second and third. I had one ride in the Grand National in 1981 when Aldaniti won.'

What was your favourite racehorse as a trainer?
Sandown. I’ve trained lots of lovely winners there, including the Imperial Cup, Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and other big handicaps.'

What’s been your best day in racing so far?
'Winning the last race, the conditional jockeys’ race, at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival with Indefatigable by a short head. The country went into lockdown a few days later. She probably shouldn’t have won but, thankfully, it did happen.'

Which have been your favourite racehorses?
'As a trainer, it’s difficult to pick one but Time For Rupert was a wonderfully solid horse. It’s a tossup between him and Indefatigable.

From when I was involved in bloodstock, it’s Last Second. I bought her as a yearling and she became the foundation mare for Denford Stud. I also brought both the sire and dam of Tiznow as yearlings.'

What race would you love to train the winner of most?
'Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.'

What is the best aspect to horseracing?
'Bringing new people into racing who then discover how fascinating, interesting, frustrating, exciting and successful it can be.'

And the worst aspect to horseracing?
'Walking back up the track with an empty bridle or ringing owners with bad news.'

Who is your racing hero?
'John Magnier for his vision and creation of Coolemore, by being such a brilliant judge of humans and animals.'