Get Involved... Paul Willoughby

An Old Gold Racing owner shares their racing story.

Paul Willoughby

Growing up on Merseyside, I visited Haydock Park as a child, which encouraged me to visit the likes of Chester and Aintree.

My love of racing, like many, came from the Grand National with the local showpiece often being the topic of discussion in the spring. Now living in Manchester I am a regular visitor to the likes of Cartmel, Carlisle and neighbouring Yorkshire courses.

When I was younger, I would visit my grandparents' every Saturday and cheer on their bets watching ITV. I soon found I had a knack for picking winners even at that young age, so was soon choosing the selections for my Grandad.

The interest continued right through University and early work days. I joined the Northern and Midland Racing Club and it was whilst visiting the local stable of Richard Ford with them that I first came across the opportunity to get involved in racehorse ownership. Richard had just bought a horse from Toby Balding that was for sale and I was super keen so volunteered to organize a small syndicate from the racing club which was called The More Fools Than Horses Syndicate.

In that first season we managed to land a win at Uttoxeter starting at 33-1 with me proudly receiving the trophy with the friends we had joined at the races. That led to a phase of owning 5 horses in small syndicates and we were lucky to land a win with most of them at some point.

As my boys grew up my ownership lapsed due to spending time with the family. Now that they are grown up and have moved out I looked back into the idea of a syndicate. I spotted Old Gold Racing and joined DancingOnTheEdge and have thoroughly enjoyed rekindling that feeling when you are lucky enough to see your horse running.

I have recently been made redundant following many years working in insurance with RSA, prior to which I was involved in the Aerospace Industry. When I joined RSA part of the reason was I knew the brand well from their Festival sponsorship. Ideally I would now love to be more involved in racing in some way or another.

The thrill of ownership can’t be beaten and the involvement Old Gold provides allows you to see them in a different light, including on the gallops and in their stables, not just on the racecourse. Even when the horse hasn’t managed to get that elusive win, being involved with their story along with the fantastic people that look after them so kindly always puts a smile on your face.

I was lucky enough to go to the stable visit at Paul Nicholls’ and had a fantastic day. Meeting Paul and all of the staff in his yard along with getting to see all his stable stars was brilliant. The yard put so much effort into the day I am sure no one left disappointed. I am looking forward to Dotty recovering from her recent break and hopefully heading for the racecourse this summer where she can add to her bumper win. I also really enjoy the zoom events and seeing what Ed is planning to cook for tea!

Favourite Racehorse?
Kauto Star closely followed by Big Bucks.

Favourite Trainer?
Paul Nicholls

Favourite Jockey?
Ruby Walsh

National Hunt or Flat?
National Hunt

Favourite Racecourse/Meeting?
The Grand National and Aintree but I have been to every track in the UK and enjoyed virtually all of them. I have also been racing in the USA for the Breeders Cup, Ireland , Spain, France and to the Velka Pardubicka.

Which race would you most like your horse to win?
Any win is worth celebrating however, a Cheltenham Festival winner is the dream!

Any other interests?
I am a keen football fan and follow Liverpool. I also love to travel especially if I can include a race meeting or football game whilst I am there.

If you would like to share your story please get in touch by emailing [email protected]