What first got you into horse racing Simon?

Well I suppose a love of horse racing has run in the family as my great grandfather was a bookie based in Elland and there as always been a interest. I have quite a few friends who also have interests in horses whether that be ownership of racehorses or just watching the sport.


First horse you ever owned?

My first race horse I owned was back in 2003 called The Warley Warrior, bought by and trained by Mick Easterby. He was a challenge as he had a phobia with the stalls. Once he was favourite for a race at Beverley and ended up being the star of Sky Sports Racing. He dumped the jockey I believe Robert Winston and proceeded riderless past the winning post. The race was held up for quite a while as a young David Easterby tried to get hold of him. As the race commentator announced 'and the Warley Warrior is still running' I slowly shrunk to the floor.


First winner as an owner?

My first winner was Major Snugfit trained by Mick at Beverley in a flat race as a 2-year-old. He won at odds of 50-1.


What do you do for fun away from racing?

I play squash, tennis and racketball. In my youth I played Yorkshire league squash for current Yorkshire champions Queens Sports and Leisure Club in Halifax. I was captain of my local cricket club and was eventually their President for five years. I am also involved with Halifax Rotary Club and will be President in just over a year. A big interest that I have had since being a young boy is breeding and showing poultry and I have been fortunate to judge all the main shows in Great Britain and Ireland. Mick acquires a few from time to time.


Why Choose Mick and David as your trainer?

Well I was introduced through a friend Adrian Greenwood, the owner of Mr Snugfit who was pipped at the post in the 1985 Grand National, and you could say after a brief time away I returned. I have to say that I'm partial to Mick's Yorkshire puddings and as I have found out a Yorkshire pudding can end up with me owning a racehorse. Over the last couple of years I have bought a foal and two yearling fillies at the sales with David and through that partnership my investment in horses as grown. I love the chance to choose the pedigree and see the horses at the auction. Then watch them develop into hopeful a winner. The Easterbys are so welcoming to any prospective owner and make you feel part of the team plus the odd complementary ice cream from Mick doesn't do any harm either.


Can you tell me about the horses you currently own?

I have interests in five horses with Mick and David:-

Unplugged is a horse hopefully will make his racecourse debut under my Pellon Racing name. He as been brought back sound after a couple of years off the track.

Late Arrival is a four-year-old gelding which won a couple of times for us last year and hopefully will go on to have another successful year.

My Honey B is named after my grandaughter is a two-year-old filly by Zoffany. Her first race is only weeks away.

Cantalupo Bella is another two-year-old filly by Massaat out of Otrooha which as produced a top grade winner called Don Chico. This filly is named after my late mother who lived in Cantalupo in Italy. We have high hopes for her.

Pleasure Vampire was named by my partners. This two-year-old filly is late foaled (17th of May) so approaching her second birthday. She was sired also by Massaat to the dam Lady Suesanne, a three time winner who is already dam of 4 winners. She will run later in the season when she has developed and is ready to train. We have high hopes for her too.


What are your ambitions in racing?

Well first and foremost to have a good time with the horses whether that be at the stables or at the races with like minded people up for a bit of fun and uncomplicated in their outlook. Yes of course it would be great to win a black type race but as a person who as played competitive sport any win is great and any defeat has to be taken for what it is and improvements made.


Further info:

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