Callum Rodriguez: 'I chased Tyson Fury round the ring a few times, punching his kneecaps - it teaches you respect and discipline'
The young jockey talks to Andrew Dietz about his Group 1 breakthrough, DIY obsession and boxing background
If anyone were concerned about a first Group 1 triumph going to jockey Callum Rodriguez's head, they need not have worried. The dust has barely settled on his magical day in the sun on Sprint Cup hero Regional, but the down-to-earth Lancastrian is more preoccupied with laying a new patio and giving his pick-up truck an oil change.
Paying a visit to his home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, it quickly becomes clear Rodriguez likes to keep busy. His home is a modern log cabin-style abode sited in the grounds of a farm owned by his partner's parents and the plant machinery parked up outside is a tell-tale sign of Rodriguez's workload.
"Most jockeys play golf, but I like to jump on a digger or tractor," he says. "There's always something to build – it's great, I enjoy doing it."
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- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard