'I learned so much from Helen in what to look for in a racehorse'

William Reddy has worked under three generations of Johnson Houghton trainers during his 49 year career at Woodway Stables in Blewbury, Oxfordshire. In the fifth of our series on the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards he talks about his career and his pride of winning the dedication to racing award last year.

What do you need to be successful working at a professional stable?

You’ve just got to love the horses, it’s all about them. As long as you love the animals you’ll be fine. If you don’t have that love for them then the job can be really hard, especially at this time of year when you’re getting up at half five in the morning and it’s wet, cold and muddy.

What’s the best thing about your job?

In previous years I loved being a travelling head lad – every day was different. Now I’m based more at home and I love being here when all the yearlings come to us around this time of year.

What is the biggest challenge facing professional stables right now?

That would definitely be getting staff. We’re relatively lucky here as we’ve got quite a few youngsters with us now, but elsewhere I know other stables are facing real problems in not only finding staff but also holding on to them. It can prove very difficult.

William Reddy has worked for Eve Johnson Houghton (left), her father Fulke (right) as well as Fulke's mother Helen over his careerCredit: Steve Davies

You worked under Helen Johnson Houghton for many years – what did you learn from her?

I learned so much from Helen in terms of what you should look for in a racehorse. I remember once being out with a group of new yearlings, Helen pointed at one of them and told me it was the best-looking yearling she’d ever seen. I wondered what she could see in him that I couldn't. That horse turned out to be Double Form. She was just an amazing judge.

What is the worst injury that you’ve suffered during your career?

Breaking my elbow, without a doubt. It was absolutely horrendous when it happened and it kept me away from work for six weeks –easily the longest amount of time I've been out.

What did it mean to you to win the award last year?

I’ve got to say it meant an awful lot, it was amazing. The others who were nominated had, like me, dedicated their entire lives to racing and so to win the award in such esteemed company was really special.

How important are these awards?

They are one of the best things to have happened for stud and stable staff. I just wish more stables would nominate their own staff as the recognition it gives them is fantastic. There are so many deserving people out there who just need to be nominated.

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