Behind the Scenes at Cheltenham: The Dedicated Fence Attendant with a Passion for Racing
At the heart of the Cheltenham Festival, Ollie Smith plays a crucial role as a casual fence attendant, ensuring the smooth operation of one of horse racing's most prestigious events. The 41-year-old father of two, who lives just six miles from Prestbury Park, has been part of the racecourse team for ten years, bringing a unique blend of professionalism and personal enthusiasm to his duties.
A Day in the Life of a Racecourse Professional
Smith's responsibilities are diverse and demanding. He starts his day at 5:30 AM, preparing for early morning gallops where Irish trainers exercise their horses. By 9:30 AM, he transitions to his main role, patrolling the track on a buggy equipped with essential safety gear, including screens for privacy, a first aid kit, a defibrillator, and a stretcher. His tasks involve straightening jumps, monitoring ground conditions, and responding swiftly to incidents, such as falls, to ensure the safety of both horses and jockeys.
"There's such a big buzz around the place before it all starts," Smith explains. "When the tapes go up, you switch on as anything can happen. I always say expect the unexpected." This adrenaline-filled environment requires quick reactions, as he recalls an incident at Stratford where a horse crashed through a hurdle and collided with him, resulting in concussion but luckily no serious injuries.
From RAF Logistics to Racing Enthusiast
Smith's journey into racing began after nine years as a logistics driver in the RAF, which he left in 2016. As a lifelong Cheltenham resident, horse racing has always been in his blood. He secured his role after responding to a Twitter post seeking casual staff, and over the years, he has built strong connections within the industry. "My racing experience has enhanced to a level I never thought possible," he notes, highlighting the friendships and knowledge he has gained.
His earliest memory of the Festival dates back to 1994, when he was ten years old and watched The Fellow win the Gold Cup at school. Today, he shares this passion with his children, Mikey, 14, and Zara, 10, who are now getting into the sport themselves.
Tattoos and Tributes to Racing Legends
Smith's love for racing extends beyond his job, as evidenced by his collection of tattoos honoring famous winners. He has a tattoo of 2008 Gold Cup hero Denman on his shoulder, along with tributes to AP McCoy winning the 2010 Grand National on Don't Push It and 2015 Grand National winner Many Clouds, accompanied by the words 'power, beauty, athleticism and the enduring will to win.' These tattoos symbolize his deep connection to the sport and its iconic moments.
Outside of Cheltenham, Smith admires Punchestown Racecourse, attending its festival every April, and has a fondness for horses like John Barbour, through his involvement with Old Gold Racing. He cites spending time with Barbour at Fergal O'Brien's yard as a source of motivation during tough times.
Challenges and Highlights of the Role
The hardest part of Smith's job, he says, is "trying to keep everyone safe," a responsibility he takes seriously amidst the fast-paced action. Despite the challenges, he looks forward to key moments, such as greeting the Irish horseboxes on Saturday and experiencing the electrifying "Cheltenham roar" at the start of the first race. "Just talking about it makes the hairs on my neck stand up," he admits.
As for his hopes for the Festival, Smith dreams of seeing champion jockey Sean Bowen secure his first Cheltenham Festival winner on Haiti Couleurs in the Gold Cup, trained by Rebecca Curtis. This aspiration reflects his ongoing engagement with the sport's competitive spirit.
Through his decade of service, Ollie Smith embodies the dedication and passion that underpin the Cheltenham Festival, blending practical expertise with a heartfelt love for horse racing that is etched into his skin and soul.
