JAMES SHEPPARD

 

Date of Birth: 16 November 1978

Town where born: Melbourne, Victoria.

How did you get into racing? Started riding ponies as soon as I could walk. First rode trackwork at 9 years old.

First Winner/Track: Wild Zone / Yarra Glen (flat). Thread Needle / Kilmore (jumps).

Favourite Track (and why): Flemington (every horse gets a chance).

Best thing about being a jumps trainer? The satisfaction of winners.

Worst thing about being a jumps trainer? Injuries.

Best jumper you’ve trained: Tanzman and Kickit.

What is the best jumper you would have loved to have trained? Moon Chase.

Who is the best jumping rider you have seen? Paul Carberry and Frank Stockdale.

What is the best race you have witnessed? English Grand National.

What is your best win on the flat? Listed race in Adelaide won by Tanzman.

Outside of racing what are you most passionate about? My family and my horses.

What is the strangest (amusing or serious) experience you've ever had in racing? Todd Balfour leading 3 loose horses off his horse after the South Australian Grand National Hurdle.

Would you like to tell us something about your family (partner, children, parents etc.)?

I am engaged to Brooke Douglas and we have a baby daugher called Cloe.