60 seconds with…Andrew Tinkler

2009: Andrew Tinkler is a talented young jockey; he has been based with top National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson since the age of sixteen.

During his time with Henderson he has achieved the dream of every jockey by riding a Cheltenham Festival Winner aboard Henderson-trained Greenhope. Tinks, as he is affectionately known amongst his friends and weighing room colleagues, was successful last year at Aintree on Grand National day when he rode a double, again for trainer Nicky Henderson. Eimear Chance caught up with Tinks to see what he is really like beneath his racing persona:

If you weren’t a jockey, what do you think you would be doing now?

I would have loved to have been a Formula 1 driver, loads of women and loads of money! Realistically, I would have been quite keen to go into the hunt service.

After a big winner, how do you like to celebrate?

I like a good night out, enjoying a few drinks with friends. Ed Cookson is usually around to provide the entertainment!

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I love sleeping and don’t mind doing a bit of shopping; ideally I love a day’s hunting up north with my family and friends. But I don’t really have a lot of spare time.

What celebrity would you most like to go out on a date with?

In an ideal world Kiera Knightly, but I would definitely settle for Lauren from the Hills!

Would you still ride if you won the Lottery?

Probably not ‘cause I would go skiing loads.

What would be your perfect car?

An Audi A8 if someone else paid for the fuel!

What is your favourite clothes shop?

Jack Wills, nearly everything I own is from there. My housemate Doris says that they should give me shares in the company!

Which four people would you most like to have over for dinner?

Jeremy Clarkson, Lauren from the Hills, Warren Marston and Doris because she is a brilliant cook!!

What race would you most like to win?

Definitely the Grand National!