Staff Profile - Carina McKeown

Name: Carina Mckeown

Job Title: Rider

When did you start work at Chestnut Tree Stables: December 2015

Favourite racehorse of all time: My favourite horse to ride was Bejeweled aka Bejewlie who went well at home, leading Group horses in their work but on the racecourse was, shall we say, of limited ability.  When she came second at Yarmouth I couldn’t have been happier if she had won the Derby.  Sometimes it’s not the class of the race that matters but the love and dedication that went in to making it happen.

My favourite horse otherwise would be Thomas Chippendale who won the Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot and then sadly died.  He was a beautiful looking animal capable of much more.  He partnered in his work with Frankel’s full brother, Noble Mission, who went on to win three Group 1’s the following season.

Favourite horse that’s been in the yard: A Love Story aka Lovely.  She was kind, cheeky and tough, with lots of potential.  You wouldn’t find a more genuine and better natured horse and I am lucky to have ridden her.

Favourite Racecourse: I love a lazy summer afternoon at the Newmarket July Course, and York (anytime).

What would you be doing if you weren’t working here: Laying in bed (I ride out first lot).

Which Superhero would you be:  Catwoman because I would look really good in the cat suit (really I am joking).

Hobbies outside of work: Yoga, Olympic weight lifting.

Favourite Food: Nocellara Olives (currently borderline obsessed with them).

Favourite Film: If I had to choose one it would be the timelessly funny, The 7 Year Itch.  Being greedy and into foreign cinema I will also choose Amelie and Spirited Away.

Which three items would you take to a desert island: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, eyeliner (you never know who you will meet), and a water purifier.

Dream holiday destination: To see Belize’s beautiful beaches, coral reefs and Mayan ruins.

Interesting Fact: I am a qualified Solicitor.

Ambitions: To travel the world, learn how to jump fences and go hunting.