Talking horses

Pinhooker, consignor and new podcaster Jamie Railton tells James Thomas that it was essentially boredom that led to the creation of On The Coalface

THIS INTERVIEW is something of a role reversal for Jamie Railton. The leading consignor and high-rolling pinhooker has become accustomed to being the one asking the questions as the host of his podcast, On The Coalface.

The show is billed as being by “industry professionals and for industry professionals”, and has already gained cult status among the racing and bloodstock community.

Although still in its relative infancy, with episode one dropping only in mid-February, Railton has grilled a diverse cast of major industry names, from Angus Gold to John Francome, Ralph Beckett to Joe Foley.

Explaining how the concept originated, Railton says, “It was probably January or February, and we usually do a quarterly newsletter then. I was thinking how dull and boring that was so I was wondering what we could do that was different.

“That’s when I came up with the idea of a podcast. Although I didn’t really think it was feasible because, on the whole, I’m quite a quiet person and I don’t like talking at all – if you’d thought of the last person on planet earth to do a podcast, it probably would’ve been me.

“The sheer fact that it seems to have taken off and people listen to it just amazes me.

"I’m completely out of my comfort zone and public speaking definitely isn’t my thing. You get far more out of life if you challenge yourself, though.”

Railton may not think of himself as a natural host, but the podcast makes for easy and engaging listening. There is insight, opinion, honesty and humour.

“I wanted it to be of benefit to the industry, rather than it be something that’s used to massage somebody’s ego,” says Railton. “It’s about discussing points that need discussing, without raking over the same old subjects such as prize-money, which can become incredibly boring.

“There has to be a degree of education, a degree of discussion and people seem to like the human aspect to it as well. People seem to enjoy it when it’s warts and all.”

The human aspect is arguably the most compelling part of the podcast, with challenging subjects such as mistakes, regrets and setbacks tackled head on.

On The Coalface has seen Shadwell’s long-serving racing manager Angus Gold speak candidly about causing hurt to those dearest to him, and leading bloodstock agent Charlie Gordon-Watson address being the victim of a blackmail campaign thatresulted in explicit photos being leaked.

Railton stresses that balance is crucial once you start delving into peoples’ lives away from the bloodstock world. Even though honesty and authenticity are paramount to the success of the podcast, given the nature of the industry, relationships and reputations need to be respected.

“We’re in the business of selling horses so I’m not going to throw somebody under the bus intentionally,” says Railton. “If they want to do that themselves, that’s up to them, but it’s certainly not my intention.

“At the end of the day, I’d like to sell these people a horse two weeks later, so one has to be measured in one’s approach. But at the same time I’m not going to beat about the bush and not ask about something that needs addressing because that’s the whole purpose.”

Industry matters have also come under the microscope, including first-season sires, declining levels of horsemanship and the staffing crisis. While the human side of the story makes for absorbing listening, the discussions around wider industry topics is where Railton feels On The Coalface is at its most valuable.

“At the end of the day, the podcast needs to have a purpose,” he continues. “Humour should be in there so it’s enjoyable, but there has to be a purpose. If it can raise a subject that we can then help make a difference to and improve things, that’s important. Whether that’s talking to a breeder, a consignor, a trainer or whatever. The purpose is to improve our industry.”

RAILTON IS also determined to improve his output, too. Plenty of research goes into each episode, and the host says he operates an open door policy towards feedback.

“I write lots of notes and ideas, most of which end up in the dust bin or in the wrong order,” he says.

“It takes a while to get it to a position where you have an introduction, a meaty bit, a controversial bit and a happy ending.

“I’m no expert though, I’m self taught and self trained and I just hope I’m getting a tiny bit better each go. If people have suggestions or ideas, I’m all ears.”

Although he doesn’t rule out the idea entirely, Railton laughs off the suggestion that he should turn the spotlight on himself some day.

“I’ve often thought about how I’d feel if someone asked me these questions,” he says. “It would be quite amusing, but if you got me talking about the mistakes I’ve made we’d be there all day. And that would just be volume one!”

Railton highlights the contribution of a key team member whose efforts away from the mic are central to the podcast’s production.

“Luckily, I have a very good PA, Chloe Battam, who’s far more technical than I am – she knows all about the logistics of sound quality,” he says. “She’s the one who puts it together and we’re very lucky to have her and her expertise, otherwise it wouldn’t happen at all.”

He also expresses his gratitude to sponsors Saracen Horse Feeds and the owner communication platform The Racing Manager. But the biggest share of appreciation is reserved for those who take to the On The Coalface hot seat.

“I feel very grateful to the people who’ve given me their time and an insight to their knowledge,” he says. “The funny thing is, everyone [who listens] seems to have their own particular episode that they like the most, rather than just one [episode being popular]. That’s probably a good thing.”

On The Coalface may have developed into a labour of love, but there is also the small matter of the day job to worry about, too. With the yearling sale season at full tilt, this is an intense time of year for the Jamie Railton Sales Agency.

Four lots across the two books of the Goffs Orby Sale will be followed by 44 yearlings catalogued throughout the duration of the Tattersalls October Sale. There will be significant consignments of horses-in-training too, and plans are afoot to return to the blue-chip Arqana Arc Sale.

The man at the helm has been encouraged by the results from the key summer dates.

“I think, all things considered, one would have to be incredibly pleased with the thirst and appetite there appears to have been for a horse,” he says. “What I liked about the Somerville Sale, in particular, was there was the odd person I’d never seen before. That’s really encouraging as usually when you go to sales it’s just the same old faces.”

However, Railton raises concerns that many in the industry share about the seemingly exponential growth of the sales calendar across the whole spectrum of public auctions.

“Without wishing to upset anyone, we all have to be aware of the duty we have to our industry,” he says. “And that means not just working on our own bottom line, which I feel is a factor when you see all the sales companies introducing yet another sale. I’m not sure that’s really the way forward, personally.”

While changes to the sales calendar have not been universally welcomed, Railton is more upbeat about the reforms taking place on the racecourse.

A raft of innovations set to be introduced in Britain in 2024 include a new Premier tier of racing that will receive additional prize-money in a bid to boost competitiveness, a two-hour Saturday shop window for the sport and the trial of six Sunday evening floodlit fixtures.

Railton sees the general thrust of these ideas as having a positive impact on the bloodstock market.

“I think potentially these could be exciting times with the piloting of premier meetings and the potential increase in prize-money,” he says.

“In theory, the more a horse can win, the more it’s worth. All this will lead back to competitive public auctions, which is what we want.

“I’m very much in favour of it. We’re very old fashioned in this country, but change has to happen. We can’t just carry on because that’s how it’s been for the last couple of hundred years. Whether you’re a big racecourse or a small racecourse, you’re going to have to adapt accordingly. It is a pilot scheme and I’m sure there will be refinement along the way, but I’m sure it’s a step in the right direction.”

He continues: “The important thing is progression, rather than shoving our head in the sand and saying ‘this is how it’s always been’. We’ve got to improve the product we’re selling. That can only happen with competitive racing and a suitable reward where a horse can pay for itself with prize-money.”

Via Sistina

The rise of On The Coalface is not the only thing that has kept Railton’s name in the headlines of late – he was responsible for selling the rags-to-riches star Via Sistina, who completed her transformation from bargain buy to Group 1 heroine in the Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh in July.

The George Boughey-trained daughter of Fastnet Rock has not only captured the imagination for the giant strides she has made in recent times, but also for having cost owner Stephen Hillen the scarcely believable sum of 5,000gns.

While some could be forgiven for being left frustrated at selling such a significant talent for a mere chicken feed price, Railton feels the tale provides an important reminder of the nature of the racing business.

“It just goes to prove that money doesn’t guarantee you success,” he says. “Good management increases your chances massively.

“She is a filly who benefitted from exceptional management, and all the right decisions and time and patience have been given to her. She has had a chance to fulfil her potential.

“She’s the reason why it’s such a fascinating business, because you just don’t know who’s going to be the next Group 1 winner.”

Although the progressive mare had plenty to recommend her on pedigree, being out of a Galileo half-sister to top sprinter Kingsgate Native, Railton remembers her as a particularly backward type who would have ticked few of the commercially desirable boxes at the yearling sales.

When asked if he had any idea that Via Sistina would go on to scale the heights she has, Railton responds unequivocally.

“Not in a month of Sundays!” he says. “And neither did anyone else, including Coolmore, as she was a foal share.

“It wasn’t a case of wondering why people weren’t concentrating when she sold, everyone was concentrating. But you have no idea of what’s going on between the ears of a horse, or their aptitude for being a competitive athlete – or not. Most yearlings in the December Sale are there because they need time. She needed time and imagination. Luckily she was bought by people who gave her both.”