Lured by their rich wallets and the opportunity to travel more, an English couple from across the pond made their way to Race Park jock’s room. Tyler Heard, 20, and Grace McEntee, 22, both of UK descent, have moved tactically to northern Kentucky for the winter racing season.
McEntee, who will be represented by agent Jose Santos Jr., made her North American debut January 5 in Turfway for her uncle, coach Paul McEntee. She returned fifth on the train Lovely Baytown in the $125,000 Gowell Stakes and rides three horses for trainer John Ortiz Sunday through Thursday.
“It was definitely a different experience,” McEntee said. “In the UK we don’t ride in the pole, so it was the first time I got to ride properly. It was a good experience. Both horses ran well both Saturday and Sunday, all all relationships are fun, and that’s what good friends aim for—to keep everyone happy, and to keep (the horses) running well and continuing to make progress.”
WATCH: Grace McEntee joins Turfway Jockey Colony
McEntee began racing in 2019 at the amateur level but quickly withdrew her apprenticeship license under the guidance of her father, Newmarket-based coach Phil McEntee. As one of the few female racers in the UK, McEntee still claims 3 pounds, or allowable weight, as she’s only ridden 74 winners. To lose the lawsuit and become a professional athlete abroad, she needs to win 95 wins.
“I didn’t have that claim going through here, so I expect to hit 95 winners over the next six, eight months depending on how it plays out here,” McEntee said. “If all goes well, hopefully I can do it, but if not then next year I’ll try to fulfill my claim in the UK. I just want to try to ride as many winners as possible. good and make as many relationships as I can.”
McEntee’s boyfriend, Heard, has trained horses at the Thoroughbred Center in Lexington but has yet to make his equestrian debut at Turfway Park. Riding racehorses from the age of 9, Heard made his way to the esteemed equestrian who became Richard Hughes’ yard coach in Lambourn when he was 16, and apprenticed to Hughes the following year.
WATCH: British racer Tyler heard riding in Turfway
Young jockey agent Kyle Hampton will take Heard’s book during his tenure in America
Successfully graduated from me @joesantos_33 INC internship and break time
Excited to announce I will be represented @Listen1T next year @TurfwayPark. He is expected to arrive in the US on December 27. pic.twitter.com/4tPHAMZ7SR
– Kyle Hampton (@_KyleHampton_) December 17, 2022
Heard said: “Grace had Jose Santos and Kyle worked under him for several years. “Kyle was really excited to talk to me. He was also 20. I was his first racer and I just thought, ‘Okay, I’m not going to turn down someone like Kyle who wants to advance. in their career. the ground is good and do well for yourself.’
“He’s worked with Jose, he knows what he’s doing. He’s very enthusiastic and wants to work hard. I just want someone who is as hungry as I am.”
Heard is excited about honing his skills elsewhere in the world, especially with the lack of flat races in the UK during the cold winter months.
“Everything here is exciting, from the bonuses to the games, to the lifestyle,” says Heard.
