The most successful female rider of the 2016 Czech horseracing season was Kateřina Hlubučková. With 17 winning rides, she occupied 5^th place in the overall jockeys’ championship, and she won the Nikon Ladies Cup for female riders. This was her seventh season in racing, and it was her most successful so far, both in terms of winners and in terms of her results in major races. She formed a partnership with Venillia, on which she took second place in the Oaks and won the Harry Petrlík Memorial Stakes and the Martin Tour Stakes for greys. I spoke to Kateřina, who needs just three more wins to earn her jockey title [for winning 50 races], in England, where she is spending the winter as a work rider.

Kateřina, how long have you been in England? Which trainer are you working for, and what is the work regime in the yard?

I flew to England on November 22^nd. I’m working for trainer Roger Varian, and I do four horses. We normally ride three lots, but I sometimes ride a fourth lot and I get paid extra. I must praise the system here in the stable. The afternoons are switched each week. One group has the afternoons free all week, and then we switch. It’s fine.

Let’s go back to the horseracing season here in the Czech Republic, which was very successful for you. I presume you’ll rate it positively …
I’m very satisfied with the racing season. I think it was successful. I’d like to thank all the owners and trainers who gave me a chance and that I brought happiness to.

What was the high point for you?
Of course, I was pleased with every win and every place. Getting a place in the Oaks with the filly Venillia from our own stable made me very happy.

Your career is moving forward in a promising way. Will you be returning to the Czech Republic for the new season, or are you planning to remain in England for a longer time?
I’m always drawn towards working abroad, but I’ll probably go back. For the following year I’ll consider staying on somewhere abroad. It’s just that it’s something different here. It’s about different money, a different approach from people, and about gaining experience.

Has any opportunity to work with some stable or with some owner been penciled in for the 2017 season in the Czech Republic?
I’ve spoken with Mrs Růžičková, but I don’t yet have an exact agreement yet. [Kateřina worked with trainer Martina Růžičková in 2016]

And what is your biggest wish for 2017?
I’d like to reach my 50^th winner as soon as possible, and I’d like the 2017 season to be as successful as this year.

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This interview was made by Michaela Zemanová, and first appeared on the Fitmin Turf website.