The Steeple Times asks Welsh National winning racehorse trainer Michael Scudamore: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Grandad Scu, a tough man when he was riding and an absolute gentleman. He is the person that dad, Tom and I look up to the most.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Keep a leg either side and his head off the floor” – Michael Scudamore Snr.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Fat people wearing crop tops and tight trousers. This should be made illegal as should people throwing litter out of their cars in the countryside.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss the feeling before playing a rugby match for Ebbw Vale/Gloucester, I miss being younger and I miss Barnabus, our pet rabbit who disappeared last autumn.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
I would need to be wealthy in order to swap it for something!
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I would have absolutely nothing against it if all those bankers to buy racehorses for me to train with their big bonuses.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Sell it, it’s no good”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Osprey and The White Company – although I am beginning to wonder that they might not be real charities despite Mazzy and my girlfriend Tess Champion’s persuasion. On a serious note, I am currently helping Tess raise money for the Severn Hospice in Shropshire and recently raised money for Greatwood – a charity for disabled children and rehoming ex-racehorses.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
They are essential for keeping in touch with owners, vets and staff. However, a day without one would be great.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Tom Scudamore and family, Tess Champion, granny and grandad Scu, James Simpson-Daniel (joint owner of Monbeg Dude) and Bruce Springsteen, so we can all sing along to his epic tunes.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Roast beef and all the trimmings. It would be cooked by Ali Champion at Lower Milcote. Just the best meal ever.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Maz says: “As soon as you wake up”. I like to get the riding out done first but if it’s Christmas Day, the hip flask whizzes round.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
The British Empire was built on tea. I’m very partial to a cup of Earl Grey, with no milk, definitely no milk.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Hunt balls are always good fun and guaranteed to have people ready and waiting to watch me throw some SERIOUS shapes on the dance floor.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My brother, Tom Scudamore, as he’s always looking for ways to improve. He is always coming up with ideas with different horses.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Chocolate raisins.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I’m not a big fan of tattoos, however when Tom and I were young, we were known as Tommy Trout and Mickle Mackerel, so I guess I’d have to have a mackerel tattooed across my back.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
Not sure.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I played rugby for Wales U19 and went to a world cup with them. I always support Wales in rugby except if England players and owners Mike Tindall or James Simpson-Daniel are playing as then its very much split loyalties
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
The Welsh National trophy, a clock and a picture of Tess riding Silver Adonis at Cottenham point-to-point earlier this season.
Michael Scudamore is a racehorse trainer and former professional rugby player. Part of the Scudamore racing dynasty, he started training at Eccleswall Court in Herefordshire in 2005 and took over his grandfather’s licence in 2008. He currently has 30 horses in training, both for flat racing and over jumps.
For more details about Scudamore Racing, go to: http://www.scudamoreracing.co.uk
Follow Michael Scudamore on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/MichaelScu