Seconds Out: Oli's latest monthly blog

Hello RaceSharers and for the final time - welcome to my monthly blog.

Yes, that's right, I'm afraid this blog is a sad one because it is time for me to let you know that my time as an official RaceShare ambassador is up. I'll explain the reasoning in a few moments but I'd like to start by saying how much of a privilege it has been to meet you all and see RaceShare grow into what it is now. I remember when we started out with just a handful of horses and not really knowing what it would become, to where we are now with runners seemingly every other day and new horses regularly being bought, it really has been some journey. Whilst it has been so good seeing the success on the track with the likes of Scampi, Treasure Time, Gibbs Island et al, what I have loved more than anything is meeting you all and seeing the RaceShare community thrive. I've had some genuinely moving conversations with people about what RaceShare, and the friends they have made through RaceShare, means to them. It's been lovely to see strangers turn into friends through the horses running in RaceShare colours. I've always said it, but RaceShare to me has always felt like a family, a very large and expanding family now, but I am so proud to have been involved in it and to have met you all.

For those of you wondering why my time has come to an end then quite simply, there is a lot happening in my world currently, with two very exciting new ventures about to be announced and therefore, I wouldn't be able to give you the time and energy required to do my role justice. When I was approached to be a part of the squad I said I would give it my all and whilst a miniscule cog in the wheel of RaceShare I have always been able to devote my time and effort into things when required. Unfortunately, that just isn't going to be feasible for me to do moving forward so the right thing for me to do is to step back.

I would very much like to stress though that whilst my official role is over, don't panic and think that I will be making the switch anywhere else. Sol Campbell to Arsenal this is not. And I will still be very invested in all of you and the horses. As mentioned above being able to meet you and chew the fat at the races has been a real delight and that will, I hope, continue.

As this is the final blog I hope you can just indulge me and allow me a few thank yous. Firstly, to Lucy, Ash, Ross, Poppy and Dan who I have worked closely with over the last three years. It's not always the easiest to start a new venture and have to work with new people simply because you don't know what makes people tick and styles of working but I can honestly say they have been a total delight to work with and from day one its felt incredibly easy. At their core is a deep and profound sense of wanting to give you, the RaceShare owners, the best experience possible and I have loved my time working with them. So from me to them, thank you for all your help, support, patience, laughter and reminders for videos (Poppy will be delighted she never has to send me one of these again by the way everyone!). I have loved working with you.

Next up, Nick, Ken, the RaceShare Mafia and all the owners who have become in various ways part of the team. You have been a huge help to us all throughout the Raceday experience and I always know when I see one of you at the races then the owners are in safe hands. Thank you for always having a smile on your face, win, lose or draw.

Finally, and he will hate this, so I'll keep it brief, to Patrick who has been so successful in sourcing the horses for us to talk about/cheer on, but also pulling together the team mentioned above. I knew going into this that no stone would be unturned and the meticulousness of RaceShare and wanting everything to be the best for you guys really does shine through. Similarly to your experience as owners, I feel the same about going into this project not really knowing what to expect but leaving it with new friends. If life can be like that everywhere we go then life will be very enjoyable!

SO that is it, I wish you all continued success, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will be chatting about RaceShare winners on ITV loads in the months and years to come and probably interviewing you in the Cheltenham or Ascot winners’ enclosure soon! How cool is that going to be!

Not to get too soppy here but please continue to look after one another, to have a beer with each other at the races. Whether our horses win or lose doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things (obviously it's great when they do win!). RaceShare is about so much more than that, it's about friends, respect, laughter, fun and being part of a vibrant, passionate, like minded community. For that reason, I will miss it enormously but you are in the safest of hands and I will always be a RaceSharer. So from one RaceSharer to another, thank you for being brilliant, I wish you all the very very best, and as always, I'll see you on a racecourse soon.

Lots of love,
Oli