Celebrating 10 Years with Harrison Beswick: A Decade of Dedication and Triumphs
In 2014, a young rider from Oxford, England, embarked on a journey that would etch his name into the hearts of horse racing enthusiasts. This year marks an incredible milestone for Harrison as he celebrates 10 years as a professional rider. Harrison Beswick reflects on a remarkable career that began on his native soil and soared to new heights in the United States, sharing personal insights that illuminate his path to success.
From Oxford to the US
"Horse racing? It's galloping around in a circle, and the fastest one wins," Harrison jests. Born on a crisp October day in 1995, this young lad's dream ignited during a teenage visit to the US. Fast forward to 2021, and Harrison made headlines with a stunning victory on Noah and the Ark at the Carolina Cup. That race was described as a come-from-behind victory.
Seasons of Success: A Transatlantic Journey
Living a life marked by the changing seasons, Harrison enjoys the crisp autumns and springs of Oxford and the vibrant springs and falls of the USA. "This lifestyle has taken me to a lot of places across the world," Harrison reflects, emphasizing the global journey horse racing has afforded him. His wisdom to newcomers to the sport; "Keep an open mind," a philosophy that's served him well, from the storied tracks of England to the competitive circuits in the USA.
A Thrilling Ride: Life at High Velocity
To Harrison, being a jockey is more than a job; it's a "high octane adrenaline rush like no other," filled with excitement and passion. His camaraderie with fellow jockey Charlie Deutsch highlights a career built on friendship and rivalry. "Charlie and I, we've grown up together in this sport. We compete, and then we celebrate the wins together," Harrison shares, offering a glimpse into the close-knit community of jockeys across the globe.
Beyond the Track: A Legacy in the Making
When talking about who he has learned from in his journey, he talks about his apprentice in the UK With Oliver Sherwood. However, he credits his mother the most, an incredible horsewoman with whom he has learned so much. When not racing, Harrison contributes to the future of the sport, working alongside his brothers at The Beswick Brothers Blood Stock, breeding and preparing the next generation of champions. Harrison's dream extends beyond personal success. He envisions a vibrant future for steeplechase racing in the US, advocating for increased interaction between horsemen and fans to foster passionate and thriving communities. And ladies, while his nickname is Handsome Harry throughout the Steeplechase circuit, I hate to break it to you, he is taken. He recently became engaged to Charlotte, a 5-star event rider, and they plan to say their vows sometime in 2025!
Looking Ahead: Goals for this Season
"Winning, staying fit and healthy—that's the usual plan," Harrison says casually, yet behind his laid-back demeanor lies a fierce competitor. Harrison's competitive spirit knows no bounds, extending to Nashville, where he proudly talks about his record on a mechanical bull downtown. He laughs as he talks about it, showcasing a lighter side to his competitive nature. He is excited to work with his new agent, Liam Mcvicar. "He has really opened up and lot of doors for me," said Harry. "I owe him a lot." We witnessed his zest to be back this season with the first weekend in Aiken, where Harrison earned 2 firsts, 1 second and 1 third for the day. The last first place win of the day was a great comeback story with West Newton finding his energy again while Harrison brought him across the finish line for the Stakes Win.
As we toast to a decade with Harrison aka "Handsome Harry" Beswick, let's look forward to more thrilling races, heartfelt moments, and, of course, his future with his lovely bride to be, Charlotte. Photo Credit: Tod Marks
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