The flat season in Horseracing is in full swing and so we caught up with Alex Cliffe to find out about one of his horses who is heading to Royal Ascot this year. Leovanni is due to go in Friday’s Commonwealth Cup.
Horse – Leovanni, Bay, Filly
Trainer – Karl Burke based in Middleham, Yorkshire
Horses character – She’s laid back and easy to deal with a great mind
Racing Groom – Alex Cliffe
How does it feel to be part of such a big race meeting?
Royal Ascot is the biggest meeting of the year and the meeting everyone wants a runner at, never mind her being in a Group 1. I was lucky to win the Queen Mary with this filly last year and I’d love for her to take her chance at the highest level at a place she loves.
What’s been your preparation routine leading up to race day?
Luckily I’m not her rider but the person who does ride her swears blind she’s the best horse he’s ever ridden. She’s been going well and it’s just a case of business as usual getting her to the day in top form to give her the best chance.
Where do you watch the race?
I’ll be watching from the stands just by the chute. With the amount of people down by the track it’s the only chance you’ve got of seeing the race and the atmosphere adds to the occasion.
What would it mean to you if Leovanni crossed the finish line first?
The buzz when she won last year was amazing, to hear the crowd on the walk back in is what we do it for and this filly loved it, she was in great form after.
Good luck to Leovanni and ALL the Racing Grooms, Riders and runners at this year’s Royal Ascot meeting which runs from 17th June to 21st June 2025.
If the above sounds interesting to you, head over to the careersinracing website to find out more. This time next year YOU could be leading up a horse at Royal Ascot.
