Christine Puls doesn’t hail from a racing family but it is certainly her life now, the popular jockey kept busy riding at meetings around Victoria whilst enjoying time at home with her husband and daughter and her favourite horse – the family pony!
Do you come from a horse/racing family?
Nope my family never had horses and most of them aren’t interested in them. Our neighbour had race horses when I was growing up and I loved being around them.
Did you always want to be a jockey?
Yes from a very young age I said that I was going to be a jockey.
What is your first racing memory?
Mmm, I didn’t actually see him race but Bonecrusher was a favourite of mine.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Jughead, he was my first horse and I loved what he taught me.
Who is the best horse you’ve ridden?
Princess the Shetland in our paddock!
And the best horse you have seen?
Hard question this one as we have so many great horses. Maybe Winx but that will change with time.
Your favourite racing moment?
My first winner.
Your best ride?
That’s Princess the pony again!
Is there a ride you wish you could do again?
Oh plenty. But that’s the beauty of life, we learn by our mistakes.
Which horse currently racing would you love to be riding?
The winner of the next race!
Who do you admire most in racing?
My husband (Dean Yendall). He just keeps on trying no matter what life throws at him.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
To get the people in charge to realise that there is plenty of horses and people who live and breathe racing in the country past the 100km radius.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
We have a little block that we love pottering around on with our daughter Mia and the ponies.
What is your favourite T.V show?
Tiny homes.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Haven’t really been to any. I do go watch the school ones that Mia is in!
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
Just be grateful everyday as there is always someone having a crappier time than you. So always think what someone else is going through.
Favourite food?
That would be a piece Toblerone that Dean brings me at night after Mia has gone to bed.
Favourite racecourse?
Nhill.
If you had not been a jockey what would you be doing?
Vet or someone who works with animals and outside. Maybe a landscaper.
