James Ewart, once a persistent presence in the vibrant world of horse racing, is galloping off in a new direction by dedicating his energy to a renewable venture after over two decades devoted to training horses at his yard in Langholm, Scotland.
Ewart, alongside his wife and partner in the racing life, Briony, nurtured a familial passion for horse racing, laying the foundation for countless racing victories emanating from their stable doors. However, a mix of longing for more security and the relentless demands of the racing circuit with a young family convinced James it was time for change.
Ewart reminisces about his initiation into the lively world of racing at the young age of 16. He fondly looks back at a promising journey, despite hanging his boots at 24. The sport offered plenty—a plethora of vivid encounters and experiences—but as with every gallop, there came a moment to pull up.
“It’s been a situation of living at best with no assured security as a trainer,” James reflects, recognizing the unpredictable lifestyle that accompanies this profession. Long hours, immune to the warmth of routine, continuously drew dim lights on financial security.
With still a good stretch ahead of him, Ewart channels his vigor into renewable energy, a decision now fortified by the presence of his young son, Jack. Enter ESB Scotland, a company Ewart fashioned three years back—a nod to his equestrian roots. The firm’s designation borrows from an intrepid racehorse that famously once showcased unbeatable might against Devon Loch in the Grand National.
Venturing into battery storage projects, including promising sites at Harker in Cumbria and Coalburn in South Lanarkshire, the company has navigated the complex courses of renewable energy ventures—territory posing challenges akin to any challenging racetrack.
Despite the distinct career fields, Ewart draws parallels. Just as thoroughbreds endure training to seize victory from the jaws of adversity, the renewable energy scene demands learning and adapting from missteps. Ewart embraces the trial-and-error nature of both fields, transferring resilience gleaned in the racing world into his novel arena.
Resilient Spirit: Learning from Losses
Racing taught him that even a high-achiever endures an 80% losing rate during a season of training; success often emerges from the throes of minor defeats, muscles honed stronger each time. This spirit transitions well into the renewable energy sector, underscoring the pluck needed in the face of setbacks.
In his racing days, stamping a trot under a new rising star, Ewart’s presence was known across many tracks. His accomplishments included achieving four winners in a single day at multiple courses—a testament to his seasoned expertise. Memories like those track record-smashing days at Doncaster with Beneficial Reform stay intact and cherishable.
In his lieu from the racetrack, the trainer expresses gratitude for the camaraderie and experiences shared with fellow trainers and owners. Building these relationships fueled his passion; feeling uplifted in the mornings by the familiar stable sounds likened to a harmonious ritual, woven into the very fiber of this life.
Life Beyond the Track
As horse racing staff seek opportunities afield or start anew under different flags, Ewart’s departure casts a shadow of inevitability—yet a positive light. His love for the sport remains undimmed, even as he transitions. “It’s part of my blood,” he claims, a fondness unyielding.
The journey onwards, leaving behind the heavy gallop of hooves striking the turf, frames a story both familiar and fresh to James—a leap towards securing a future for his family brimming with opportunity, hope, and the undeterred spirit that harnessed past challenges.
