Ryan Tongue’s journey from serving tea at a racecourse to becoming a pivotal figure in horse racing management exemplifies the dynamic world of UK horse racing. With his roots firmly planted in Worcester Racecourse, Tongue began his career by attending to the needs of jockeys, including the legendary AP McCoy.
It was here that his love for the sport blossomed under the spirited ambiance of the track, where horses thundered down the stretch and jockeys prepared for their adrenaline-fueled rides.
An Unlikely Start in Racing
Tongue’s time at Worcester wasn’t just about serving beverages; it was a time of learning and watching racing legends in action. The racing world dubbed him as ‘greener than spring grass,’ but this was an invaluable period. Observing top jockeys, including McCoy enjoying his scampi and celebrations, Tongue began to dream beyond his tea-serving duties.
An Eye for Talent
Having felt the draw to the racecourses, Tongue didn’t limit himself to the sidelines. He trained as a jockey at The British Racing School in Newmarket before making a significant move to Oliver Greenall’s operations in Cheshire. Amidst morning workouts and industry rhythms, Tongue discovered an innate talent for spotting gifted horses.
His knack for choosing winners was exemplified when he identified I Am Maximus, a horse that would go on to make racing history by winning the prestigious Grand National.
Transition to Management
Despite his ambitions in riding, several painful falls shifted Tongue’s trajectory. Invited by prominent partners Mr. Grech and Mr. Parkin, he transitioned into the world of racing management, utilizing his discerning eye and practical acumen. Thus, Deva Racing was born in 2019, starting humbly with a small stable of only three horses.
Expanding Horizons
Fast forward a few years, and Deva Racing now manages over 25 horses, spanning regions from the UK to Dubai. The operation’s crowning jewel, Imperial Emperor, is poised to thunder into the racing history books at the esteemed G1 Maktoum Challenge, a testament to Tongue’s ability to dance through the racing world’s challenges with grace and strategy.
Tongue’s flair for nurturing winners has rewarded owners with remarkable results, like Imperial Emperor’s two consecutive victories.
The Heart of a Trainer
At only 28 years old, Tongue retains a trainer’s heart seasoned with wisdom beyond his years. His journey epitomizes the intersection of youthful ambition and the timeless traditions of horse racing. As he continues to pull off feats likened to seeing ‘more heart than a valentine’s factory,’ Ryan Tongue stands as a beacon for modern complexities in this storied sport.
The Future
With an eye on future equine stars and the global racing landscape, Tongue’s encompassing knowledge remains an asset. Racing enthusiasts across the UK look forward to his next stride in the industry, hopeful for more history-making moments.
