Racing Green

Happiest with her family and horses, ITV racing presenter Natalie Green talks about her drive to build her career, but why she’s still content where she is.

Words by Molly Haynes

Natalie Green wearing her Monsoon Classic Smock in Navy from our women's collection

No one could have guessed that one donkey ride on a beach at three years old would shape Natalie Green’s life. But 36 years on and the ITV racing broadcaster struggles to remember a time in her life without horses.

“I had a tantrum when that ride ended, which was unusual for me apparently. I was desperate for riding lessons and the stables agreed to a trial when I was four. Mum and Dad have a video of me at my first lesson. I had red wellies on and was shouting ‘faster, faster’.”

Now, the fields around her Shropshire home contain Gio – her Irish Draught horse, ponies Mildred and Mabel, and Khan, the 26-year-old purebred Arabian, who Natalie bought when she was 13. “He was the first horse I ever backed. I bought him when he was one and we competed together most weekends in my teens. He’s nearing the end of his life, and I want to make sure he’s as happy as possible.”

The calmness of Khan contrasts the goofiness of Gio. “He’s loving and cuddly. But a bit gormless and accident prone – the other week he headbutted the concrete lintel above his stable and cut his nose,” she says

Natalie’s love of horses led to her riding out point-to-point horses during her late teens and while she completed her degree in theatre studies. “There were lots of riders, and my competitive nature made me watch, learn and get better.

“During that time, I rode all kinds of horses. I’d often work to give retired racehorses another life as hunt horses or show jumpers. It didn’t always work but it was so satisfying when it did,” she says. At 25, Natalie knew she wanted to work in the media when it comes side of racing and applied to Bournemouth University to do a Masters in Journalism focusing on multimedia. to my career. But I also try to feel contentment

“I chose it because it was by the sea, so I could still have an active outdoor lifestyle while studying. I’m not so good in cities,” she says. “It was hard work, but it cemented my decision to pursue a media career in racing.” While job hunting, Natalie came across one for a race in the moment day presenter in Yorkshire. “It was my ideal first job –basically as a racing compere. Sometimes on camera and realise when but mostly live on a microphone talking about the races things are just good as they are. I’m living my dream.’ and then in between doing interviews with jockeys, trainers and owners.”

After four interviews, Natalie got the role as a job share, commuting from Cheshire to Yorkshire before taking the role full time 10 months later and relocating. “I got to do some big days at Doncaster and York racecourse, and it was there I met the crew from ITV who saw me at work. I’d already contacted them saying I wanted to work with them and so they invited me to a screen test at Wetherby racecourse. After that, they offered me a job. It was a dream come true.”

“I’m not a form guru or an exceptional pundit. But I love horses and I love people. Getting an interview with a trainer or jockey after a win and being part of their joy is an experience like no other. Hunting out those stories makes the long days and travel worth it.”

Natalie also enjoys the fashion side of racing, and her colourful outfits are part of her identity on screen and social media. “I like to showcase British brands, and I put a lot of effort into sourcing my outfits with my agent Chloe. As my job is mostly outside, striking coats are ideal. I work with designer Beatrice von Tresckow on a loan basis as I don’t tend to wear the same thing twice. I like to mix her pieces with vintage or second-hand finds.

“Fairfax & Favour is one of my biggest supporters, and you will often see me in the brand’s hats, boots and coats. You’ve got to be warm and comfy as you’re on your feet all day,” she says.

Natalie on camera whilst wearing her Women's Sedgebrook Shirt and Women's Monarch Gilet.

At home, comfort is a priority, too. “It’s hard to find coats that are actually waterproof, but the Ridgeline Smock has never let me down. It’s a good length and keeps my back warm when I’m riding or working outside. Another great thing is that hay doesn’t stick to it.

“You’ll also find me walking the racetrack in all weathers in a Ridgeline coat. I can put the hood up and it keeps me dry and camera ready.”

As we finish up our chat, I ask Natalie where she wants to be in five years. “Here,” she says. “It’s taken me 15 years to realise that sometimes things are just good as they are and to feel contentment. When I first started, I wanted to be on Loose Women, present This Morning and take on the world. “I still want to do all that, but I also make the time to stop and enjoy where I am right now. I’ve got a career I love; my family and I get to be with horses every day.”