A RACING MIND
If you're an avid follower of racing, you may well have seen "A Racing Mind", a superb four-part mini documentary series from the Cotswold Film Company following National Hunt jockey Lilly Pinchin on her journey through the 2023/24 season.
Living with ADHD, Lilly faces unique challenges that shape both her career and personal life, and this film digs beneath the surface of the emotional and physical rollercoaster world of horse racing, while capturing the highs and lows and the impact of ADHD on an elite sportswoman.
Research indicates that approximately 7% to 8% of elite athletes have ADHD, compared to a lower prevalence in the general public. The documentary aims to raise awareness of ADHD in sport and explores how Lilly’s coping mechanisms help her manages the difficulties the condition brings, whilst also leveraging its strengths.
Living with ADHD, Lilly faces unique challenges that shape both her career and personal life, and this film digs beneath the surface of the emotional and physical rollercoaster world of horse racing, while capturing the highs and lows and the impact of ADHD on an elite sportswoman.
Research indicates that approximately 7% to 8% of elite athletes have ADHD, compared to a lower prevalence in the general public. The documentary aims to raise awareness of ADHD in sport and explores how Lilly’s coping mechanisms help her manages the difficulties the condition brings, whilst also leveraging its strengths.
PART ONE
A deep look at Lilly Pinchin beyond the racetrack. She reflects on her ADHD and its impact on her career, while time at home with her parents sets the stage for her journey. The episode then follows her to Charlie Longsdon’s yard as she prepares for the 2023/24 season.
PART TWO
At Bangor-on-Dee, the summer jumps season kicks off, bringing highs, lows, and a true test of Lilly’s determination. Back at the yard, her ADHD shapes her approach as the horses arrive and the momentum builds for the season ahead.
PART THREE
Momentum builds with race days at Chepstow, Sandown, and Cheltenham. Lilly connects with James Owen, who could help her chase down her claim. As pressure mounts, her ADHD makes it harder to shake off setbacks—but her focus remains on the goal.
PART FOUR
We look back at Lilly’s childhood and how ADHD has shaped her journey and success. She lands her first double, leaving her just one win from riding out her claim. With rides at Sedgefield and Fakenham, the pressure is on.
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Created by two childhood friends Louis Gill and Pete Moore in 2014, The Cotswold Film Company has become one of the go-to video production teams in the horse racing industry, and can often be found at many racecourses and training establishments up and down the country.
Louis Gill, Director & Cinematographer
“Being a filmmaker, I'm always looking for stories to tell and Lilly's story is one that interested me. Having known Lilly for many years we were able to get a real unique insight into her life as a professional sportswoman with ADHD. I want to introduce this wonderful sport to as many people as possible. This documentary will hopefully inspire people, especially those who are neurodivergent, that you can achieve great things. Follow your passions, work hard and the world is at your feet.”
Pete Moore, Assistant Cinematographer & Producer
“Working on ‘A Racing Mind’ was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was logistically tough—we were following the story as it happened, with no script and no guarantees. We are a small team andhad virtually no funding, often operating with just a single camera, yet the result speaks to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved. This production has given me real confidence in what we could accomplish on future projects - especially if we had the support of a proper budget.”
Billie Jones, Editor & Producer
“I love creating content that truly connects with people, drawing them in on an emotional level. As someone new to the world of horse racing, my goal was to craft a story that resonates beyond the sport—something that anyone could find inspiring or moving. When planning a ‘A Racing Mind’, we had several important goals to achieve, and weaving it all together was both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding part of the journey.”
cotswoldfilmcompany.co.uk
Louis Gill, Director & Cinematographer
“Being a filmmaker, I'm always looking for stories to tell and Lilly's story is one that interested me. Having known Lilly for many years we were able to get a real unique insight into her life as a professional sportswoman with ADHD. I want to introduce this wonderful sport to as many people as possible. This documentary will hopefully inspire people, especially those who are neurodivergent, that you can achieve great things. Follow your passions, work hard and the world is at your feet.”
Pete Moore, Assistant Cinematographer & Producer
“Working on ‘A Racing Mind’ was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was logistically tough—we were following the story as it happened, with no script and no guarantees. We are a small team andhad virtually no funding, often operating with just a single camera, yet the result speaks to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved. This production has given me real confidence in what we could accomplish on future projects - especially if we had the support of a proper budget.”
Billie Jones, Editor & Producer
“I love creating content that truly connects with people, drawing them in on an emotional level. As someone new to the world of horse racing, my goal was to craft a story that resonates beyond the sport—something that anyone could find inspiring or moving. When planning a ‘A Racing Mind’, we had several important goals to achieve, and weaving it all together was both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding part of the journey.”
cotswoldfilmcompany.co.uk