🎙️ Oli Bell: The Heart of Horse Racing, the Power of Authenticity 🐎
By Kioi Studio
When you think of horse racing on TV, one of the first voices that comes to mind is Oli Bell — sharp, warm, and effortlessly engaging. But behind the charm lies a deeper story of passion, poker, and purpose. In this fireside-style conversation, Oli opens up about what it really means to be a presenter, why authenticity matters, and the emotional world behind the racing industry.
🏇 Inside the World of Horse Racing
Oli has presented at some of the sport’s biggest events — the Grand National, Royal Ascot, and the Cheltenham Festival, to name a few. But for him, it’s not just about the spectacle. It’s about connection.
“I started as a runner and worked my way up. It’s always been about loving what I do — I never feel like I’m going to work.”
He highlights the emotional pull of the sport, from family ties to the bonds between horses and humans. Stories like the stable lad who won £1 million from a small accumulator bet bring colour and humanity to a sport that is often misunderstood.
🎙️ Presenting with Purpose
Oli’s “North Star” as a presenter is authenticity. He doesn’t believe in putting on a character for the cameras.
“I don’t want to be a caricature of a presenter. I want people to say, ‘He’s the same on and off screen.’ That’s what matters.”
It’s this relaxed, real style that draws viewers in — and keeps them coming back. Mistakes? He embraces them. Pressure? He keeps perspective.
“Nothing’s too good and nothing’s too bad. I stay pretty level. And that helps.”
♠️ Poker, People, and Reading the Room
A little-known fact: Oli is also a high-level poker player. He credits the game with sharpening his intuition and reading people — skills that translate directly into live TV presenting.
“Poker teaches you to read the room fast. You learn when to press, when to hold back — it’s the same with interviews.”
The poker world, too, comes with wild stories — like the player who got breast implants for a million-pound prop bet 🤯 or another who tried to live in a bathtub for six months.
🐴 The Unseen Heroes of Racing
Oli shines a light on the grooms, stable staff, and jockeys who make the racing world tick. These are people who start their day at 4:30 a.m., rain or shine, caring for the horses with unmatched dedication.
“They work in freezing conditions, travel non-stop, and often go unrecognised. They’re the heart of the sport.”
He also shares touching stories about horses used in therapy — how their intuition and gentleness have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, and disabilities reconnect with themselves.
🌍 Racing’s Future: Diversity, Access, and Storytelling
Oli is clear-eyed about the challenges facing horse racing today. The sport needs to evolve, diversify, and invite new generations in.
“We can’t be an elite, closed-off world. We need to open the doors — through syndicates, through stories, through inclusion.”
He points to student attendance at races, accessible ownership schemes, and a rise in media coverage as reasons for optimism. His acclaimed documentary Riding a Dream — now being adapted into a feature film — is just one example of how storytelling can inspire a wider audience.
💬 Final Thoughts
Oli Bell isn’t just a presenter. He’s a connector — someone who brings people, animals, and stories together in a way that feels human, grounded, and meaningful. Whether he's presenting a race, playing a poker hand, or championing change, he leads with heart.
🧩 Quickfire Insights from Oli:
🎲 Joy in: Poker, backgammon, and sport
🎬 Favourite artist: Matthew Small
🪂 Bucket list: Attend the Palio horse race in Siena
🧠 Best advice: “You were in their shoes once — they might be in yours one day.”
🌍 Wish for the world: A more inclusive and diverse racing industry
Listen here: https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
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