January 2015 FINISH LINE Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club Newsletter

Happy New Year! CONTENTS

Editors introduction 3 Yogi Breisner: From poles to jumps 4-6 Club news & forthcoming events 7 Sophia Brudenell column 8-9 Edward Gillespie OBE column 10 Tipster competition 11 Richard Davis award 11 John Hales column 12-15 Liam Treadwell column 16-17 Richard Hoiles column 18-20 Chepstow competition 21 Kim Bailey column 22-23 Jo Collinson column 24-26 Your club needs you 27

Cover image: Coral Eastment, Kate Hanson, Johns Spirit and Hawaii Five Nil wishing all our members a Happy New Year.

2 WELCOME…

Happy New Year to you! It seems a lifetime to give us the Irish perspective of the challenge since our last newsletter just one month they will lay down at the Spring Festivals in ago as so much has happened. Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown. Jonjo O’Neill’s team let out a collective sigh of I’m delighted to advise that we have another relief as the aptly named Rose Revived gave top class guest this month as Yogi Breisner has Jonjo his first winner in 61 runners and 50 long accepted our invitation to write a feature which days. Hopefully this proves a turning point in you will find on pages 4-6. the yards fortunes after a very difficult spell. Our January Club night takes place on January Paul Nicholls in contrast has hit a very profitable 21 at The Victory Club where we will be joined groove and proved a most by paddock watchers Ken Pitterson and Stuart worthy winner of the King George at Kempton Redding, with Melissa Jones being chair for the on Boxing Day. evening. If you take a glance at the ante post betting for The biggest news since we last saw you was Cheltenham you’ll observe that the bookies the announcement that our very own Edward anticipate the strongest Irish challenge ever. Gillespie has been awarded an OBE in Irish fancy after another appears to be Years Honours list for services to racing. I can’t at the head of every market, sometimes two think of any individual who has contributed or three deep more to the development of National Hunt before finding an racing in modern times and this accolade is English challenger. thoroughly deserved, congratulations Edward Will they really from all at CTCRC. sweep all before them or will the On page 27 you will see we have an invitation to Spring ground all Club members, old and new, to step forward bring a host of and join the Clubs committee in 2015. We have further surprises? I a great Club, but we do need help and support suspect the latter, from more people to help the Club continue but whatever the to grow, so do let us know if you wish to get outcome, the next involved. The legendary Yogi Breisner is few months will our guest columnist this month Here’s to more adrenalin filled doubtless bring as racing in the year ahead! many thrills as the season has already provided. In respect of the Irish challenge I’m pleased to Enjoy the racing advise that Jessica Lamb, our Irish correspondent Steve Ennis from last season will be re joining us next month

3 YOGI BREISNER: FROM POLES TO JUMPS

CTCRC are delighted to have a guest I’ve set up the exercises the words will ring out feature this month from Yogi Breisner, to Chris – once again – keep him straight – a bit British Eventing World Class Performance faster – a bit slower – give him more freedom – Manager, who writes about the etc. philosophies and techniques that he uses Jump racing is an exhilarating sport, and there is when assisting National Hunt horses with nothing more exciting than to see a racehorse their jumping. at full stretch soaring over steeple chases fences It’s still dark outside so the lights are blazing in and hurdles, and if you are young and brave Chris King’s indoor school in Lambourn. It’s mid- there is no better feeling in the world. I’ve been winter and cold and frosty, but the temperature very fortunate that from my background of is gradually rising in the indoor school as an eventing I’ve got an involvement with jump array of different racehorses are put through racing, a sport that I love. Great Britain and their paces, anything from a 3 year old off the Ireland have some excellent jump trainers who flat which has never jumped before in its life prepare and train the horses in a very thorough to experienced staying chasers. I’m kept busy and fantastic way; but sometimes a horse moving jumps and putting fences up and down might need a bit more specialist attention to and it doesn’t take long before Chris has to the all-important jumping and this is where I’ve remove his first layer. been lucky to have been asked to help. Using the knowledge I’ve gained from a lot of experts What am I talking about? This would be a typical in the show jumping and eventing world and morning for Chris who is still a successful active crossing this over to help improve a racehorse event rider but more and more into racing. With that has lost its way, or simply hasn’t quite age, I’ve found that I’m less effective sitting on understood what is required of him, so that it’s the horses and more effective on the ground hopefully not the jumping that will lose him so Chris now does all the riding. We discuss the races. To this effect I’ve discovered that using individual horses, what they need to do. Once

4 Chris King is an important member of our team

an indoor school or an arena with show jumps and he can concentrate on riding a race rather makes it easier as I can vary the height and than just trying to get the horse to jump. The position of the fences, put fences on different aim in the end is to get the horse to jump a distances, and use poles in order for the horse to hurdle or a chase fence as fast, as economical, improve his technique and realize a better way and as safe as possible. Generally speaking of jumping. In this way the indoor school has horses come in 3 categories. The naturally become the gym for an athlete, or the driving gifted that is born with a for jumping, range for a these horses need golfer, where very little practice in peace and and would not quiet one can “The aim in the end is to require any special work on the get the horse to jump a treatment but just horse’s jumping go through a normal technique. hurdle or a chase fence as training routine for them to develop My work is a fast, as economical, and as and enhance their stepping stone already good and schooling safe as possible” natural talent. At outside over the other end of the hurdles and scale is the untalented, uncoordinated, clumsy chase fences is also part of preparing the individual which, whatever work is done, will horse for jump racing. The better the horse always remain a bad jumper which is inclined understands how to deal with the fences, to make mistakes. Yes, with work one might measure the distance for their take off spot, and improve them a bit but they will always remain the better and less complicated technique they chancy jumpers. The vast majority of horses use to jump, then the easier it is for the jockey

5 are born with a certain amount of talent in the ground, or really winging him in on a maximum jumping department, and these are the horses stride length to the last fence or two in a race. that with good progressive systematic training All of this can lead to the horse losing some of can improve and develop their jumping even his basic and natural skills and, the same as other to extent that it sportsmen have to go becomes absolutely back to the basics of natural to them, but their sport in-between also if incorrectly “I’ve been very fortunate competitions, so does dealt with they to work with some very a National Hunt horse. could develop I’ve been very habits that would talented jockeys and fortunate to work with make them into some very talented bad jumpers. horses” jockeys and horses When a horse that have been arrives the first step is to find out its history. excellently prepared by their trainers to go Preferably I’ve seen the horse race and got and win some big races, and this is course very information from its trainer. I have often also satisfying. However, there is many a horse that spoken to the jockey. One would look at any has not improved regardless of what has been reasons why the horse needs help with its done, and certainly there is no guarantee that jumping e.g. bad balance, being one-sided, they will be better just because one is jumping or where the horse’s conformation would them over poles. Among many frustrations and prevent it from being a natural jumper, as well as disappointments there are some moments assessing the horse’s temperament to ascertain when a lot of hard work has gone into a horse if the problem is physical or mental. I would and one can see his gradual improvement, and then progress to assessing the horse’s jump even if he shouldn’t win he has still jumped over a small straightforward fence, usually just with zest – these are the moments that makes starting with some poles lying on the ground, it worthwhile driving down to Lambourn on a and then just trotting into a small fence to study dark winter’s morning. the horse’s reaction when he has a fence in Yogi Breisner front of him. I like to see a horse which drops his head and neck, looks at what is in front of him, is agile to adjust his feet to gather himself for the take-off, and then avoid hitting the fence when going over it. These are natural instincts that the horse to soar over hurdles and chase fences at 30 mph in a fast and safe way. In my experience, if the horses doesn’t do this well in trot into a small fence they will very rarely do it at speed in a race scenario. Often, over a period of time, in the competitiveness of racing the jockey has to demand certain things from the horse e.g. standing off the fence, taking off very early, support him when he has to jump out of heavy

6 CLUB NEWS & FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Racing Calendar January Philip Hobbs stable visit & racing at Taunton Saturday 10th Warwick Thursday 15th Ludlow Sarah Matthews has secured a booking to visit Friday 16th Chepstow Philip Hobbs’ stables before racing at Taunton Saturday 17th Taunton on Tuesday February 17. This trip will have Thursday 22nd Warwick limited spaces decided by ballot. If you are Saturday 24th Cheltenham interested please contact Sarah Matthews by Uttoxeter January 31. Email [email protected] or Monday 26th Ludlow call Sarah on 07729 847724 Tuesday 27th Taunton

Thursday 29th Towcester Friday 30th Chepstow Preview Night March 8 February CTCRC will again be supporting the Cheltenham Wednesday 4th Ludlow Festival preview night this year at the Centaur Thursday 5th Taunton Cheltenham, we will have a full guest line up Saturday 7th Uttoxeter communicated next month and welcome any Warwick volunteers in supporting this evening.

Club Trips February 18 AGM, 7.30pm start & Mongol Peter Collier, our vice Chairman is planning Derby Club Night several trips to Ireland that members are invited to join Peter on. Entrance to any Leopardstown Would you like to be Chairman of our Club or meeting is free for those attending with join the committee? If you do please get in Peter. If you’re interested in joining Peter touch with any committee member by February you can call him directly on 07802 228559 4, our details are on the back cover of this or email [email protected] In months magazine. addition Peter is planning the following trips, Following our AGM we will have a fascinating Punchestown festival April 28- May 2 ,Galway evening where we are joined by jockeys, Chris festival July 27- August 2, Irish Champion Maude, James Peel and Robert Skinner who weekend September 12 &13, Listowel festival all competed in the prestigious 2014 Mongol September 13-19. Derby.

7 SOPHIA BRUDENELL COLUMN

The Festival Build Up Begins Ian Renton is the Regional Director and he oversees all the different elements of the And so The Festival build up begins in earnest. Racecourse. He also has a responsibility for Although we are planning the Festival pretty Warwick, Wincanton and Exeter racecourses, all much from April onwards, the pressure and of which are now Jumps courses so the winter atmosphere in the office steps up a gear after period is certainly the busiest. There are then six the New Year’s Day race meeting and there is a different areas that work under Ian to include noticeable change in the focus on Cheltenham. Operations, Marketing, Sales, Racing, Finance I thought that for this month I might explain a and Catering. Most of these categories are pretty self- explanatory, with the Operations team made up of both the facilities/maintenance guys, of which there are five full time staff plus part time painters who spend their days working through the venue on a regular basis, and the operations team who are in charge of areas around car parking, building tented village, security, health and safety and also the development project. Marketing and Sales work closely together and there are about 22 staff in these two areas. Marketing are responsible for selling tickets and helping to market the restaurant/hospitality Ian Renton overseas not just Cheltenham, but packages and the non race day activity. There is also Warwick, Wincanton and Exeter a dedicated digital marketing member of staff, as well as myself in Communications who also bit about how the team at Cheltenham works – sits under the marketing department. I also have there are about 90 of us working on a full time a part time customer service assistant, who deals basis, which sounds a lot but when you consider with customer feedback etc. The sales team all the different elements of a race day and is made up of five race day sales guys, three the day to day running of a venue the size of who sell non race day, conference and events Cheltenham, there is a need for everyone! packages, three in charge of sponsorship and

8 three who are the sales coordinators, managing managed to do this year (we open gates late as tickets, special requests etc. it takes more time to set up, as it’s a bank holiday and people also turn up later than they normally The racing department includes about 10 do). I saw members of finance, marketing and ground staff, as well as the clerk of the course/ the conference and events team all helping to Head of Racing and his secretary. The gardening achieve this, which is great to see. No doubt and presentation of the site also sit under this there will be a few more challenges along the remit. The team grows enormously on race days way as we head into March. with the fence attendants on the course as well as doctors, vets etc. Sophia Brudenell The catering team work for Compass, as part of a joint venture between The and Cheltenham fixtures: Compass for all the 15 Jockey Club Racecourses. The Catering manager started 2 weeks before Festival Trials Day - 24th January The Festival last year and took over in July. The Festival - 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th March There are about 25 of the catering team who work under him, from the chefs, the team who The April Meeting - 15th & 16th April coordinate all the hospitality requests and those Hunter Chase Evening - 29th April whose job it is to solely recruit staff for events and race days. Recruiting 3,500 staff for The Festival is certainly a challenge! Finally, there are four who work in finance making sure we don’t overspend and that the bills are paid! The team are very dynamic and there is a real team spirit in the office, with different departments helping each other out when needed. For example, the biggest challenge on New Year’s Day is getting everyone through the gates in time for the first race, which we

9 Sadly, a proportion of injuries, some proving EDWARD fatal, have occurred between hurdles as horses become congested and their legs get into GILLESPIE contact with one another. In reviews following injuries in the past, reducing safety figures and giving each runner marginally more room, has COLUMN proved the most effective way of managing risk. A further benefit will be the greater competition Safety in Fewer Numbers for places to compete in these races with more The Champion Jockey and many others have risk of those on the margins of qualifying being welcomed the news that two fewer horses will balloted out or just on too low a handicap be able to compete in each of the Festival’s rating. This should encourage greater exposure Novice Hurdle Races and Handicap Hurdle to previous runs those horses that might lose Races. Races such as the JCB Triumph Hurdle out and may benefit the races in the build-up that as recently as 20 years ago accommodated for the meeting. It will also increase the number 32 runners, will have 10 fewer. of calls from trainers to the Handicappers of hurdlers pleading with them to raise a horse’s There will be numerous benefits from this recent rating so then get in. announcement and it remains an interesting contrast to see the two most eminent It makes decision making for trainers of those racecourses in the Jockey Club family approach travelling from Ireland even more challenging. the issue of field sizes and for very good reasons. More will need to weigh up the chances of getting a run and risk the expense of the trip The course at Aintree comprises and then not getting a place. two long straights, a shorter one in front of the stands and a bend after Becher’s that takes in Potentially, there will be an increased the Foinavon fence and Canal Turn. Even in the opportunity for one trainer to leave a second 21st Century, when trainers and jockeys can refer or third qualifying horse in a race to block to decades of video evidence, the 40 runners the chances of another leading contender and riders are happy to spread themselves competing against his more fancied entry. across the course, those to the outside having Expect even more deliberation from trainers on a better chance of staying out of trouble from which race will be the ultimate choice for those fallers. The Mildmay Course for both chasers and that have been entered in several. hurdlers is tighter than Cheltenham but very Good luck to all parties – the Racecourse, straightforward in design with no obstacles on owners, trainers, jockeys and above all, the the bends. horses in minimising the risks while maintaining If you have never done it, take a walk around the spectacle of this fabulous occasion. Cheltenham and see for yourself how virtually Edward Gillespie, OBE every stride from the turn out away from the stands to the top of the hill lugs left. All at CTCRC send there warmest Furthermore, even from the 2 Mile start, there congratulations to Edward on receiving an is an emphasis, in hurdle races, on not jumping OBE in the The New Years Honours, a most more than half a dozen widths off the inside. deserved accolade.

10 TIPSTER COMPETITION UPDATE

COMPETITION LEADERBOARD ctcrc.co.uk, selecting Events and then Tipsters SCORES TO END DEC 2014 Competition. 1 TONY COLEMAN B 200 If you have any questions about your entry, or its 2 PAUL JONES A 195 status, please contact Tony Coleman either on 3 STEVE TAYLOR G 165 07795 146242 or by e-mail at 4= DAVID BATEMAN B 160 [email protected]. 4= JIM CLARK C 160 6 BERNARD HOLTHAM A 155 7 DAVID SHEPHERD-CROSS B 152 8= TONY COLEMAN H 150 8= JOHN RICH B 150 RICHARD 8= MARTIN WITHINSHAW C 150 The entry scoring most points in December DAVIS AWARD was David Shepherd-Cross who just managed to hold on to top position with 95pts ahead of For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Cheltenham, 7 competitors on 85pts with 3 other entries a Chepstow, Ludlow, Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and further 5pts behind. Worcester during the period 27th April 2014 – 25th April 2015 Our congratulations go to David, who wins the (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three Counties £10 monthly prize. Race Club & Midlands Racing Club) COMPETITION LEADERBOARD Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a SCORES DEC MONTH Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. 1 DAVID SHEPHERD-CROSS B 95 1st Sean Bowen 181 pts 2= TONY COLEMAN B 85 2nd Peter Carberry 140 pts 2= BERNARD HOLTHAM A 85 2= DEAN SHANNON C 85 3rd Trevor Whelan 121 pts 2= JAMIE SHARP D 85 4th Nico De Boinville 120 pts 2= PAUL SMITH F 85 5th Conor Shoemark 91 pts 2= STEVE TAYLOR G 85 2= GILLIAN WALKER D 85 6th Jake Hodson 90 pts 9= DAVID BATEMAN C 80 Latest placings (up to and including 6th January 2015) 9= TONY COLEMAN A 80 Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey tragically 9= MARTIN WITHINSHAW C 80 killed in a fall over fences in 1996. Please don’t forget that you can track the status This award is named in his memory. of your entries on-line by accessing www.

11 Column header picture courtesy of John Grossick. JOHN HALES COLUMN

All our plans for December revolved and Dynaste ran very well to finish second. The around the King George on Boxing Day ground was not as quick as we hoped and Conti where we planned to run . took advantage of this to make it a real stamina test and deservedly becomes favourite for the It was a race we were really looking forward Gold Cup. The race certainly gives us something to and I suppose we should have been happy to think about in our plans for the Festival. Al with third place. It was a very worthy winner Ferof is a speed horse and it is no good going for a distance where he cannot use his speed and gears. We have to remember that he beat and when he won the “Nicky Henderson Supreme Novices. He is now fully recovered from the ulcer problem and all of the old speed has done a great is back which he showed in the Amlin Chase. We are now considering all options and will have job helping entries for the Gold Cup, The Champion Chase and the Ryan Air. It is possible we may go back Sprinter Sacre” to two miles in a race at Newbury or Ascot in February. At least that will make up our minds where to go at the Festival.

Silviniaco Conti took advantage of the soft ground It was very and was a deserved King George winner interesting to see Sprinter Sacre in his recent work out at Newbury. His work was very impressive and his connections, and particularly Nicky Henderson, have done a great job in helping him forget the bad experience he endured. This horse is great for racing

12 and I hope he fully recovers to be able to compete at the Festival. Great horses like Sprinter are few and far between and I wish the Trainer and connections all the luck in the world in getting him back to the level he reached before his problems. I said in a previous article that I fully expected Paul Nicholls to retain the Trainers Championship this year but I did not imagine he would have such a lead at what I regard as Nicky Henderson has done a great job nursing Sprinter Sacre the halfway stage. Prior to back from his bad experience going to Cheltenham on New Years Day my wife and at Cheltenham on January 24 and Aux Ptits Soins I went to Ditcheat to look at our young horses who is due to run at Fontwell on February 22. in training and I was very impressed particularly Aux Ptits Soins won his first race at Auteuil after with Pauls new circular gallop that is spread May 1st 2014 so unfortunately cannot compete over 3.5 acres and can be used for hurdles as in Novice company at the Festival. Both of well as chase fences. It was very exciting to see these horses have a lot of ability but I don’t our two new French horses who were both think you will see them at the Festival in March. winners in France. Ibis Du Rheu is due to appear It is possible that we may race one or both

Noel Fehily and Unioniste took the Class 2, 32 Red Casino Handicap Chase comfortably

13 at Aintree. The visit to Pauls yard showed the see our horses saddled and this time Unioniste number of talented horses still to appear. He has was really on his toes. He almost kicked the tremendous strength in depth and a very good saddling box wall out when he was saddled, I “Team Ditcheat” in support. had never seen him so well. We kept Noel Fehilly On Saturday January 3 we went to see Unioniste in the three mile chase at Sandown. “Wishing all of the Paul had told me about the further improvement in him readers a very happy and following his encouraging run in the Hennessy and we had seen him work during our prosperous New Year” visit to Ditcheat the previous week. I always go to the pre parade ring and to

14 as our jockey because I like continuity and he is of space and enjoyed better ground. Noel had very experienced. This will be a valuable asset Unioniste in the right place at all times and to should we go for our ultimate target, The Grand see them come up the Sandown hill was a National. After the Hennessy Noel said that great sight. Noel moved into the lead after the Unioniste did not like being boxed in on the rails Pond fence and over the last two fences he and preferred more space. That is exactly what accelerated away for a convincing victory. Noel did at Sandown. I’m now off for three weeks in Barbados (life’s He kept him on the outside, gave him plenty a bitch) when we will be joined by Paul and Georgie, plus my son Robert and his wife Helen and my daughter Lisa and our great friends from “to see them North Yorks Roy and Margaret Moody. Wishing all of the readers a very happy and prosperous come up the new year. Sandown hill was John Hales a great sight” It’s January, so I’m heading to the sun... Happy New Year!

15 We were all thrilled with Emperor’s Choice and Niceonefrankie winning their big races. LIAM They’ve raised the yards profile again, but it’s also the prize money winnings that is impressive. £290,000 has been won through winning races, TREADWELL but a further £165,000 has been won by getting COLUMN horses collecting place money. Venetia is outstanding at placing horses in races, not just where they can win, but also in Happy New Year Liam, How was your situations where they can win handsome prize Christmas? money. For example, Rocky Bender (rated 105) It was great thanks, I got Christmas day off, I was entered into a four runner Intermediate didn’t need to ride out for anyone, then had a chase at Sandown against vastly superior horses winner for Henry Oliver on Boxing Day along in early December (155 rated Black Thunder and with three other rides that all finished in the 150 rated Corrin Wood). Rocky Bender managed money. After that I’ve been flat out getting to squeak second place over a very tired Corrin plenty of rides albeit no more winners to date. Wood and collected £6,400 for second place. I’m on 22 winners for the season and of my 189 Contrast this generous prize with the first race rides so far 90 have finished in the first four so it’s at Chepstow on Welsh Grand National day, they going well. Fingers crossed I’ll keep busy, keep fit had 14 juvenile hurdlers contesting a race where and the weather won’t interrupt the racing. the first prize was £3,100 – less than half the prize money for winning in a pretty competitive How have the team at Venetia’s yard event. viewed their Christmas efforts? Because Rocky Benders form was so hard to

Emperors Choice (centre) gave Venetia her second win in the Welsh National

16 are always recommending riders to replace their whips when the cushioning wears out. The smacks on a horse sound considerably more dramatic than they really are. What other racing highlights have caught your eye during the last month? I guess has been the most impressive winner over the Festive period and he looks a worthy favourite for the . But the main thing to take from the last few weeks is the demonstration Niceonefrankie got our yard off to a great start in December of how tough racing can be with Jonjo ‘Neill’s yard not having a winner figure out, the handicapper left him on the 105 through the whole of December and rating and a week later he won at Bangor in a to hear as I did over the weekend that Nicky grade three, collecting another £6,600 in a four Henderson has only had four chase winners in runner race! the last six months. If big yards like that can have And I’ve got to ask your view on the whip tough periods it keeps us all on our toes. bans in some of the big races? We have Yogi Breisner writing for the It’s a minefield! The heart of the problem is that magazine this month have you ever each race is different and the strict interpretation worked with him? of the law may cause as many problems as it Yes, and I have to say he is outstanding. I’ve may solve. It compares to football and the law had the privilege of riding horses that he is on hand ball. Time and again penalties are given educating. He’s world class at reading a situation when the ball hits the hand, simply because the from the horses point of view. He has this knack defender couldn’t get out of the way. In racing of letting you know what the horse is thinking, I think we should trust the stewards to judge if which in turn helps you support the process the rider used force that was either excessive of building the horses confidence. At the end or inappropriate to the race situation. In my of the day in a race you’re going to have to ask view, the big races are not where the problem a horse to go and win the race without taking exists, instead it is more often you see a young it outside its’ comfort zone. Yogi’s view is the jockey in a grade five race smacking a horse in horse should be allowed to let the obstacle the wrong position and when the horse has no come to the horse, measure it, then commit. chance of winning...that’s when the bans should Yogi is phenomenal at working with horses on be applied. their terms, and the difference he can make in a What many people don’t realise is whips are single session is plain to see. massively cushioned and considerably lighter Liam Treadwell than they were even five years ago. Valets

17 RICHARD HOILES COLUMN

Steve Ennis writes... One of my duties as go back to accountancy. 22 years later I think I’ll Newsletter editor is to distribute bottles of leave the accounting behind! festive cheer to our monthly contributors How did the journey from raw recruit to who do such a brilliant job for us. Channel 4 take shape? I asked Richard Hoiles where was the best place It began with Ladbrokes in Harrow and at to deliver his Christmas present, he suggested Corsham St. in with S.I.S. I learned the the commentary box at Cheltenham on trade very quickly and after a number of very December 12. So with gloves, scarf and hat at enjoyable years I went to Hong Kong in 1997 the ready I spent a most enjoyable afternoon in where I worked for three years with the Hong Richard’s company gaining an insight into how Kong Jockey Club. I signed up a week before an accountant got into calling home the horses. China took over Hong Kong and then had an Here’s a snippet of our conversation; incredible time working in the most intense So Richard, how did you get started as a atmosphere. The Hong Kong public are literally race commentator? crazy about and gambling. Back in 1992 I was working as an accountant In Hong Kong horse racing coverage is the top when I saw S.I.S advertised in the Racing Post for rated TV and revenue from gambling accounts commentators to support their work through for 12% of the governments annual taxation the High Street bookmakers. I sent a demo tape revenue. I was privileged to be the first English in response to the advert and was selected, commentator to work abroad. despite having no formal training at all. I thought The prestige of that role opened many more I’d try it for 12 months and if it didn’t work out I’d

Richard’s “office” tools a microphone and a few The Hong Kong Jockey Club – a spectacular other bits workplace

18 March 14, 2008, Denman, Sam Thomas and Richard’s finest hour doors back in the UK as the Hong Kong Jockey I’m a fan of less is more, the more sparing you Club has a real cache. As a result of the Hong can be the better and the goal is to use the Kong role I was invited to do Royal Ascot for words to support the viewers enjoyment of the the racecourse in 1998. Today my time is split race as it unfolds. I try not to get in the way of with around 120 days a year doing commentary the occasion. Pre preparing lines to use is highly for Channel 4 or Racing UK and about 70 days risky and likely to backfire so I never do that. presenting. I also do presenting at various times So how do you prepare for each between January and March at Meyden in commentary? Dubai. Strangely enough, I literally take each race one What were the highlights of the Hong at a time. Imagine any day at the Festival, JP Kong experience? McManus’s colours may appear 10-15 times It was the intensity of the whole racing arena. on one card. Trying to remember every horse A normal card would be made up of 10 races is very difficult, so if you just make sure you’re under lights featuring high stakes gambling. concentrating on the next race then you’re The triple trio bet was very popular and on much less likely to make a mistake in calling a one occasion it carried a pool dividend of horse incorrectly. When the runners are going £11million. The bet format was to name the to post I check each colour so it is true to the first three in any order in the races 3, 4 and 6. A reported race card. I predominantly use the TV number of syndicate big hitters would regularly monitor, as this is what the viewer is seeing and aim to scoop the dividend and the racing was then also use binoculars and my own eyesight characterised by head bobbing five in a line to call the finish as the position at most tracks is finishes. Add into the mix the fact that each days usually ideal. work was conducted in 100% humidity and it Tell us how you manage the tempo of your made for heady and exciting times. voice? And back in the UK, what do you consider My voice will peak when I believe any given race makes a good commentary? is won. This can often be in the last stride of a

19 race, or on other occasions it may be as much as And when you’re not working, which a furlong out. If it’s the latter, you can then lower commentators do you like to listen to? the tempo as the winning horse approaches the I used to most admire the late Bill Collins, “The line by doing some race editorial in the closing Accurate One”, who commentated on many stages. classic Australian races and the duals between Among the thousands of races called greats such as Kingston Town and Bonecrusher. which one do you feel is most memorable However, when I’m watching racing today I due to your commentary? confess I have the volume turned down. By doing so, it makes me interpret what I’m seeing. That’s not for me to say, but I have had many

“I thought I’d try it for 12 months and if it didn’t work out I’d go back to accountancy” people tell me over the years that they enjoyed My afternoon drew to a close having witnessed the Denman Gold Cup in 2008 when at a pivotal Richard call three thrilling races from the seven run. moment in the race, Denman, who was putting One was a head bobber between Ulzana’s Raid and it to and the rest of the field, was a Big Easy which took the judge 8 minutes to call. It good eight lengths clear five out and bowling finished with a nose separating them, but Richard along. then fiddled the fifth last called it correctly live. Two other races finished at the top of the hill and the lead became 10 separated by a head, but Richard didn’t need the lengths in a couple of strides, at this point I said photo for these either. The tools of Richards trade “....and Denman’s got him at it!” as Ruby got to are remarkably basic – warm clothes, a race card, work on Kauto. As the words came out there binoculars, a TV monitor and the microphone was a palpable roar from the 60,000 crowd as which he and his fellow professionals use with such this proved decisive and Denman surged on distinction. When you finish reading this watch and beat a legless Kauto Star by a never nearer the playback of the Denman 2008 Gold Cup on 7 lengths. You Tube, Richard’s commentary really makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. The race is Which races do you find are the toughest iconic, but in some way this is due to the nature of to call? Richard’s commentary which really captured the Actually one of them is todays Cross Country race moment. I for one will continue to enjoy my racing as they are constantly changing direction and it with the volume deliberately turned up. can be hard to keep track of the whole field.

20 WIN A DAY AT THE RACES COMPETITION

This months question for the chance to win Two Due to holiday commitments, the winner of the Premier Enclosure Badges for any meeting of December Competition will be declared in the your choice, except the Welsh Grand National, at February 2015 edition. is given below. The question for January is: Each month the first correct entry drawn What is the price of Chepstow’s NH only from those received in time will be awarded a Annual Members’ Badge for 2015? voucher which can be redeemed for the Premier Badges direct with the racecourse office. Please post your entries to reach Tony Coleman by Friday 6th February 2015 at: The winner of the November Competition was regular contestant, Jamie Watt, who correctly 14 Ridge Green, Shaw, West Swindon, SN5 5PU answered that the total Prize Money for the 2014 alternatively, e-mail him at [email protected] Coral Welsh Grand National was £100,000. NB: Please remember to include your current Our congratulations, along with a voucher for membership number and postal address with two Premier Enclosure Badges to Chepstow, you entry. have been sent to Jamie.

21 KIM BAILEY COLUMN

Welcome 2015, I really do hope you will be One. Yes 2015 will be exciting too. as good as 2014? Last Years Gold Cup threw up a surprise and What a year 2014 was. Not only did we hit this year the book is open as to who will win 40 winners with Knockanrawley at Newbury, this race. Can Paul Nicholls’s King George just after Christmas, but we also managed to winner Silviniaco Conti improve again and win persuade AP McCoy to ride 16 winners for us; the blue ribbon of chasing? two super stars… well at least one. Oh those dreams and that is what Jump racing 2014 was a special year as we had some is all about. Nostalgia plays a large part too and cracking racing. Looking back on the on that note what would we do if Hurricane Fly could win at the festival again. What a remarkable horse, 21 group one races and he is still going strong.

The year ended with a thrilling Welsh Grand National. The racecourse came in for huge criticism for the way they looked after owners but the race itself was out of this world. Aidan Coleman and Sam Twiston-Davies fighting out the finish and as both 2014 saw AP McCoy ride 16 winners for me, what a superstar! jockeys went past the post they hugged each other in delight. It will have a lasting Cheltenham Festival of 2014 we saw Willie impression on those who watched; I am Mullins dominate and a year on he looks like not sure Paul Nicholls and Venetia Williams having a real chance of winning the Champion behaved in quite the same friendly way Hurdle with Faugheen, what a horse and what though. The lasting image would have been a battle we are in for with the home team if the four of them had hugged, it would have fielding last years unlucky loser in The New been a right royal to do if they had?

22 Moving on, how many times have you heard screen and when the entries appeared I was me say that running a racing yard is like embarrassed to see that I had entered into the running a school. Yes I am the head master and wrong race (by mistake). The race we should my pupils at times drive me around the bend. have been in we would have been odds on How is it that they can cough and how is it that favourite, well at least that is what the parents thought. Yes we to make mistakes, those bloody stupid touch screens are too small and “I am not good I should have been old fashioned and rung with tractors and Weatherby’s to make the entry - lesson learnt? Anyway here we are into 2015 and with so I am certainly not much to look forward to it is again going to be a very exciting year. For us a Cheltenham good at hospital Festival winner? Who knows we have a few here who might be there and one might win visits” too.. I hope so. See you next month. ring worm can creep into the yard. It always Kim Bailey does and the hardest part is to try and stop it causing just more than the customary head Kim Bailey Racing Ltd ache. I suppose being on a hill helps blow the Thorndale Farm, Andoversford cobwebs away and no sooner than we arrest Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 4LL one problem another arrives. A Broken arm T: 01242 890241 F: 01242 890193 for the person who drives the tractor, which M: 07831 416859 then decides to break down in sympathy, yes on Christmas Day when there is nobody about to sort it out except yours truly. I am not good with tractors and I am certainly not good at hospital visits, so that’s the staff and pupils done, now for the parents. One was not particularly happy when I was asked to make an entry for their horse on New Years day at Musselburgh. This I did, but on my mobile touch A great race and great camaraderie between Aidan Coleman and Sam Twiston-Davies

23 JO COLLINSON COLUMN

Nothing can disguise that our yard has There was not any need for the usual bus, and been quiet of not only winners, but of a line of cars made their way to the bottom of runners too. They have not been running the gallops, where we parked up where we right for a while and, by now, we are all just usually take the turn on the horses! The Plough praying for a winner soon. provided a great party with delicious food – three courses we could barely finish! – and a There have been glimmers of a winner: disco. There was much merriment and everyone homebred Rose Revived came second in the was chuffed when A.P McCoy walked through fillies’ bumper at Newbury in December and the door. Richie McLernon said the toast and Sebastian Beach was also second in a juvenile ended up singing some Irish tunes with little hurdle at Exeter on New Year’s Day. Conditional back up apart from clapping. He then put us all jockey Paddy Cowley must take full credit for to shame by busting moves on the dance floor Rose Revived good second place, as he rides her for far the longest. I left at half past one, after the out daily and she is very troublesome! She will revellers had considerably thinned out and the kick other horses and buck extremely high, but last left at half two. he just laughs at her and says, “Good girl, Rosie.” Before this on the 13th, the Amateur Jockeys Last year, we were flying and bouncing out Association of GB held their annual ‘Champions doubles and trebles – yet, we cannot look back and must play the waiting game until our horses are running well and, most importantly, winning. During times such as this, morale can dip somewhat. We still work hard, ride out and battle against the wintery weather, just have no results to show for it. Fingers crossed our results pick up soon. Christmas time came at the right time – to boost morale and get everyone partying. On the 23rd, Jonjo O’Neill and his wife Jacqui held our Christmas party down the Plough Inn, at Ford. There were drinks first in the owner’s suit, which got people chatting and chinking glasses in celebratory fashion. A few of us girls had made an effort to wear dresses, especially glittery ones. Josh Amore, our very own Essex boy, looked Myself, Tori Knight from David Bridgewater’s and gorgeous as a boy band member. Ally Stirling at the amateur awards ceremony

24 Christmas Dance’ at . Christmas party apparently – and had to leave! It was the quietest dinner dance I have ever , via Facebook and attended, with less than ten tables but there Twitter, held a competition for the yard with the were a few familiar faces including ex-jockey most festive photo alongside their Boxing Day Ollie McPhail and Dr Philip Pritchard, who runners. Johns Spirit and Hawaii Five Nil donned is friend to us all. I was invited to go by Ally tinsel and reindeer antlers, and their grooms Stirling, who was Lady Champion (National Coral Eastment and Kate Hanson and John’s Hunt), alongside Ally’s family and Tori Knight, regular rider Hannah Worgan wore Christmas who works for David Bridgewater. I worked jumpers. Hannah’s had flashing lights and even with Ally at Nigel Twiston-Davies, where she played a tune! I was looked after Little Josh roped in and wore a and Khyber Kim, and mistletoe one as was we have always kept “There was much head travelling girl in touch since. This Laura Morgan and season, she had many Hughie the Jack Russell, winners under Rules merriment and also wearing a mini and point-to-pointing, jumper! Our attempts including her first ride everyone was of getting a yard cat over the big fences in failed when she took the Aintree Foxhunters. chuffed when A.P one look at the horses, She is very modest scratched Jordan and humble about her McCoy walked McMurray and pelted success, and is full time away. Assistant trainer for Fergal O’Brien, who through the door” Guy Upton took the she has worked for photo from up in the since he began training. owner’s suit, laughing The Gentleman National Hunt award went to at us. Harry Bannister, who was at Jonjo’s since the It was a great effort from all the yards that took summer but has recently dropped back to riding part. Team Twiston-Davies had Double Ross, out due to commitments elsewhere, including lots of staff in woolly jumpers and a sexy Santa riding out for Charlie Mann and up in Yorkshire in knee-high boots! All the photographs were for Tim Easterby and ‘pointing every weekend. funny and festive, and gave everyone a good Harry did make a speech but did not ramble on giggle. too much. The day before Dursey Sound’s last run, I rode A group of my colleagues came to the after- him out first lot and as we were walking down dinner party but ended up in the Centaur, not the gallop, a bird flew out of the trees and the Gold Cup Suit, where they thought it was Dursey shot sideways. I was deposited on the a wild party with free bar, chocolate fountain edge of the gallop. It was still dark and there and live band. Sadly, they had mistakenly gate- was carnage as Dursey trotted loose (Coral and crashed the wrong party – an oil rig company’s Optimistic Bias ended up in the hedge). As I was

25 only a couple of meters from catching Dursey, me to the ground. There were a lot of fresh ones he trotted off, clattering up the road and out and youngsters out so mayhem occurred but of earshot. The string continued down and I Dursey was penned in quickly. Josh legged me attempted jogging up the hill but had given like a true gentleman! up by the time Jonjo picked me up in the jeep. The following day, having finished trotting Alan Berry and Sunnyhillboy got a nasty shock “Fingers crossed our results pick up soon”

around the circle, on third lot, a lot of horses kicked off. Hurricane’s Girl span round and, yep, dropped me unceremoniously down onto the grass. She galloped back to the yard, where I got back on her, caught up with the string and she behaved perfectly after that! That was my second fall within twenty-four hours and my third in ten days! I’ve not been the only one though: Jonjo (Junior) O’Neill, on his holidays from sixth form, fell off Highpower and Bronco Billy and Alan, who never falls off and usually clings on like a limpet, was dumped by Shutthefrontdoor. Gabby Gacova and AP McCoy at our Christmas party I have been given a new horse to “do” and he is the Sunnyhill Boy. In the past, Sunny was always looked after by Sergiy Lutsenko, a valued as Dursey nearly ran them over. Dursey was member of the team who we lost back in June. charging around up the top; spotted by the They shared many a successful day together, glint of his eye in the headlights. Dursey evaded including a Festival win and that agonising capture and trotted merrily back to the yard – as second in the 2012 Grand National. I feel most loose ones do! Jitu Singh caught him by honoured to now have Sunny and, whether he the walkers and legged me up, with a grin. runs or not, I will always have Sergiy in mind, as Sunny will always be his horse. On Boxing Day, we were trotting round the circular gallop and had just changed direction All at CTCRC are keeping their fingers across the middle. Michelle Marsh and I were in crossed for Jo and the team at Jackdaws mid-conversation, and Dursey squealed, bucked getting back in the winning groove soon and dropped his shoulder, once again dropping

26 YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU

On February 18 we have our Clubs Annual preview event on Sunday March 8. Due to family General Meeting at the New Victory Club in commitments Marlyn Miles has stepped down Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham that starts at 7.30pm. from the committee, we are extremely grateful All Club members are invited to attend and this to Marlyn for her support as a committee year we are especially keen to introduce more member. In addition Judith Wooliams is staying Club members to our committee, YOUR CLUB on the committee, but has advised also that due REALLY NEEDS YOU. to family commitments she will have to take on a less active role. We have had many new members in the last 12 months which has been excellent for the So here’s your chance, why not make 2015 the Club, however, the committee do need help in year you come on board and support us in supporting the continued success of the Club. keeping our great Club moving forward with stable visits, Club nights, race days, fundraising Our Chairman Doug Miles is keen to pass on and everything else we do. If you have any the baton of being Chairman to another Club questions feel free to call Steve Ennis on 07767 member in 2015 – would you like to apply? If 228866. you would, please contact Doug directly who can advise you on what the role entails. Doug’s We look forward to seeing as many of you as email is [email protected] or you can possible at the AGM on February 18. call 07515 703058. You may be reading this as Steve Ennis a relatively new member, if so, all the better, as the committee welcome new and old members alike, all you need is a willingness to join in and we will guide you on what’s required. We also need help at our regular Club nights each month and need a team of volunteers to support the annual Cheltenham Festival

27 Publication No. 293 - January 2015 President: Alan Lee Vice President: Alastair Down www.ctcrc.co.uk [email protected] Regular club meetings held at: The New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. 01242 690351 The next newsletter will be online and posted to members in mid-February. The newsletter is now in colour – for colour version please download from the website.

Club officers – Names & addresses: Doug Miles Steve Ennis Chairman Newsletter Editor [email protected] 07767 228866 07515 703058 [email protected] Peter Collier Phil Bradley Vice Chairman 01242 820596 [email protected] Claire Abbatt 07802 228599 01242 673641 Judith Woolliams Antonia Lord Secretary 01386 833385 7, St Mary’s Road, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 1AW [email protected] [email protected] 01285 659023 Mike Lawrence 07739 223248 Colin Nelson [email protected] Treasurer 87, Roman Hackle Avenue, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4ST Newsletter Designed by Ian Scovell [email protected] 01242 578634 Sarah Matthews Membership Secretary Loxley Cottage, Long Marston, Stratford on Avon, Warks, CV37 8RH Stable visit details email [email protected] Membership enquiries to [email protected] 07729 847724