FEBRUARY 2017

FINISH LINE Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club magazine

NIGEL’S BRISTOL CREAM? CONTENTS WELCOME

Editors introduction 3 You’ve probably never heard of the seven can take to ante post betting, that may help give Paul Kealy guest column 4-7 year old hurdler Konig Dax, trained with you an edge in the perennial battle with the David Pipe and owned by Paul and Clare bookmakers. Rory Delargy guest column 8-11 Rooney. After all, in his two appearances Of our regular columnists, we learn from in the UK he was beaten 91 lengths in a Philip & Sarah Hobbs column 12-13 Sophia Dale of the colossal undertaking that is grade four hurdle and then fell on his next John Hales column 14-15 happening right now in preparing Cheltenham’s appearance. Jo Collinson column 16-18 many and varied temporary structures that are But on March 13 2014 at Saint Malo, Konig being built in time for the doors opening on Win a day at the races competition 19 Dax became the first and only horse ever to March 14. Richard Davis award 19 beat . Since then 15 victories have Before then we have our AGM at the Victory followed for Douvan and to watch him win the Club news & forthcoming events 20-21 Club on February 15, which is followed by our Boylesport Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown club night which takes a look at National Hunt Adam Hurley column 22-23 you have to ask, “is this the best chaser we’ve breeding. We will be joined by Simon Sweeting Liam Treadwell column 24-25 ever seen?” loves playing statues who runs Overbury Stud and Stephen Hadley on him, mindful that he doesn’t distract the January Club Night 26-28 who has close ties with the viewers eye from the beauty of the horse Breeders’ Association. Sophia Dale column 29-30 beneath him. There’s no meaningful opposition Tipster competition update 31 to take him on, but it doesn’t dilute the Our annual Festival preview takes place at The Cover picture; Nigel Twiston-Davies will be hoping Bristol De Mai can excitement of looking forward to seeing him in Centaur on March 12 and we have a stellar bring him a second Gold Cup – the 6 year old heads to the race having the months ahead at Cheltenham, Aintree and guest list once more including Sir AP McCoy never finished outside the first two in his eleven chases to date. Punchestown. and Joe Tizzard with Richard Hoiles once again asking the questions, we look forward to seeing In our magazine this month we’ve come you there as the evening is free for all CTCRC down with a bout of Festival fever. We kick off CTCRC sent Ciaran Gething’s a best wishes card after experiencing dreadful abuse via social media. We offered members. our support, reminding him that he is the CTCRC Richard Davis Champion Conditional Rider in 2016, has the with two special guests, Paul Kealy reprises best support possible in Philip and Sarah Hobbs and a wonderful girlfriend in Kate Tracey. You can read the his column of last year by having a look at the The daffodils are emerging from the winter article from Kate Tracey at: www.racingpost.com/ fancied horses for the Festival and giving his ground and spring is just around the corner, opinion on whether they should be supported what lucky people we are to have the or taken on. Rory Delargy is our second guest to look forward to. The and gives a guide to the type of approach you debates will rage in the weeks ahead, with opinions offered on who the likely winners might be. My only guess is that Konig Dax will secure his place in horseracing quizzes for years to come. Enjoy the racing Steve Ennis

Douvan – quite possibly the best chaser I’ve ever seen

2 3 PAUL KEALY GUEST Expect a titanic dual between Apple’s Jade and Vroum Unowhatimeanharry doesn’t do losing and is good COLUMN Vroum Mag in the Mares Hurdle value at 7/4 after his success

Twelve months ago there were no fewer opponent I was wrong more often than right, so winning the 2016 Irish has not Conclusion Apple’s Jade beat Vroum Vroum than 14 ante-post favourites at the the effort was only so-so after all. been bettered by a two-miler since the days of Mag when they met at Fairyhouse and while she Cheltenham Festival with a best price of . The problem, of course, is that he didn’t probably got a better ride in a slow-run race and There were four odds-on shots at this stage just 3-1 or shorter, but how did they do? run last year (when 4-11 ante-post at this stage) was getting weight, she’s the one with the most last year, but of those only Douvan won, with and hasn’t been seen since that Irish Champion. potential to improve. It will be close, but she’s More importantly, having given my opinion on ’s loss from the Champion Hurdlle a We keep being promised that he’s near a run, the one I favour. all of them in this column, how did I do? double hammer blow to ante-post favourite but now it seems he might go there without backers as switched to and Wednesday Actually I only gave a proper opinion on 13 of one, if at all. famously won the big one. them, but only because I was certain the ill-fated Douvan - Queen Mother Champion Chase Conclusion The recent news that Buveur D’Air would be going for the Gold Cup, so There aren’t as many high-profile hotpots this - 4-9 will join Yanworth in opposition does make you I’m afraid I’m going to have count that one as a season but there is still plenty to talk about so it’s If I’ve one problem with Douvan it’s that he’s wonder whether personal loser. an exercise worth repeating - here’s hoping I do never beaten a JP’s men know a bit better. really good horse. Of the other 13, just five won, including two something we He’s a young horse who The only problem of the biggest-priced ante-post jollies, one of Tuesday don’t and I don’t with that argument whom, Ivanovich Gorbatov, actually went off at - Racing Post - 5-6 see how you can could just be a superstar is that there are no 9-2. He’s the one non-winning favourite I managed back Faugheen right really good two- to tip in last year’s column and I can’t say I’ve now. By my calculations I got eight right and five milers at present, seen much to beat him. A Racing Post Rating of wrong, but on the instances I named a preferred Apple’s Jade v Vroum Vroum Mag - Mares’ which is a shame because we’re not getting to 167, earned at Kempton over Christmas, would Hurdle - 2-1 & 9-4 see what he’s really made of. He has only once be good enough to win the vast majority of This is a match that I think will happen. For gone off at bigger than 1-4 in a chase, which Arkle’s and he has so far shown a lot more than all the talk of Vroum Vroum Mag being Willie tells you all about the opposition. That said, he Min, who he conquered in last year’s Supreme. Mullins’ supersub capable of running in the thrashes everything in a style reminiscent of Conclusion Min has looked the part and it Champion Hurdle, Stayers Hurdle, Gold Cup and and we still haven’t come close might be closer, but Altior gives the impression Ryanair, it would be a departure from the norm to finding out what his limit is. It’s doubtful he’s a bit special and I’ve no enthusiasm for for him not to aim her at the easiest race, which whether we will do in the Champion Chase taking him on. is the one she won last year. I also think she is either, so let’s just hope he and Altior (assuming the most overrated horse in training as take her he continues to progress) stay fit and healthy Faugheen - Champion Hurdle - 5-2 7lb sex allowance away and she has the form and meet next year. He trades at as short as 5-4 with a run and it’s of no more than a fair Grade 2 horse. Apple’s easy to see why as his peak form is head and Conclusion Wins easily. Jade looked brilliant last spring, is definitely shoulders above everything else. Indeed, the being prepared for the race and looks all about Cantlow - Cross Country Chase - 11-4 Singlefarmpayment – back him for whichever race Racing Post Racing of 177 he earned when he goes to at Cheltenham stamina. Enda Bolger is the undisputed king of cross

4 5 country chasing and it has taken him barely Nicholls can persuade to conserve not. Like many of the big Irish hopes down the have run off higher BHA ratings in the past ten a year to turn what used to be a professional his energy I think he’ll be impossible to kick out years, Death Duty has done most of his winning years, seven of which were rated at least 10lb loser into the best in this discipline. It’s true of the first three and double-figure odds are over hurdles in small fields off a slow gallop higher (Sprinter Sacre and were 19lb Cantlow was beaten three lengths on Trials day crazy in my book. on bottomless ground, conditions he is clearly and 20lb higher). There is still time for him to at Cheltenham by 50-1 shot Urgent De Gregaine, unlikely to get. pull away, but not as much as you might think Unowhatimeanharry - Stayers Hurdle - 7-4 but he was giving the French challenger 15lb because he is already nine. For a horse who is unbeaten since November Conclusion Yet to race on decent ground or and, given the distance back to the rest (course 2015 - with four of his eight wins coming at over further than 2m4f and while there’s no Conclusion He’s the right favourite, but I don’t specialist Any Currency was 21 lengths back in Cheltenham - he doesn’t seem to have captured reason to believe either will be a problem, he’s think many will be scared to take him on and a third) it’s easy enough to argue he ran a career the imagination of the public. Almost every short enough without that proven form. And big field will seriously test his jumping, which is best. In fact, on Racing Post Ratings (158) he did pundit wanted to take him on come Trials day, that’s before you consider the opposition, which suspect at Cheltenham. I’ve backed against him so by a mile, so it’s not surprising the few who including this one, includes ’s with and pushed him out in the but again he did the half-brother West Bristol De Mai the betting have since cut business. Perhaps it’s Approach, whose RPR picks. The latter still him again. I think he’ll be don’t be surprised if that because he doesn’t of 157 for finishing third looks value to me as Conclusion He’ll be impossible to kick out do it in the style of a to Unowhatimeanharry one proves a real threat he’s a young horse off level weights at Thistlecrack, but one in the Cleeve would who could just be a the Festival, so has of the first three and thing he has in his have been good again and he looks a superstar. much in his favour, favour is that he knows enough to win 11 of spot of each-way value Finally, in last year’s but throughout the double-figure odds how to battle and is the previous 12 Albert piece I closed with last mile you got the willing to do so. Bartletts. at around 10-1 are crazy in my book a tip for one of the impression Felix de Conclusion With Thistlecrack - Timico handicaps and Giles could pick him up Buveur D’Air Champion Gold Cup - 7-4 the less said about that the better - okay, it was whenever he wanted on Urgent De Gregaine, so Hurdle-bound you’d have to think ownermate Now the big one. Brilliant winner of last year’s The Giant Bolster, who was retired not long don’t be surprised if that one proves a real threat is going take on Unowhatimeanharry here Stayers Hurdle and wowed everyone when afterwards! again and he looks a spot of each-way value at and he’d be a big player if getting there. Can’t winning the King George, even if the form was around 10-1. I’ll try again this year, but go the other end help thinking the favourite will tough it out, hard to rate highly given how badly of the age scale. I am thoroughly convinced though. jumped and how close the others were behind. Thursday Singlefarmpayment is at least 10lb better than Then he got beat at Cheltenham by Many Yorkhill - JLT Novices’ Chase - 2-1 Friday his mark of 142. He dropped to 2m5f when Clouds in a contest that typified racing’s ability Brilliant winner of last season’s Neptune and brought down at the Trials meeting six out Death Duty - Albert Bartlett Novices’ to warm the heart one minute and break it the unbeaten in two chase starts by the beginning (cantering at the time), so his target is hard to Hurdle - 5-2 next. It was so sad. My initial feeling (through of February, but has shown a worrying tendency pinpoint, but I will back him wherever he goes, There’s normally at least one talking horse from beer goggles) was that Thistlecrack didn’t stay, to hang and jump left. He did it over hurdles even if he takes the Grade 1 route in the RSA. I Ireland whose price bears no reflection to its but the race was run over nearly the Gold Cup too, but the problem seems more marked over suggest you do the same. form and it’s easy enough to argue Death Duty distance due to rail movements and they pulled fences. With a left-hand rail to run against, that is the one this year, the only surprise being he a long way clear, so that doesn’t really hold As always, I wish you the best of luck in your might not hinder him at Cheltenham, but he’s is not trained by . Gordon Elliott water. What does is that Thistlecrack’s jumping personal battle with the bookies. also only 3-1 with a run for the Champion Hurdle thinks the world of him and you have to pay was again sloppy at Cheltenham, which may and no bigger than 8s all in, and the prospect Paul Kealy, Racing Post Betting Editor attention to one of the shrewdest men in the prove his downfall. Also, while many have of him running there has to be deemed a game, but Death Duty was in a real battle with declared Thistlecrack could be the best they’ve Once again CTCRC are indebted to Paul for possibility given the doubts about Faugheen. Augusta Kate, who traded at odds-on before ever seen, he hasn’t yet separated himself from taking time out to provide his guest column. Conclusion He was not that impressive at coming down at the last at Navan in January, the pack by the sort of margins some people Paul is now undertaking his customary lock-in Leopardstown when beating a 132-rated rival and that form does not entitle him to be the think. The handicapper has left his chase mark to produce the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival and I’m keen enough to take him on. If Paul price he is, whether he would have won or on 171 and by my reckoning at least 25 horses Guide which is available to buy from February 24

6 7 RORY DELARGY GUEST COLUMN

Call The Cops (15) won the off 138 in Annie Power won the Champion Hurdle supplanting concession and means you will get a fair bet 2015. The 5lb penalty was collected on February 28 the ante post favourite Faugheen who had been 1/3 Searching for value in Cheltenham after the weights had been announced, well done Festival Markets on any of your fancies, but without BOG (as Mr. Henderson! most firms go) it’s hardly an invitation to bet In an obvious way, the advent of the at all. The book for the first eight horses in Non-Runner-No-Bet concession has Bet365’s list adds up to 172%, whereas it will ’s Alary, who attracted support for That’s the simple logic, of course, but in been a godsend to ante-post punters, be close to 105% on the day for those who the Gold Cup before making his debut for the reality, Alary ran poorly but was found to have especially in an era where the range of shop around. That’s not a swipe at the bookies yard in the Peter Marsh Chase. The logic for scoped dirty after the race, so may yet end targets for individual horses is much in this instance, as many of the horses they punters was this: he’s currently not rated high up lining up on St Patrick’s Day, which would broader than in the days of a Tuesday- are quoting are unlikely runners for whom enough to be considered a Cheltenham Gold muddy the waters, but it’s clear that there is an Thursday Cheltenham Festival. they will be refunding stakes, making the high Cup fancy, but he’s yet to run here, and could opportunity to have your cake and eat it in the For example, if you’re a fan of Vroum Vroum percentage books a necessity, and going BOG easily improve for a change of yard to change right circumstances. The key is to identify the Mag, you can back her means that it’s almost a that. On the other hand, French horses often right circumstances. fail to adapt to win her March target loss leader for the Stoke To dig out a great to the English at a juicy price, but given Willie’s will firm. The problem for us example from regime, and he Ask yourself…”Under she has entries in all six is that it’s very hard to the archives, could just as championship races, won’t be bent to lock in value ante-post what circumstances could easily regress. If how can you risk your given how short the demolished his anyone’s wishes, he isn’t capable this horse run in this race?” hard earned without prices are in advance. field in the 2008 of winning a some sort of safety net? however powerful There are exceptions to Queen Mother handicap, then For punters who don’t this rule, however, and Champion Chase, but was freely available that will prove that he shouldn’t run in a Grade want to blow their bank here are a few of them. at double-figure prices 5 weeks before the 1 race, but if he bolts up then he suddenly before a race has been won, the concession race. The reason wasn’t that he wasn’t well The “Win Or Bust” Option. looks a real contender. Given the NRNB will make plenty of appeal, but at what cost? thought of, but he was only a five-year-old This is my favourite ante-post punt, and concession, you could back him for the Gold That’s the downside of buying a safety and had won a handicap on his previous it applies to horses who are running Cup at, say, 66/1. If he wins, his price shortens net – it’s you who has to pay for it. Bet365 start. He represented a great bet with the in recognised trials that they must win to 14/1 and you’ve got a great bet. If he runs announced on February 1 that they were NRNB concession because he was due to (either literally, or metaphorically) for their poorly, he is swiftly taken out of the Gold Cup NRNB on all Cheltenham races, and are also race in the Game Spirit at Newbury against connections to consider aiming them for a and you collect your stake. A risk-free bet. Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG). That’s a good the reigning Champion in specific race. A good recent example was

8 9 he was unlikely to run the latter unless it mean that Faugheen was injured or rerouted as did with Call The Cops in was able to show improved form. I’d be less himself. Once you factor Faugheen’s absence the 2015 Pertemps Final. willing to take the risk if the trainer or owner into the equation, the price you’re willing to With the balloted out approach you will get involved was hell-bent on having a runner in take about his substitute will go southwards a refund even if it is not NRNB which will the big race, and the example of Alary may pretty quickly. provide you with greater odds on your stake. be one of those, with Alan Potts probably so The “Balloted Out” Conundrum keen to have a Gold Cup winner, that he will Broad Recommendations with run one of his entries even if logic dictates My second favourite scenario, and the one in NRNB Markets: which punters and odds-compilers still make he shouldn’t. A better bet would be to Win Or Bust - Consider unexposed improvers the same basic error. If you fancy a horse concentrate on Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci. for Championship Races where they are who is very well handicapped but looks like History has shown us that the Mullins plans declared for recognised trials. can change until the very last minute, and he will miss the cut for one of the handicaps, the owner’s comments about “Gold Cup or don’t worry. Back him anyway – the risk of Switcheroo - Consider brilliant Mullins horses nothing” for Vautour a year ago show that him not running will not cost you anything for the “wrong race”, particularly where that Willie’s will won’t be bent to anyone’s wishes, as bookmakers would involve a however powerful. Willie doesn’t enter them are compelled to drop in trip (but everywhere just because he’s indecisive, return stakes on Experience has shown me don’t touch the either. As we saw last year, a late injury to a horses balloted Albert Bartlett!). Master Minded won the Champion Chase in 2008 that many traders, who by 19 lengths and was available at 12/1 ante post leading hope (Faugheen) can see wholesale out of handicaps. Balloted Out changes made to running plans, and it was a Experience ought to know the rules, - Always back similar story with Yorkhill’s late switch to the has shown improving receipt of weight. If he had been soundly are blissfully ignorant of Neptune. A few years prior to that, shrewdies me that many handicappers beaten at Newbury, it’s unlikely that he would were able to pile into for traders, who this rule who are rated have been asked to race on worse terms the Supreme after he was switched at the ought to know on or below the at Cheltenham (another factor in that was eleventh hour. the rules, are expected cut-off that Paul Nicholls already had the ante-post blissfully ignorant of this rule, which means If punters knew that Annie Power, Yorkhill point for handicaps, which is around 133 on second favourite in the shape of ), that they end up pushing out the price of and Champagne Fever were going to run average. whereas a victory at Newbury would mean genuine contenders simply on the basis where they did, they would have taken much he had booked his ticket to the big race. Put of their likelihood of getting a run. This is a Rory Delargy shorter odds as a result. It’s still possible to succinctly, his win at Newbury propelled him mathematical aberration, and while you may grab that kind of value by asking yourself a to the head of the market, and yet shrewd have to explain the rules to get your money couple of basic questions. The first should punters were able to take much bigger odds back, you will be getting value. I’ll go as far as always be “If this horse runs, what price should for what was essentially the same proposition. to say that I’ll happily name and shame any he be?” and, often more pertinently “Under The Unexpected Switcheroo bookmaker who doesn’t abide by the ruling what circumstances could this horse run in (most will be NRNB in any case, but that’s not In the above example, it’s useful to have the this race?” Often the answer to the second a prerequisite). The other possibility with this element of trainer strength on your side. question means the need to revisit the first, type of bet is that the trainer of a handicap In that instance, Paul Nicholls had a proven of course, as Annie Power’s place in the snip will win a small race after the weights are performer and an improving youngster and Champion Hurdle field a year ago could only published with a view to getting a 5lb penalty,

10 11 PHILIP & SARAH HOBBS COLUMN

January is always a quiet month in National last month and started February with two Hunt racing and a number of our horses are winners on the first day of the month so we are having a nice easy time, so they will be fresh happy enough with that. for a spring campaign, particularly if they can’t cope with soft ground. Although this season the weather has been We were nervous very unusual as the whole of December we only Garde La Victoire won off top weight at Sandown and heads to Cheltenham had one inch of rain. It is the only year since we to see that Joseph started in 1985 that the ground has been dry very exciting horse for us, he is very tough and We managed to get three lovely days skiing with enough to leave our schooling obstacles on low O’Brien has many has a great attitude, now he has won three times our friends, but unfortunately had to cut the ground grass rather than moving them all to the at Cheltenham and all guns will be blazing for holiday short as Philip’s father sadly passed away. top of our farm, where it is usually dryer. We are entries for the race the in March, where is is made fortunate to be able to school all the horses on Grampy’s funeral went very well on January 27 favourite... although he has beaten all the best the Polytrack, as we have obstacles that roll on with 250 people coming back to our house in four year olds this side of the Irish Sea, we were and off the track on wheels, so we can always No Comment won very well at Plumpton and lovely weather for a Thanks Giving afterwards. nervous to see that Joseph O’Brien has many school even when it’s very wet, too dry or is now having a short break before getting him entries for the race. Sarah & covered in frost. ready for the E.B.F final at Sandown on March 11, which should suit him well and he would only All at CTCRC send our We have still managed to rake in nine winners get a small penalty if he wins and sincerest condolences could then run at Cheltenham. to Philip, Sarah and the Garde La Victoire is such a beautiful Hobbs family horse and luckily has plenty of ability too, now rated 158, he has to carry top weight in all the handicap chases, but he managed to win well at Sandown at the beginning of the month, although we are doubtful he will be good enough to compete against the very best horses in condition chases, but time will tell. Defi Du Seuil will head to the Triumph Hurdle with five wins under his The late Tony Hobbs at Sandhill Farm Defi Du Seuil is turning out to be a belt this season

12 13 Column header picture courtesy of John Grossick. JOHN HALES COLUMN

We went to Cheltenham on New Year’s we would go the following week to Haydock. Day and had a very enjoyable lunch with At the time I thought what a wonderful way to Halycon days.. November 1, 1993 and One Man Politologue goes for the JLT with a genuine each the Chairman. It just reminded me of the make some money having a good horse and wins at Haydock way chance progress that Cheltenham continues to we would take him racing every week! Michael make including the design of the new remembered the race and reminded me of the stand. All involved with the design should very stern test of jumping that Haydock was at prospect with a great future. I am not a big Paul has suggested the race won by be congratulated. that time. betting man but I have placed the biggest bet Ibis Du Rheu last year. I have ever placed each way on him for the This was our last meeting before we set off for We stayed in a villa on the West Coast with I know a win is a win is a comment often made JLT novices at the festival. Everything is now our annual visit to Barbados. Going to Barbados Paul Nicholls Roy and Margaret Moody and but when you have a young the style of crossed. in January is like going to a race meeting in the were joined by Paul’s daughter Megan and her the win is all important in assessing his potential UK as we see so many friends from the racing boyfriend Adam MacNamara an up and coming On our return to the UK we went to Doncaster ability. In this case he was ridden very well by world. Andy Stewart put on an excellent lunch flat . When they returned to England we to see Aux Ptits Soins and Brio Conte, with Sean Bowen, he was always in a good position paying tribute to two outstanding trainers in were joined by my son Robert and his wife Vicente racing on the Saturday. This was a during the race but from two out he started to Paul Nicholls and Michael Dickinson. I had the Helen. We had a great time and enjoyed an very mixed day. APS was a strong favourite show he had gears and over the last accelerated opportunity of reminding Michael of a day in excellent dinner with JP McManus and his family. but finished last. His jumping was poor and again to leave the field well behind. He will be November which I think was in 1993 when he Unfortunately for me I had a problem with my he lacked sparkle. He just did not fire and some horse over fences next year, I just hope sponsored the novice chase at Haydock Park leg and could not play any golf but I can say we now have a challenge to get him back to the handicapper is not too hard on him. I was won by as compensation that the gin and tonics were the standard he showed when winning the pleased with Vicente who finished sixth and One Man. excellent and in that climate started earlier day . After he won at Kelso although not he will be targeted at the after Our horse by day. convincing he had an attack of Colic and spent winning the Scottish National last year. The Trials had made a week at the Veterinary hospital in Bristol. Both day at Cheltenham saw Ibis Du Rheu produce an We had a special TV put into the villa and we his winning Paul and I were convinced he was ready to race excellent performance off top weight to finish were able to watch the racing on ITV4, ATR chasing again but maybe we should have waited a little third. He will be entered for the RSA Chase at and Racing UK. The only runner I had was debut the longer. In the paddock he looked magnificent the Festival. He is progressing very well and he is Politologue who went back to Haydock. He was week before with an excellent coat. When he got home he proving a very good jumper. very strong going to post and pulling Sam’s at Ayr and I ate up straight away and the following day was arms out. He was very fizzy and started to sweat. In the weeks ahead we are looking to have remember in great shape. We are now looking at going Although Politologue lost his unbeaten record a number of runners in preparation for the Gordon back to hurdles and we hope he will race again to a very good horse, he was giving him weight Festival. At this stage the ones who may go to Richards some time in February. Brio Conte owned by and I was very pleased with his performance. the Festival are Politologue Ibis Du Rheu, and saying that myself, Margaret Moody and David Stevenson His jumping was outstanding and we now need Brio Conte. A horse not mentioned, Captain he had (GiGi syndicate) produced an exceptional to get him to relax at the start. We are looking Forez, who is with Dan Skelton will have another not had performance and we are now waiting for his Ibis Du Rheu heads for the RSA for one more outing before the Festival and will run shortly before going to Aintree. much of a handicap mark before deciding whether to take where his sound jumping may see probably try and hold him up in the early stages him outrun his 50/1 odds race and him to the Festival. If he has a competitive mark John Hales of the race. I do believe we have an outstanding

14 15 JO COLLINSON COLUMN

Never mind The Great British Bake Off, we madam. China Grey, white as a ghost and pretty Watch out for Holywell on good ground with some We were all sorry to say goodbye to Johns Sprit and have our very own Jackdaws cake baker. as porcelain, still got the trip to the sales but warmth on his coat, he’s better than he showed wish him a happy retirement in Ireland Back in December, Bara Ponická made failed to make her reserve, so she came home at Doncaster me a cake for my birthday, as she had and will be bred to by her owners. done to celebrate people’s birthdays for Deborah Duncan was the latest Spillers up, Hedley reaches his front legs out, stretches “wasn’t himself”, I felt happy with the result. The over a year. Mine was a chocolate sponge, Employee of the Month for being brilliant in the and paws with his front hooves. It is as if he is only explanation could have been that there decorated with sugar roses, three bright office whilst a new racing secretary was being limbering up for the exercise ahead of him. On had not been as much time since he last ran on pink pigs made of marzipan and edged recruited. She worked many long hours to keep January 12, I led Hedley up at Leicester when he Boxing Day, and before he has always had much with Kitkat fingers for ‘fence posts’. the office running smoothly. Known as Debs, was fourth over fences, which was a pleasing longer. Afterwards, Gromit had a few days easy On New Year’s Eve, for conditional jockey Killian she has worked here since august 2010 and result. Hopefully, the lightly raced gelding can on the walker and I walked and trotted him for Moore’s 25th, Bara made an incredibly creative was initially Jacqui O’Neill’s PA, and has moved overcome a history of physical problems to a week. Soon enough, he was being his cheeky but unprintable cake. Two current buns were into the front office over time and into human become a successful chaser. self, skipping about and kicking out with his used and a lot of easy-roll red icing. Last week, resources. hind legs. On January 14, Doesyourdogbite was favourite for Jack Savage’s birthday, Bara made a less Debs works alongside current PA Chloe Deakin, for the at Kempton Park. It Everyone said a sad farewell to Johns Spirit – racy one; a sponge cake new secretary Ryan was only a few days after the news that, in the winner of the 2013 and with white icing, and JP Standing and accounts future, the Jockey Club want to close Kempton a near winner the following year. He won three McManus’ green and manager and the Boss’ and sell it to developers. It was the talk of the races at Cheltenham and was placed at both gold colours, a whip and Holywell walked nephew Joe O’Neill. They stable yard and many of the staff felt the same: the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals; plus, he goggles cleverly drawn on, ears now help us grooms out a why smart, well-laid out Kempton with its easy won seven races in total. With his giraffe-neck, on with coloured icing. lot; answering questions, lead up, rich history and, always so important, a long white stripe down his face and amusing “For Jack’s wins on Tarvini pinned back and ordering equipment and truly excellent canteen? Why not lesser favourite character, John was a favourite of all of ours. and Mission Complete,” sorting out the racing. tracks such a Ludlow, Fakenham or Plumpton...? In fact, he was the last winner I led up round Bara explained. It is truly seemingly hiding They are a little team A few staff were muttering about the meeting Cheltenham and was the pride and joy of his kind of Bara but the themselves but are also at Plumpton the next day, especially those current lad Harrison Day. We wish John a happy ingredients do become behind his blinkers a segment of the whole scheduled for a day off. As the news circulated retirement in Ireland and he will be missed for a costly, so I suggested Bara team too. that Plumpton had been abandoned, everyone while yet. make cupcakes instead. switched to being cheery, their bounce I have never looked after Hedley Lamarr but I Also, another oldie, Cloudy Copper, has been We had two mares entered in the sales at returned. The closure of Kempton is no way have ridden him quite a lot for two years and retired and rehomed with friends of amateur Doncaster: Princess Tiana and China Grey. imminent; if it ever becomes a reality, it is far off have led him up a few times. Named after a jockey Charlie Davies. The dapple grey was Princess got a reprieve the evening before when in the future, and, I guess, what will be, will be. character in Blazing Saddles, Hedley is delightful. another character and a pleasure to ride, who her owners no longer wanted to sell her. No He is a narrowly framed bay with an unusual Doesyourdogbite, nicknamed Gromit, finished deserves a fun retirement on the hunting field. doubt all the stallions in the stud world heaved Nike-tick on his face; he is friendly, fidgety and sixth in the Lanzarote, running on well at the Cloudy was once a talented youngster but, over a collective sigh of relief, for Princess is quite a loves peppermints. Whenever he is being tacked end. Despite Aidan Coleman saying Gromit time, became troubled by injuries.

16 17 On January 29, I was up at Doncaster with At 2:30, I changed and got Holywell ready. He is Holywell for the Skybet Chase. Head of travelling a bonny horse with a shiny coat, alert ears and WIN A DAY AT THE Will Seely drove so I had the unusual luxury large eyes. Yet, from watching the earlier races, of being a typical passenger. I had a deep I knew the ground was far from good and, in sleep, woke up to the paddock, it rained RACES COMPETITION get a Starbucks from torrentially and then Leicester Forest East hailed. Both Holywell services and had Soon enough, he was and I walked with low This month’s question for the chance to win The question for the February competition is: two entry tickets for any meeting of your choice, another snooze for being his cheeky self, heads, the hail needling Where is Chepstow’s Silks Restaurant except feature racedays, at the remainder of the our faces; becoming situated on the racecourse? journey. Once there, I skipping about and increasingly soaked is given below. Please post your entries to reach Tony Coleman shampooed Holywell’s and freezing. Poor Each month the first correct entry drawn kicking out with his by Friday 3 March 2017 at: legs and plaited his Holywell walked on, from those received in time will be awarded a mane and tail. I also hind legs ears now pinned back voucher which can be redeemed for entry ticket 14 Ridge Green, Shaw, West Swindon, SN5 5PU plaited The Tailgater’s and seemingly hiding badges direct with the racecourse office. tail and helped fellow behind his blinkers. alternatively, e-mail him at [email protected] The winner of the January competition was groom Florin Radu to Jockey Killian tried to NB: Please remember to include your current Martin Withinshaw, who supplied the correct finish off Another Hero’s mane, by rolling up the roust him to front-run and, even though they led membership number and postal address with answer that the Chepstow’s Winter Ladies Day plaits and securing them with a small band. for awhile, Holywell went backwards, obviously your entry. loathing the weather, mud and surface water. He will be held on Saturday 25 February 2017. We all ate brunch in the canteen before Will and beat one home, returning very muddy; his lilac Florin went to change, whilst I tacked up The Our congratulations, along with a voucher for and white silks brown. I am sure Holywell will Tailgater in his bridle and paddock sheet. Florin two Entry Tickets to Chepstow, have already have another chance on good, spring ground. led him up and Will saddled, whilst I returned been sent to Martin. Hopefully, the sun will shine and he will regain a to the canteen to watch the racing from Donny little of his former form. and the amazing racing from Cheltenham. The Tailgater finished a good second; clattering the Jo Collinson final hurdle perhaps did not help him. RICHARD DAVIS AWARD

For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Latest placings (up to and including 31st Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, January 2017) Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and Worcester 1st Ryan Hatch 197 pts during the period 2nd May 2016 – 29th April 2nd Jamie Bargary 172 pts 2017 (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three 3rd Harry Cobden 161 pts Counties Race Club) 4th David Noonan 157 pts Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a 5th Harry Bannister 134 pts Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. 6th Stan Sheppard 114 pts Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. Debs Duncan collects her employee of the month This award is named in his memory. Happy Birthday Jack Savage award off Sir AP McCoy

18 19 CLUB NEWS & FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Cotswold Riding for the Disabled IBAN: GB38 LOYD 3095 7200 1794 55 Christmas cards Committee appointments Club Night February 15 the evening will be our past columnist Richard Club member Mary James has asked us to thank Hoiles. Our recent recruitment drive for new committee National Hunt breeding will be the evenings all members who bought Christmas cards in members has proved very successful. We focus of discussion with guests Simon Sweeting Forthcoming stable visits support of Cotswold RDA. welcome Sarah Matthews back to the from Overbury Stud and Stephen Hadley of April 22 We have a visit planned to Dan Skelton’s Your generosity helped raise £113, which is a committee and new committee members John the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. The yard at Lodge Hill Racing Yard. Any member very welcome addition to the funds used to care Berry, Tim and Sadie Densham, Helen Cameron evening starts at 7.45pm, straight after the AGM. interested in attending should email Sarah for their ponies. and Sarah Waite. Matthews at [email protected] or call Membership Renewal Club AGM February 15 Sarah on 07729 847724 to reserve a place. If you haven’t done so already members are Our Annual General Meeting will take place at May 27 Our second trip takes us to Tyre Hill invited to renew their membership and even 7:15pm on Wednesday 15 February 2017 in the Racing Stables at Hanley Swan, the yard of David invite friends to join as well. Membership offers New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt Dennis. fantastic value at £20 per person, or £30 for two Road, Cheltenham GL50 2QJ. The Officers June 17 The summer months are a great time to people from the same household for 12 months. are Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. pay a visit to Tim Vaughan’s yard at Pant Wilkin They shall be nominated and seconded by The application form is on inside back cover of Stables, Aberthin, Cowbridge in Wales. Each of members of the club and duly elected at the this months magazine, or you can get an A4 size these trips are £6 each for members and £10 for AGM. Nominations in writing to be made to the version by printing one off the Clubs website CTCRC Cheltenham Festival Preview Night non-members. If any of these three visits prove Secretary at least fourteen days before the AGM. at www.ctcrc.co.uk. Please send all cheques to March 12 very popular there may need to be a ballot for David Bishop, our membership secretary. Doug Miles places. The clubs annual preview night at The Centaur, Internet banking for membership At our AGM our current Chair Doug Miles will , is another “A” list renewals be stepping down after four years in the role. occasion as we have a top class panel including; All at CTCRC are hugely indebted to Doug who Sir AP McCoy, Adrian Heskin, Joe Tizzard and We’re pleased to advise that members wishing has served the club admirably during his tenure. Bloodstock agent, Tom Malone. Entrance is free to renew their membership can do so via Doug has worked tirelessly promoting and for members with your club badge. The chair for internet banking. supporting our charitable causes, chairing all The details you will need are as follows; committee meetings and playing a pivotal role at all our club nights and preview evenings – his Account name: Cheltenham and Three organisation of these events has been superb. Counties Race Club Doug passes the baton on February 15 with the Sort code: 30-95-72 club in a rude state of health – we have a vibrant Account number: 00179455 membership, and we all extend our thanks to Doug for the exemplary service he has provided BIC: LOYDGB21108 over the last four years - thank you!

20 21 ADAM HURLEY COLUMN Hurdle. Owner JP McManus has plenty of If you look up the word ‘trial’ in the dictionary candidates for this race, but expect many of those you get a few interpretations, including to be diverted to the Supreme Novice or Fred Nigel Twiston Davies heads to the Festival with high hopes for Wholestone and Foxtail Hill ”a test of the performance, qualities, or Winter, as this one is clear number one in my suitability of someone or something”, and “a opinion. He’s 4/1 with Ladbrokes to get the job person, experience, or situation that tests a accas, which could have proved costly for us for all season. There was plenty of chat about him done in March. person’s endurance or forbearance”. Well we bookies. I wouldn’t give up on Thistlecrack, he’s during the autumn period, but evidently he’s had certainly ticked those two boxes didn’t we at has always been a favourite of still the one to beat, but I said back in December’s the odd setback to only be making his debut Cheltenham’s Trials Day. mine, I must have been one of only a few who magazine that I don’t like the shape he makes in late January. It was a polished performance, weren’t jumping for joy when Sprinter Sacre over a fence, and I still don’t think he’s a natural. and he’s been all the rage since, punters clearly The sad passing of after his heroic destroyed him last March. I thought he was There was a photo on the front page of the believe this could be the one to get the Mullins efforts tested us all who love the sport, but didn’t really impressive in the re-scheduled Clarence following days Racing Post of Many Clouds and party started again on the opening day. If you those involved come out of this with credit? The House Chase, his jumping was electric at times. Thistlecrack jumping the last that illustrates it agree, he’s 10/3 with Ladbrokes currently. connections, the racegoers, ITV Racing and the If it wasn’t for a certain stablemate he’d have a perfectly. One is low, head down, jockey urging Racing Post all dealt with the tragedy with great A dark one I really like the look of is Gordon great chance of going one better in this years him forward. The other is over jumping, head in respect. Don’t think that the betting shop punter Elliott’s six year old hurdler Sutton Place, who Champion Chase, but he’s likely to be rerouted the clouds and jockey sat back. Thistlecrack has all doesn’t care about these things either, their love won on his seasonal debut recently at Naas. I to the . I’m not convinced he wants the class, but he’s not for me at the prices. The 8/1 for the racehorse can remember having a few quid on when he won at the extra half mile or so, I highlighted last month for is long be just as strong. I the Fairyhouse Easter meeting last year, watch a but if you disagree you gone, but he’s the solid option at this stage, and is had ITV Racing on reply if you can. He made a right mess of the last can back him at 3/1. currently 9/2 with Ladbrokes. a small TV behind My customers stopped but still battled back to win, a sign of a top horse my counter while what they were doing and Unowhatimeanharry The day featured a couple of winners for local in my opinion. If he lines up in the upcoming working that day, made it eight in a row man Twiston-Davies, both have realistic Festival and/or at the Cheltenham Festival and when the news watched the coverage with with a win in the Cleeve aspirations. Wholestone is building up a good he’ll be carrying plenty of my cash. Mark my broke most of my Hurdle, historically one record at the track, and won nicely in the words, he could be very, very good. grade two novice hurdle, while Foxtail Hill was customers stopped me in respectful silence of the best guides on Adam Hurley what they were doing Trials Day to what could impressive also in the handicap chase. If the latter and watched the follow in March. The doesn’t get hit too hard by the handicapper he coverage with me in respectful silence. One of likes of Thistlecrack, and Big Bucks could have a big chance in something like the those working days that will stay with me forever. have all used this race as a springboard to World/ Brown Advisory Plate. Stayers Hurdle glory. In my opinion he has the The other reason for that is that both before and Finally, a few others that have caught my look of a banker for the Thursday highlight, I can’t after Many Clouds, the racing was fantastic, and eye lately. West Approach is a half-brother to believe he is still 6/4. It’s not impossible the next worthy of its reputation of a meeting to clear the Thistlecrack and has had a similar career trajectory few in the betting could run elsewhere, the likes waters before the Festival. Defi Du Seuil, Un De so far. He was given a lovely quiet ride by Ruby of Jezki and Vroum Vroum Mag, so he could, and Sceaux and Unowhatimeanharry all enhanced Walsh to pinch third in the Cleeve Hurdle and should, be an odds on chance on the day. their reputations, and strengthened their could have a squeak back in novice company at positions at the head of their respective markets These three mentioned above all obliged at short the Festival. He’s 6/1 for the Albert Bartlett. for the Festival. prices on Trials Day, and were incredibly popular Melon caught everybody’s eye at Leopardstown with my customers in Yankees and accumulators Defi Du Seuil continues to win with ease, and recently, and looks to be the Supreme Novice with Thistlecrack. Of course that one ruined the contender that Willie Mullins has been searching The handicapper agrees with Adam as he has given is undoubtedly the one to beat in the Triumph Sutton Place a rating of 158

22 23 LIAM TREADWELL COLUMN

Cepage is one to look out for if he heads to a Bristol De Mai could be Thistlecrack’s biggest handicap at the Festival threat next month in the Gold Cup Dry January for our neighbourhood the case on Facebook – God help you if you lost friends meant Liam and I were the only on a favourite on a Saturday afternoon. I’ve now patrons in our local pub on our monthly adjusted my profile on my Facebook account so Stayers Hurdle rendezvous, writes Steve Ennis. only my friends can access my page. It’s a shame 1. Thistlecrack 1. Cole Harden for Ciaran, but sadly it’s what happens.” The solitude was broken however when a 2. Bristol De Mai 2. Unowhatimeanharry young couple came in for a quiet drink. They Liam then gave a nod to a number of Venetia’s 3. Don Poli 3. Ballyoptic spotted Liam and plucked up the courage to say horses who may appear at the forthcoming Thistlecrack will have learned plenty from his run Cole Harden’s last two runs have shown hello… Festival. “Top of his list is Aso who will enjoy the on Trials Day and remains the one to beat. Bristol all his old sparkle on ground he hates, if he likely decent ground that you get at Cheltenham “You’re Aidan aren’t you,?” came the question. De Mai is the likely improver and demolished gets good ground on the Thursday he’ll give in March. Cepage is another who looks the field in the Peter Marsh Chase, while Don Unowhatimeanharry a real race and at 14/1 he “No I’m Liam” progressive, he fell last time out, but won readily Poli should outrun his massive odds which looks great each way value. Ballyoptic might at Newbury before that. “That’s right you’re a are currently 25/1, although you’ll probably make the frame, he’s tough and the race looks He has an entry in the jockey – can I get your get the same price in running, he’s the type of like it will cut up. Arkle, but could end up in horse that if he ran in a seller, he’d make heavy autograph and take If he ran in a seller, Queen Mother Champion Chase a novice handicap. weather of it. I can’t forget his run in the 2015 your picture with my 1. Douvan he’d make heavy RSA either which was possibly the performance girlfriend?” You can put a line 2. through Otago Trails of the 2015 Festival. “Of course, I’d be weather of it Don’t worry there won’t be more than 8 runners run in Ireland, (as was Champion Hurdle delighted!” Douvan has the tag “Festival Banker” for good proved by a further win 1. Petit Mouchoir Pictures taken and autographs signed I had to reason in what is a weak division. Special Tiara at Sandown on February 4), and if he goes to 2. Apples Jade congratulate Liam on his 100% strike rate that looks a great value bet for a place on ground Cheltenham he’ll be competitive in whatever he 3. Jezki everyone in the pub wanted his autograph and turns up in. that is likely to be in his favour, when the ground picture. Petit Mouchoir is hugely progressive, going up is good he has been placed three out of four Lady Karina is also one worth following, she had 15lbs since November and winning two grade times at Cheltenham. Our chat began with a perspective from Liam her first run at Hereford in December, learned ones in Ireland. At 33/1 Apples Jade might go on the recent episode involving the social media NB: You can add Vroum Vroum Mag to each of plenty when coming third at Exeter then got elsewhere, but if she shows up and repeats abuse that fellow jockey Ciaran Gething’s was the above for a decent place opportunity. her head in front in January when returning to her performances of last spring at Aintree and subjected to. Hereford. She will improve further with more Punchestown she’ll go close. Jezki appeared to Liam Treadwell “I gave up on Twitter a few years ago, it was experience. retain his ability on his return in January and any ridiculous, every time you lost on a fancied horse Our talk then turned to The Championship races at horse rated 167 and with previous course form you’d get ten or twenty tweets with all kinds of the Festival beginning where Liam gave us his fancies; has to be respected. abuse, so I just closed my account. The same is

24 25 JANUARY CLUB NIGHT

The evening began with our club chairman tankers. The family always had an interest in Doug addressing the floor and announcing this farming and his uncle rode regularly, sparking Zara Phillips and Izzy Taylor received special praise from Yogi for their mental strength under pressure would be his last time on introductory duties. Yogi’s equestrian enthusiasm. In Sweden Ponies Doug admitted to being nervous while doing were very rare and so it was straight onto a He purchased the horse for £175, somewhat top 10 placings at Badminton four times. the announcements, I for one think he has horse, his parents would not let Yogi ride until he resembling a skeleton. The horse was the black done a credible job, thank you Doug. was aged 10. On his birthday he received riding Yogi’s riding career came to an end in 1987, sheep of the family. All of his ten siblings were lessons as a gift, and so the journey began. but continued teaching at Waterstock and Alex began by warmly introducing the nights 15hh and had won races, this horse was 17hh Yogi confessed to being an extremely driven extensively managing the day-today running headline act, Yogi Breisner. We quickly learned and had a hard two years racing forty six times individual and only wanted to work with horses of the training centre. In 1991 he decided it that Yogi was born and raised in Sweden. Yogi’s and winning none. Yogi took this horse to but his parents made him finish his A-Levels. was time for a change and went off working birth name was Lars Goran Breisner. However Ireland to possibly point/race however, a postal Admittedly Yogi was good at science but not freelance. Coaching had always appealed to one of his teachers had a problem with the strike meant there was a delay in receiving the so good at languages with one teacher saying him. Yogi soon became in demand within the pronunciation so in 1971 he decided he would papers. With the horses racing career on the “Yogi, I hope you never have to get a job where National Hunt scene and worked with trainers be known as Yogi after watching an episode of back burner, he went onto be a very successful you speak English”. and jockeys such as Henrietta Knight and Kim Yogi Bear. horse regularly placing at Badminton and Bailey. It was Kim Baileys praise for Yogi on a While continuing to work through school his Burghley. In 1976 Yogi was offered £15,000 He came from a normal working family freezing winter week with the racing press not parents got him his first horse and a black (£150,000 today) he declined as he believed in background. He grew up in Malmo and his having much to write about they went and paid unbroken three year old named Domino. the animal who would later go on to be placed father worked on a shipyard building vast Yogi a visit. Domino proved a handful at first but went many more times at Badminton and selected for onto be fifth placed in the Swedish Nationals. the Olympic squad in Moscow. In 1999 Yogi’s career was about to move onto Once Yogi’s school life was over he was enrolled another level when the Horse and Hound The chair Alex posed the question to Yogi, Why on compulsory national service, for which he produced an article in their magazine on his a rider and not a jockey? Yogi went onto answer avoided most of it with a tendon injury. Yogi horse Ultimus. Opposite the article about him by saying that it just fell into place having quickly realised that if he wanted to pursue a and his beloved horse was an advertisement by worked in County Meath, Ireland for several career with horses then he may have to move the Great British Eventing team seeking a new years. abroad. The Swedish racing calendar only performance coach... the rest they say is history. contained twelve meetings a year and was After working in Ireland for a few years in Co. Yogi openly admitted this was a huge challenge, made up of amateurs, Yogi himself, having half a Meath he moved to the famous Lars Sederholm the Olympics had been disappointing on the dozen rides in his late teens. Waterstock House Training Centre, near Oxford, equestrian front for Team GB and with only 9 training horses and students. Yogi would be It was Yogi’s third horse, Ultimus which would months until the Sydney games of 2000, there based here from 1978-1991. It was clear for all prove to be the catalyst for his success. A quite was plenty of work to be done with a slight to hear that Yogi had enjoyed a very successful incredible story of how it was obtained. Yogi disconnected group of riders. Pulling the team riding career being a member of the Swedish was due to go racing at one of the Swedish together and making them more focused was eventing team from 1976-1987. Yogi won tracks but a fire at the tote meant racing was the aim and sure enough it worked. During European team gold in 1983 and competed at Alex Steedman and Yogi Breisner provided great called off. He then took up his second choice his reign Great Britain recorded four successive entertainment at our January club night the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He rode into the engagement of going to potentially buy a horse. Olympic team medals - three silver and a bronze

26 27 how horses can fall into three categories 1) raw natural talent and excellent bold jumper 2) two left feet and hopeless 3) In the middle and with the right coaching they can be decent, this is SOPHIA DALE where most fall into. Moving onto the trainers of today’s great sport, COLUMN Alex asked if Yogi had any favourites to which he replied “I don’t think there is such thing as a bad trainer. Each trainer is very good at different things, we can all learn a little bit from each As I write this column we are now just That decision is always a big decision for Simon other in all aspects of life”. six weeks away from opening the doors Claisse and the team to make as not only are is Yogi’s idea of a complete horseman on Champion Day, on Tuesday of The there financial implications to consider but it We probably could not have had a better placed who is beautifully balanced Festival. I can’t quite believe how quickly requires a lot of manual labour to cover what is person than Yogi Breisner to pass comment on - five European team titles and the 2010 world today’s jcokeys. Yogi started by expressing deep the season has gone, once again we find the equivalent of 30 football pitches. The team team crown in Kentucky. Yogi identified the likes sympathy for the abuse that some jockeys come ourselves in the middle of the manic take a good morning/afternoon to get the site Zara Phillips and Izzy Taylor as top riders as they under today; exposing more light on an article Festival build up and it does not feel like were mentally strong under pressure. Special the racing post featured that day. Ultimately the three and a half months ago that we first mention also given to Zara’s horse Toytown. jockeys job is to remain balanced and assist the raced this season at The Showcase. Trials Day... we had a Alex took the opportunity to humorously wind horse only when needed. He heaped praise on Last weekend we ended up staging nine races Yogi up about the fact he never achieved a gold many on today’s jockeys especially Noel Fehily on Festival Trials Day, which isn’t quite a record record crowd of medal. Yogi did admit the Rio 2016 still hurts and who he described as being beautifully balanced for us but is not far off! At The Festival in 2008, and unflappably calm. how they should have won the Cross Country… ten races were staged after the racing was lost over 22,000 swiftly moving on. Alex deemed this a suitable Our outstanding guest had one more recent on the Wednesday due to the high wind speeds, point in which to have the half time interval in achievement to tell us members about and that but nine certainly made for a long afternoon covered and slightly longer to get them all off, which he kindly got involved in the customary was Victoria Pendleton. Having helped with her and lots of planning in the build-up, especially especially if they are wet from the rain or even raffle. riding, Yogi claimed she was a fearless woman when the decision was taken to put the frost worse heavy with snow or frost on top of them. The second half of the evening focused on with an incredible desire to achieve what she covers down. Still the correct decision was made and racing and Yogi provided us with had set out to do. It was a remarkable result great insights into the mind of both horse and coming fifth in the foxhunters chase of 2016. went ahead in what had been a really cold ten jockey. An even more excited and passionate The horse Pacha du Polder was tailor made days or so. for Victoria and what she did for the sport was Yogi came to the fore as he got to his feet and I was delighted to see so many people come superb. demonstrated how horse’s vision compares to racing for what was a cracking card, we had a ours. They have monochrome vision meaning With the evening’s reminiscing coming to a record crowd of over 22,000, which was well their eyes can move more freely and separately close Yogi revealed how it was always his dream up on the year before. The sad passing of Many to us mere humans. This in turn can hinder a to ride in the Grand National, so any trainers Clouds, having won the BetBright Trial Cotswold horse when approaching an obstacle, the key if you are reading and need somebody this Chase and beating Thistlecrack was a very sad is to get the horse to concentrate on the job year…..? Mr Briesner is a fantastic horseman and moment for all. He was a wonderful racehorse in hand, and blinkers can aid the horses field wouldn’t let you down. who was so well loved by the racing community of vision. Briefly touching on the breeding side of things it was a massive thumbs up from Thanks to Alex and Yogi again. and the fact that he went out on such a high, some say the performance of his career, is both Yogi for horses sired by Oscar. Yogi explained Russell Neale Urgent De Gregaine, noseband, landed a first win for the French since 2005 sad and fitting in equal measures.

28 29 TIPSTER COMPETITION UPDATE

Over the next few weeks we will double our seating capacity with our various tented restaurant facilities Compared to December, January was a relatively low scoring month for most competitors but that The rest of the day provided some interesting the everyday jobs. For any of you who venture didn’t prevent Gillian Walker from claiming the top spot with her ‘D’ entry. Her 90pts just managed results ahead of The Festival, I always enjoy into that area during The Festival it really is a to topple previous leader, Steve Taylor, who lies in second with 285pts. Last year’s trophy winner, seeing the Irish doing well here, outside of mini version of our grandstands – there are Neil Jakes lies handily in fourth place and it is good to see the original sponsor of this competition, The Festival, and Un De Sceaux’s win in the disabled lifts, fountains, kitchens and equipment Steve Hearle, climbing onto the top ten ladder. rescheduled Spectra Group Clarence House installations, thousands of chairs and many long Our congratulations go to Gill, who picks up the £10 overall leader prize for January. Chase for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh bought discussions about water and power supplies back lots of memories to bring it to life. Please note: ALL prizes will be paid out at the end of the competition. of previous Festivals All the little details Pos. Name Current Month Current Cum've where that trainer/ are considered, the 1 GILLIAN WALKER D 75 290 jockey combination Ian was delighted to flowers that match 2 STEVE TAYLOR D 40 285 have thrived. see the French horse, the carpets, which 3 PHIL BRADLEY A 35 265 cutlery goes in 4 NEIL JAKES C 40 265 I know that Ian was which facility, even 5 KEITH APPLETON A 55 260 delighted to see the Urgent De Gregaine, what colour the 6 JOHN HANCOCK F 55 260 French horse, Urgent win the Glenfarclas napkins should be! 7 JOHN HANCOCK G 60 260 De Gregaine, win 8 B WOOTTON C 40 260 the Glenfarclas Cross Cross Country Chase We continue to 9 STEVE HEARLE G 45 255 Country Chase – that attract good entries 10 TERRY POULSON D 25 255 was the first win for for the Grade one The winner of the highest points accumulated in January is long-serving Club member, Mary a French horse at Cheltenham since 2005 so it’s races and then the handicaps and other races Rogers, who with 85pts is the sole winner of the £10 prize. Well done, Mary! great to see them get a win under their belt. will open for entries, so by mid-February we will Ian and Simon have been working really hard know most of the race entries. Weights for the Pos. Name Current Month to encourage French participants over the last handicaps are announced on March 1. 1 MARY ROGERS B 85 couple of years so the hard work is finally paying 2 LYNN TEMPERLEY A 80 I hope that you all enjoy the next few weeks off. 3 DEBBIE MCVANN B 75 and the build up to The Festival, before those 4 GILLIAN WALKER D 75 The build-up for The Festival is in full swing four magnificent days commence on Tuesday 5 B WOOTTON B 75 and the team are all working really hard to get 14 March. Please don’t forget that you can track the status of your entries on-line by accessing www.ctcrc.co.uk, the last remaining tickets sold, the site ready Sophia Dale selecting ‘MENU’ and then ‘Tipsters Competition’. If you have any questions about your entry, or its for Tuesday and three racecourses in place. status, please contact Tony Coleman either on 07795 146242 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The Village takes around three and a half months to build so it’s a huge project for the guys, who have the general maintenance and operations to continue to look after, as well as

30 31 FLOODLIT FOOTBALL MATCH

A P McCoy’s XI versus Cheltenham Town Legends XI

After racing at Cheltenham on Wednesday 19th April 2017 in aid of Injured Jockeys Fund • 7.30pm kick off

To include: Racing Personality Half-Time Penalty Kick Competition

Racing Yard Penalty Kick King (nominate your own spot-kick expert) Great Sponsorship and hospitality options available: Match / Team / Shirt / Ball sponsorship Private Boxes / Restaurant Tables / Donation of Auction items

The LCI Rail Stadium • Cheltenham • GL52 5NA For further details of any of the above please contact Chris Coley on [email protected] or 07710 346661