MARCH 2017

FINISH LINE & Three Counties Race Club magazine

KING JOHN CONTENTS WELCOME

Editors Introduction 3 John Hales column 24-25 How are you, have you recovered yet? interview on her passion for racing. Jessie Harrington guest column 4-6 Adam Hurley column 26-27 My body was on total shut down by Our final guest contributor this month is our vice Phillip & Sarah Hobbs column 7 Jo Collinson column 28-32 Saturday March 18. The constant high President, Edward Gillespie, who provides an extract from his new book “Sixty Years of Jump Racing: From Jilly Cooper guest column 8-10 Win a day at the races competition 33 octane drama of the four days finally overtook mind and body. I was stranded to McCoy”. Having watched this years’ Festival Club News & forthcoming events 11 February club night 34-35 I’d not be surprised if Edward is working on a sequel on the sofa, barely capable of using the Edward Gillespie book feature 12-13 Liam Treadwell column 36-37 already. remote control to flick between Rugby review 14-21 Tipster competition update 38-39 internationals and the racing on TV. Cheltenham Festival preview night 22-23 Richard Davis award 39 The theatre of it all was unrelenting, seven of the twenty eight races saw the winners separated from their challengers by the following; a nose, a short head, Our regular columnists provide a of two heads and three necks. Richard Hoiles will be on reflections on the Festival. Liam Treadwell tells us of prescription throat lozenges after a week of screaming his rides across the four days, Jo Collinson gives us a himself hoarse with all the dramatic finishes. detailed account of the work that went into getting You’ll have your own favourite memory from the week, the horses she cares for to the races, while John Hales The Festival proved a great success for Ruby’s four timer, Mite Bite’s meander, three female gives a different perspective on a surprise shopping Victoria Pendleton and the ITV team jockeys taking the amateur races, ’s exploits trip mid Festival to purchase future Festival hopes. covering their first Festival in the Championship races, Gordon and Willie taking reflects on his delight in seeing Defi six wins apiece. Du Seuil win the and Adam Hurley provides an account on the ebb and flow of money in The capacity for racing to produce stories that the punters battle with the bookies. captivate is its’ enduring appeal. In our magazine this month we bring you a flavour of the Festival drama Our April 19 club night promises to be a fascinating through , the Gold Cup winning evening as Lizzie Harris from the charity Racing Welfare trainer who enjoyed winning three races from a team will provide an insight into the work of the charity in of only seven that were sent to do battle. We’re also supporting those who work, or have worked in racing. delighted to get one of racing’s literary giants, Jilly The evening starts at 7.30pm, we look forward to Cooper, giving our columnist Jo Collinson an exclusive seeing you there. We’re afforded a short breather before our focus moves to the Aintree Festival from April 6-8. Aintree now includes three days of top class racing to complement the iconic . If you haven’t been, do try and make a visit as the whole experience is something to savour. My trip is booked, I can’t wait! Enjoy the racing ’s connections bask in the glory of their Steve Ennis win in the Timico

2 3 JESSIE HARRINGTON Above left: The connections of Sizing John gather to pose for photo’s ahead of the awards presentation. GUEST COLUMN Above right: Sizing John clears the last beautifully on his way to Timico Gold Cup glory

CTCRC are delighted to have secured an again with the first two home in the Champion Mullins has been a good for Irish racing. I say it company. On the day he jumped beautifully, so I interview with Jessica Harrington in the Hurdle. ’ comeback on day three is as it has made all of us raise our game to be was very happy. immediate aftermath of the Cheltenham was outstanding and Robert Power rode out better. There’s no place to hide in Irish racing, if Rock The World seemed to go under the Festival. Here’s what Jessica had to say you’re going to turn up in graded races you’re radar in The Grand Annual? to us on the Sunday morning of her most going to be taking on Gigginstown, JP’s horses, He always goes under the radar as he’s a memorable week that brought the Timico The thing I’m most proud the Wylie’s and Ricci’s, this makes you more summer horse who only goes on good ground. Gold Cup and three wins from just seven battle hardened. of is I only had seven He kept being unlucky, he was third in the Grand runners; runners this year at How proud are you to be the all-time Annual last year, I brought him over in October Beyond your own horses which leading female trainer at the Festival with and he didn’t run well on ground he hated. We performances impressed you most at Cheltenham 11 wins? gave him a wind operation and he came back Cheltenham this year? I had no idea that was the case, but I don’t look fresh. We really fancied him and couldn’t believe There were so many performances that were on myself as a female trainer, but just as a trainer he was 10/1. of his skin for me. Mite Bite put in the most brilliant it’s hard to say just one. I thought the like everyone else who is trying to win. As I said extraordinary performance for trying not to The thing I’m most proud of is I only had seven riding performance of the week was Jamie to we laughed that we were win, and you could say of each day there were runners this year at Cheltenham, three of them Codd on Fayonagh in the Bumper as he went the leading lady and gent at the Festival. amazing stories. Sadly, there were a few horses from last to first. You saw Nicky Henderson do it lost including the Lillingston family who lost Even without Sizing John, this was a their mare Toe The Line, but the jockeys were tremendous Festival for you – talk us largely OK, despite injuries to Willie Twiston- through your thoughts on Supersundae’s Davies and Mark Walsh. When you lose a horse win in the ? it’s bad, but jockeys are much, much more I was confident about Supersundae. I inherited important. We have a great saying in , “if him at the back of last year. I ran him first time at it’s outside the house it’s OK”. the turn of the year and he ran very green. I was so cross with him I ran him four days later and he To what would you attribute the won a conditions race. Then because he was so domination of the Irish challenge this year high up in the handicap I ran him in two graded in winning 19 of the 28 races? races. I knew he would improve for the four Our racing here is very competitive and the runs, he had gained sufficient experience, better Sunday 19 March in , Co Kildare, Robbie press have asked me if the domination of Willie Power, head lad Eamon Leigh, groom Ashley Hussey ground would help and he’s a big strong horse and Jessica Harrington lead Sizing John on his Jamie Codd gave the ride of the week on Fayonagh so I thought he would do well back in handicap victory parade

4 5 thing is his jumping is very slick, having so much PHILIP & experience at two miles. He can gain a length at most fences which is a real help. When it came SARAH HOBBS to the race itself Robbie said he would take him down the middle, but he couldn’t believe how much room he was given on the inside COLUMN rail so decided to drop in and follow Ruby on who is a very safe jumper and the One of the most striking performances of It is amazing how so few owners dominated only time he latched on was at the top of the the Cheltenham Festival week came from Cheltenham and how well the Irish did again, hill on the first circuit as he probably thought he the Philip Hobbs trained Defi Du Seuil, who sell the Brits horses for large sums and still had to get home being used to running at two here Philip gives us his reflections on that come and lead the winners table at Cheltenham. win and the wider experience of the four miles. That was the only time he got a bit keen, All in all though a fantastic Cheltenham that I days at Cheltenham. but after that he was great and got back into a thought went very well for everyone that was rhythm, I don’t think he made a semblance of It was fantastic for the yard to have a winner able to go and I never cease to marvel at what a mistake and was amazing over the last two at Cheltenham as Defi Du Seuil won the JCB a great job they have done with the new stand fences. Triumph Hurdle very easily and has now won all and walkways. his six hurdle races. When a horse is unbeaten He came home fresh on the 2.30am ferry with Cheltenham Festival will always be the the sky is the limit and although I am sure he the rest of the team and they were all back in number one meeting but I think we all have to will run at either Aintree or Punchestown we the yard at 7.30am. They’re all sound and have all remember that there are plenty of other good are already looking forward to next season been out in the field this morning. meetings and races to be won through the where we think he will be campaigned with the season and Cheltenham should not be the be all Robbie Power’s dream day continued on You’ve a parade through your home town in mind. Rock The World of Moone this evening, will the whole town and end all. Defi Du Seuil powers home under Richard be turning out? We can now all look forward to the Aintree Johnson to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle in front Hang on, it’s not a town! There’s a church, a meeting and also the end of season atmosphere won and most of the others were bang there of a full house on St Patrick’s Day village hall and a shop, we don’t even have a at Punchestown, Perth and the Sandown turning for home. pub….it’s a very, very small village! We also had Ozzie The Oscar placed third in meeting that also gets better every year. Robbie Power has been credited with the County Hurdle and Verni second in the Might we see any of your successful team Philip Hobbs suggesting Sizing John stepped up in returning at Aintree or Punchestown? race so all in all good festival for us Sandhill Racing Ltd, Sandhill Racing Stables, Bilbrook, distance, was this your recollection? I think I’ll wait and see how the horses are in although it was looking very moderate with our Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6HA T: 01984 640366 runners before Friday. F: 01984 641124 M: 07860 729795 the middle of next week, then we’ll make some www.pjhobbs.com | [email protected] plans from there. It was subsequently decided that You could say of each Sizing John would be entered in Coral Punchestown Defi Du Seuil powers home under Richard Gold Cup on April 26 and may come up against Johnson to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle in day there were and Djakadam, that’s a clash we’d all front of a full house on St Patrick’s Day amazing stories look forward to. Jessica Harrington All at CTCRC send our congratulations to Oh yes, Robbie was sure he’d get further. After Jessica and her team on their amazing losing to again at Christmas Robbie success at the Festival. Let’s hope Sizing came in and suggested we step him up. We John can stay fit and come back next year ran him at Thurles at 2m4f and he stayed. Then to defend his crown. of course he won the . The main

6 7 I’ve always adored horses and pestered my What initially had a wonderful dinner, and half the staff hadn’t parents to buy me a pony. During our first attracted you to been racing before and went wild about the holiday in Cornwall just after the war when I was racing? horses, and were thoroughly overexcited having eight, they bought me a beautiful bay called I’ve always their first bets. Rufus. loved racing. My While I was writing Mount!, my novel about Flat geography mistress The day he arrived, I dragged all my classmates racing, I was lucky enough to win a Racing Post once asked the class: back from school to meet him. Rushing into competition to go to the World Cup out in the “Now, Girls, what is the field, I flung my arms round his neck, crying desert in Dubai. This must be the most dramatic the Gulf Stream?” “Rufus, Rufus”, where upon he bit me hard climax to any racing story. JILLY COOPER and was horrified several times. My friends thought it hilarious. when my hand shot New novelist and musician David Essex GUEST COLUMN Alas Rufus turned out to be uncut, or rather up. said that “Writing a novel takes you to improperly gelded, so every time I rode him out, many places” – how do you relate to this? “Gulf Stream,” I he would either fold up like a camel, or seeing I totally agree with David Essex. Writing fiction Our first guest columnist this month is rattled off, “was another horse on the road, try and mount it. So as well as my journalism, I have been lucky to go Jilly Cooper OBE. Jilly began her writing National Velvet was my a bay colt by sadly Rufus was sent back to Cornwall. to almost everywhere in the world. career as a journalist before focusing favourite novel as a child Hyperion, out of on romantic novels. Jilly’s Riders was Afterwards, my parents bought me a heavenly Tideway. Second in You are renowned for doing copious published in 1985 and was the first of bay mare called Willow, who was the sweetest, the Derby to Airborne. Winner of the Gimcrack amounts of research – please explain the the Rutshire Chronicles. Over the years, most affectionate pony in the world. When we and the Eclipse Stakes.” importance of speaking to everyone in one of her most loved creations Rupert moved to Yorkshire, she and I cleaned up at all racing (owners, trainers, grooms) for your What gave you the ideas to write novels set Campbell-Black has been a Tory minister, the local gymkhanas – her brilliance, not mine. novels. in racing? Olympic showjumper, racehorse trainer Starting off as a journalist, who have to do It nearly broke my heart, when I went to I wrote novels set in racing, because I think the and a notorious ladies man. Most recently, research in order to write a true story, I’ve always boarding school and had to leave her in the racehorse is the most beautiful heroic animal Rupert travels the globe, chasing the enjoyed talking to people and going to their term time. But when I smashed my arm up two in the world, particularly when it’s galloping. Leading Sire title for his stallion, Love Rat. workplaces, and building up my characters and years later and couldn’t ride anymore, she went Plus, I love the excitement, and the competition, their settings. Racing fan Jilly lives near Stroud and, when to a truly lovely home and I still saw her. and the relationship between stable staff, researching Jump!, joined a syndicate called trainers and owners. National Velvet was also my My problem is that I always do far too much Your compassion does not stop at humans the Thoroughbred Ladies who had horses in favourite novel when I was a child. research, only use about a twentieth of the but includes animals – can you explain training with Tom George. CTCRC columnist material I’ve accumulated. where your love of animals came from? Do you have a Jo Collinson switched roles to capture this I think it was E.M Foster Our family always had dogs and cats, which we preference for Flat or interview from Jilly, here’s what Jilly had to say: Cheltenham is the who rightly wrote adored. The only time I remember my sweet National Hunt? “Research is the traffic Was your childhood horsey and did you ride? mother crying, when I was a little girl, I love both Flat and jewel in the National policement that holds up was when Jamie our Scottish Terrier National Hunt. Hunt crown the novel.” Being intensely had to be put down. Which racecourses, curious, I love an excuse Please explain the importance of worldwide, have left to visit heavenly places reading to any writer. the biggest impression? like Jonjo O’Neill’s wonderful yard, with such a Reading is crucial to any writer, Gosh – all of them have. Cheltenham is the jewel romantic name as Jackdaws Castle and Mark because it extends their knowledge in the National Hunt crown. I adore Epsom on Johnston’s magical yard, which sprawls across in every direction, captures their Derby Day, and I’m bats about York, Doncaster, several valleys in Yorkshire. Any excuse to go and imagination, and shows them how Aintree and the Curragh and of course take Polos to adorable horses. it’s done. Newmarket. One of the best office parties I went What was Frankel like when you met him? to was at an evening meeting at Kempton. We

8 9 and entertaining people I have met in racing. I particularly adore Tony McCoy, he’s so brave, yet modest and the most wonderful rider, and I’d CLUB NEWS adore to meet , he’s so cool, again & FORTHCOMING EVENTS such a magical rider and the horses seem so happy to have him on their backs. I’m also mad about Richard Phillips, he’s the funniest man in racing. CTCRC Cheltenham Preview Forthcoming stable visits What makes your character Rupert April 22 We have a visit planned to Dan Skelton’s Campbell-Black the most perfect man?! fundraiser yard at Lodge Hill Racing Yard. Any member The club raised £5,370 at the Cheltenham I don’t think Rupert Campbell-Black is the interested in attending should email Sarah Festival Preview evening at The Centaur. On most perfect man. He’s breathtakingly good Matthews at [email protected] or call behalf of the committee many thanks to all who looking and adores his dogs, but he’s incredibly Sarah on 07729 847724 to reserve a place. arrogant, short fused and frightened of nobody. volunteered to help on the evening, to all who He’s lovely to write about but pretty taxing to be contributed towards the fundraiser and to all the May 27 Our second trip takes us to Tyre Hill I loved meeting Frankel and his best friend George married to or to work for. people who provided a gift for either the raffle Racing Stables at Hanley Swan, the yard of David the stable cat at Newmarket or the auction. The monies raised will be divided Dennis. Rupert Campbell-Black is the hero of between the clubs various racing charities. Frankel was epic. I’d had the wonderful privilege Mount! but who is your heroine and why? June 17 The summer months are a great time to of sitting next to his trainer, the late Sir Henry My heroine is Rupert’s wife Taggie, who is the pay a visit to Tim Vaughan’s yard at Pant Wilkin Cecil at dinner and the next day he invited me kindest gentlest person on earth. She’s also Stables, Aberthin, Cowbridge in Wales. Each of to look around his yard. Sloping off, I went to terrible at saying no, so gets landed with endless these trips are £6 each for members and £10 for admire Frankel and patted him and like Rufus, people taking advantage of her. non-members. If any of these three visits prove my first pony, he promptly bit me. very popular there may need to be a ballot for What is your next novel? places. “What the eff are you doing?” yelled Sir Henry Oh dear, I’m only just beginning it – a novel April 19 Club Night from down the row of boxes. Even worse, a about Football called Tackle. Rupert Campbell- Lizzie Harris from Racing Welfare will be our mobile went off, playing Beethoven very loudly. Black gets involved in managing a football team, guest at our April 19 Club Night meeting. The Thinking it was mine, Sir Henry got even crosser and won’t put up with capricious histrionic racing industry employs many thousands of and told me to switch that “effing thing off, Jilly”, players. Fireworks ahoy! people and the charity is designed to cater which the guilty stable lad then did. Jilly Cooper for the welfare of those who work in, or have This however was in Frankel’s racing glory days. worked in the racing industry. The evening I met him again the following year by which Jo Collinson writes: starts at 7.30pm, please bring your membership time he was covering mares, he seemed to I initially contacted Jilly in 2012, simply asking for badges. Non-members £6 entry. be thoroughly enjoying his career move, and advice on becoming a writer. She very kindly let me pet him. He also had a lovely stable cat replied and helped me to start up my former companion called George, who collected me Groom’s Life column in the Gloucestershire from the Prince Khalid Abdullah’s stud office, Echo. I met her twice and again last September, and led me across the garden to meet him and at the publication party of Mount! in London. his other stable mate, Oasis Dream. Jilly has always shown me much Who are the most interesting people you encouragement and thoughtfulness and I was have met through racing? chuffed when she agreed to an interview for the It would be impossible to count all the lovely CTCRC magazine.

10 11 friends Colonel Bill Whitbread and his wife, Betty. consult the photograph and then came the Favourites for the race were Plundering, trained announcement: Special Cargo had won, with EDWARD by Walwyn’s neighbour , Lettoch second and Diamond Edge third. The and Ashley House, trained in the north by the distances separating the trio gifted Michael Dickinson, were a short head and the same. GILLESPIE who also ran Lettoch. To the Queen Mother’s concern, both the Walwyn pair were lame There was a moderate pace in the winner’s enclosure. When around the first circuit and Steve Ennis writes; CTCRC were grateful Here’s what Edward had to say; the Queen Mother invited Bill to have Edward Gillespie, our clubs Vice when Bill Smith let Diamond As very much the apprentice, it was a Smith and Kevin Mooney up President, chair our February club night Edge stride on at the first real privilege to partner Robin Oakley to the Royal Box for a glass of at short notice. It’s been a busy time for of the railway fences down on the research and writing of 'Sixty champagne, they watched a Edward as he has co-authored a book the back stretch, Special Years of Jump Racing' covering the era rerun, with the successful royal “Sixty Years of Jump Racing: From Arkle to Cargo was caught out. from the early sixties to the present day. owner emphasising what a McCoy” with Robin Oakley. Here Edward Kevin Mooney, kicking and We hope our analysis of the great races, marvellous race Bill Smith had gives a brief introduction to the book and pushing, thought his chance Champions and issues within the sport will ridden. As for Fulke Walwyn, his has provided an exclusive extract to whet had gone and considered give readers an opportunity to revisit the staff recalled, he kept bursting your appetite. I’ve bought the book, it’s a pulling him up. But he took horses, moments and characters that make into tears for days afterwards. great coffee table read and I’d recommend his mount to the inside and Jump racing so enthralling. it highly to any club member. the pair flew the Pond Fence. And the touch of comedy? Special Cargo, then in seventh Special Cargo suffered place, changed his legs and began regularly from an ailment that, about six months to forge up to the leaders, Diamond Edge, into the season, caused large lumps of his hair to Plundering and Lettoch, who had been badly fall out. Having consulted his vet, Bob McCreery, Special Cargo’s Whitbread win hampered by a faller early on. Special Cargo Walwyn had his team cover the bare patches hit the second-last without losing momentum with Cherry Blossom boot polish – and Special The race that had everything and bore down on Lettoch and Diamond Edge, Cargo strode around the parade ring with the who led 50 yards out, as they tore up the hill. crowd commenting on his glossy black coat. It was once written of the great cricketer WG and keep them enjoying their racing: that year, At the line, with four jockeys and their mounts When the Queen Mother patted her victor Grace that he had ‘exhausted all superlatives.’ Walwyn ran two of them. One was Diamond straining every sinew, it was a blur with Special after the race, she made no comment over the Steeplechasing has plenty of candidates for Edge, with whom he had twice previously won Cargo, Lettoch, Diamond Edge and Plundering blackening of her glove, ‘the best race ever seen’ but most spectators the Whitbread, traditionally the climax of the flashing past the post apparently inseparable. but for Walwyn and his wife, Cath, there was a at Sandown for the Whitbread Gold Cup on 28 jumping season, but who was now 13. The There was an anxious wait for the judges to April 1984 were convinced that the contest that other was the 12-year-old Special Cargo, whose worrying aftermath. He was contacted by the unfolded in front of them that day deserved that pottery pins had kept him off the racecourse Club to say they were unhappy with accolade. It was the race that had everything – a for two years before he had returned to win the routine drug test. Walwyn, in his wife’s popular rider riding his last race on a previous the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown the words, ‘Did his nut,’ castigating the vet who had winner, a blanket photo finish involving three previous month. Diamond Edge was beating advised him there was no risk, and fearing that a contestants, two of them with dodgy legs. Special Cargo out of sight on the gallops in tin of boot polish could see his old horse denied To add to that, there was a touch of comedy Lambourn and the firm going would not suit a famous triumph. Fortunately, the second test followed by a secret drama and, of course, there Special Cargo, so not surprisingly stable jockey confirmed that there were no performance- was victory in the end for the sport’s most Bill Smith, who had decided it would be his affecting substances. popular owner. last race, had opted for Diamond Edge; thus his Edward Gillespie quiet but capable understudy, Kevin Mooney, Those who worked with him, such as his one- Extracted from Sixty Years of Jump Racing: was given the ride on Special Cargo, who would time assistant Mark Bradstock, marvelled at From Arkle to McCoy by Robin Oakley probably not have been risked if the Queen Fulke Walwyn’s ability to patch up old veterans with Edward Gillespie, (Bloomsbury, £25/ Mother had not been present with her racing The Queen Mother at Sandown with her horse Special Cargo. £21.99 eBook)

12 13 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL REVIEW Left: Noel Fehily clears the last followed by for a Henderson 1-2 in the Champion Hurdle. Tuesday March 14th Nicky Henderson then entered the record books Right: How this must have hurt Willie Mullins, as former inmate Apple’s Jade wins the Mares’ Hurdle. with a sixth victory in the Champion Hurdle via Tuesday morning on Festival week gives Buveur D’Air. He’s a magician with the hurdlers, you a feeling like no other day in the year. perhaps most so with My Tent Or Yours. A career Rising early, you skip to the newsagents to buy beset with injuries My Tent Or Yours has finished 1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 4.10 OLBG Mares’ Hurdle your Racing Post hoping the pundits say a nice second in the Supreme in 2013, then second in 1. Labaik 25/1 1. Apple’s Jade 7/2 word about the horses you’ve picked for the the Champion Hurdle in 2014, 2016 and now 2. Melon 3/1F 2. Vroum Vroum Mag 11/4 day ahead. All your hopes and dreams remain 2017... what a brave horse. 3. River Wylde 8/1 3. Limini 6/4F Jockey: J Kennedy Jockey: B Cooper intact and you lend your voice to “The Roar” as Typically, by race five the racing juggernaut’s of Trainer: G Elliott Trainer: G Elliott the tapes go up in the Supreme Novices’. Within Mullins/Walsh/Ricci have two or three winners four minutes you find yourself looking again at on the board. Having won the last nine editions 2.10 Arkle Novices’ Chase 4.50 JT McNamara NH Chase your racecard in an effort to understand how of the Mares Hurdle it was anticipated that Willie 1. 1/4F 1. 16/1 the 25/1 shot Labaik had put the field to the would get off the mark as Limini and Vroum 2. Cloudy Dream 12/1 2. Missed Approach 50/1 sword and set Gordon Elliott on his way to a first Vroum Mag headed the market. In another 3. Ordinary World 25/1 3. Haymount 33/1 day treble. thriller, Apple’s Jade stole the lead over the last Jockey: N de Boinville Jockey: Ms L O’Neill from Vroum Vroum Mag, but Vroum Vroum With forty minutes between races there was Trainer: Nicky Henderson Trainer: G Elliott plenty of time for a confidence booster in the wasn’t taking defeat lying down and got her head , only for Apple’s Jade to give Guinness village. I confess to joining a thousand 2.50 Ultima Handicap Chase 5.30 Novices’ Handicap Chase one last effort and reclaim the lead within the Neil Diamond fans in the chorus of “Sweet 1. Un Temps Pour Tout 9/1 1. Tully East 8/1 shadows of the post….what a race. Dignity Caroline”, good times never seemed so good, 2. Singlefarmpayment 5/1F 2. Gold Present 14/1 never showed itself so well in the winners indeed it’s true, especially for Nicky Henderson 3. Noble Endeavour 15/2 3. Two Taffs 7/1 enclosure as Willie Mullins extended the hand of as Altior eased to victory in the Arkle novices’, 4. Buywise 33/1 4. Powersbomb 22/1 congratulation to Michael O’Leary. albeit Charbel was making an interesting Jockey: T Scudamore Jockey: D O’Regan challenge before crashing out two from home. The Elliott bandwagon continued in the four Trainer: D Pipe Trainer: A Fleming The Ultima Handicap provided one of the best miler as 2014 Triumph Hurdle winner Tiger Roll Going: Good to soft races of the week. Trends followers will have showed he could win over double the distance. 3.30 Champion Hurdle Weather conditions: English grey, dry & mild. dismissed the chances of the 155 rated Un The race was initially marred by the collapse of 1. Buveur D’Air 5/1 Temps Pour Tout who was back to defend his Edwulf, however, after working on the horse for 2. My Tent Or Yours 16/1 crown. Ridden prominently he jumped the last more than one hour the vets were able to save 3. Petit Mouchoir 6/1 trailing the favourite Singlefarmpayment, the him – well done Chris Rea, Liam Kearns and team! Jockey: N Fehily Trainer: N Henderson two then gave their all in the climb to the line Alan Fleming took the last with Tully East under with Un Temps Pour Tout prevailing by a short a cool ride by Denis O’Regan, a bullish Fleming head in a thriller. announcing afterwards that the winner would step up to listed company before the end of the season.

14 15 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL REVIEW

Wednesday March 15th stunned by the inexplicable run of Douvan – let’s hope his injury heels quickly and he returns Have you ever seen a more beautiful day in full health next season. at Cheltenham? Not a cloud to be seen, 16° centigrade, the coat was left at home and The remainder of the day belonged to the jockeys. In the cross country Jamie Codd we entered the Guinness village for a thirst Left: Willoughby Court prevails by a head over Neon Wolf in the Neptune. Right: Mite Bite somehow got his quencher, rather than a nerve settler. showed once again what a class act he is nose in front of Whisper in the RSA over the banks obstacles and then put in a By now I was becoming familiar with the bands performance in the Bumper that will stay with playlist, sure enough Neil Diamond lifted the me for a long time. I chose to watch the Bumper soul once again as another 1000 new friends from the centre of the racecourse. On the first 1.30pm Neptune Novices’ Hurdle 4.10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase belted out Sweet Caroline ahead of the first circuit I commented to my friend that they 1. Willoughby Court 14/1 1. Cause Of Causes 4/1 race... happy days. were going a fierce clip at the head of the field. 2. Neon Wolf 2/1F 2. Bless The Wings 10/1 When I last saw Willoughby Court he was Contrast this with the almost detached back 3. Messire Des Obeaux 8/1 3. Cantlow 9/4F demonstrating all the doughty qualities of a marker Fayonagh. Having missed the break, Jockey: D Bass Jockey: Mr J Codd future stayer when sluicing through the mud at Jamie didn’t panic and let his mount get into Trainer: B Pauling Trainer: G Elliott Warwick in January. On this, the sunniest of days a settled rhythm, on the final circuit he got a I had foolishly discounted his chances. Under a superb pull into the race as they came down 2.10 RSA Novices’ Chase 4.50 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle bold ride by David Bass he got home by a head the hill on the rail side. As they swept the bend 1. Mite Bite 7/2 1. Flying Tiger 33/1 from Neon Wolf to give Ben Pauling his Festival coming for home Jamie let the horse cross 2. Whisper 9/2 2. Divin Bere 9/2F breakthrough win. Judging by the jig Ben did the track to take up the opposite rail and then 3. Bellshill 5/1 3. Nietzsche 12/1 in victory suspicions arose that he too, had produced a perfect finish cutting through the Jockey: N de Boinville 4. Project Bluebook 14/1 been spent more time than appropriate in the entire field on the run to the line – epic. Trainer: N Henderson Jockey: R Johnson Guinness Village. Trainer: N Williams Sandwiched between these two brilliant rides 2.50 Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle Mite Bite took the RSA by a nose from was the Champion jockey . His 1. Supasundae 16/1 5.30 Weatherby’s stablemate Whisper, but he should really carry mount, Flying Angel was very buzzy at the start, 2. Taquin Du Seuil 12/1 1. Fayonagh 7/1 a health warning to his backers. The race is I’d backed him on the tote and thought my 3. Who Dares Wins 33/1 2. Debuchet 10/1 advertised as 3m½f, however Mite Bite had other chance had gone even before the tapes went 4. Monksland 66/1 3. Claimantakinforgan 22/1 ideas and turned the run from the last into a up. Once off, this confidence didn’t increase as Jockey: R Power Jockey: Mr J Codd three furlong meander. Backers for the Gold he pulled hard, but the champion eventually got Trainer: J Harrington Trainer: G Elliott Cup 2018 should have no doubt that he’ll get him to settle producing a killer finish to prevail the trip of 3m2½f as he has already covered that by a neck over the favourite Divin Bere. If Flying 3.30 Queen Mother Champion Chase Going: Good to soft distance in the RSA. Tiger learns to settle he’ll be a fine prospect next 1. 11/1 Weather: Royal Ascot standard – season. Supasundae got Jessica Harrington’s week 2. Fox Norton 7/1 glorious sunshine heading in the right direction in the Coral Seven races in glorious sunshine, two were 3. Sir Valentino 33/1 Cup while Noel Fehily took the second major separated by a head, one by a neck and Mite Jockey: N Fehily Championship race in consecutive days on Bite by a nose, what a fantastic days racing. Trainer: H De Bromhead Special Tiara. It was a muted return to the Steve Ennis winners enclosure however as most fans were

16 17 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL REVIEW

Thursday March 16th Perhaps the most remarkable of the quartet of victories came in the Stayers Hurdle as Nichols “The horses are sick”, “they’re on the Canyon rekindled his graded winning form wrong feed”, “Gordon is the new King of under another perfect ride from Ruby. Every Ireland”, oh my, how the obituary writers ounce of energy was saved throughout the first got this wrong. 2½ miles and Ruby kept plenty in the tank to There’s no doubt gets some overcome the hot favourite Unowhatimeanharry Strike 1 on Yorkhil, strike 2 on , Strike 3 on and strike 4 on Let’s Dance, even Willie Mullins looks like he can’t believe what he has seen fantastic rides, but with it comes a huge burden and the gallant Lil Rockerfeller who ran a career of expectation. When interviewed on ITV’s best in second. “Opening Show” Ruby was phlegmatic under By the time Let’s Dance took her position at the 1.30 JLT Novices Chase 4.10 Brown Advisory Plate Handicap constant probing that there must be a problem start line for the Mares’ hurdle Ruby was 1. Yorkhill 6/4F 1. Road To Respect 14/1 with the yard, with Willie not yielding a winner in wearing the leading jockey armband and the 2. Top Notch 7/2 2. Baron Alco 10/1 the first two days. The only way to answer such bookies were running for cover by shortening 3. Disko 4/1 3. Bouvreuil 10/1 questions is from the saddle, and Ruby gave us a the favourite to 11/8. Under another stealth ride Jockey: R Walsh 4. Thomas Crapper 7/1 masterclass. Ruby switched Let’s Dance off, then plotted a Trainer: W Mullins Jockey: B Cooper Having backed Ruby in a fourfold on the route through the field and took it up over the Trainer: N Meade Wednesday I only trusted him with three last, a four timer, what a legend. 2.10 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle 1. Presenting Percy 11/1 4.50 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle parts of my yankee on the Thursday; Yorkhill, In between Ruby’s heroics, Un Des Sceaux and Let’s Dance, with my 2. Barney Dwan 16/1 1. Let’s Dance 11/8F collected his customary Festival winner on 3. Jury Duty 9/1 2. Barra 12/1 banker, Unowhatimeanharry making up the board Presenting Percy, he’s won 17 times now fourth selection. 4. The Tourard Man 66/1 3. Dusky Legend 20/1 and every year since 2006. Equally incredible Jockey: D Russell Jockey: R Walsh Ruby kicked off affairs on board the tricky ride is the achievement of Pat Kelly the trainer of Trainer: P Kelly Trainer: W Mullins of Yorkhill. This was more like what we’ve come Presenting Percy, last year he had five horses in to expect, Yorkhill travelled like a dream and training and won the Pertemps with Mall Dini, 2.50 5.30 Kim Muir Handicap Chase pinged each fence, a slight peck at the last this year he did it again with only seven horses 1. Un De Sceaux 7/4F 1. Domesday Book 40/1 didn’t diminish his momentum and he beat an in training. 2. Sub Lieutenant 8/1 2. Pendra 16/1 impressive Top Notch by a length. The day was wrapped up by Noel Meade 3. Aso 40/1 3. Premier Bond 9/1 The Ryanair eluded Michael O’Leary again as collecting his first ever chase victory at Jockey: R Walsh 4. Potters Legend 10/1 Ruby didn’t bother to restrain Un De Sceaux Cheltenham with Road To Respect and for the Trainer: W Mullins Jockey: Miss G Andrews who jumped beautifully throughout and finale a lady amateur, Gina Andrews, took the Trainer: S Edmunds galloped the opposition into submission. Kim Muir on Domesday Book, the highest priced 3.30 Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle How sweet for Willie to receive the handshake winner of the week at 40/1. 1. Nichols Canyon 10/1 Going: Good (watered the previous evening) 2. Lil Rockerfeller 33/1 Weather: Normal service resumed – cloudy from Michael O’Leary, they’re both mighty Steve Ennis competitors, but both display total class in 3. Unowhatimeanharry 5/6F acknowledging a win. Jockey: R Walsh Trainer: W Mullins

18 19 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL REVIEW

Friday March 17th St Patrick’s Day began early as I set off to reminded us again of what a see the Irish horses on the gallops in the great jockey he is by steering to victory in centre of the racecourse. The Elliott and the next race, making it a quick fire 356/1 double Mullins contingent were put through their in the Albert Bartlett. paces, while Sizing John looked in tip top Sizing John then took the Timico Gold Cup in order for Jessica Harrington’s team. Paul Townend scored a quick fire double at odds of 356/1 to land the County Hurdle and Albert Bartlett on a fine style, Jessica Harrington has this story well St Patrick’s Day to remember for the Irish The early start then allowed for a large coffee covered in our guests column, but it was great and full breakfast in a bun from the mobile to see two other seven year olds fill the placings, catering van on course, simple cuisine is often with Minella Rocco second and the most satisfying. third. Let’s hope they all make it back next year 1.30 JCB Triumph Hurdle 4.10 Foxhunters Amateur Chase to renew rivalries. 1. Defi Du Seuil 5/2F 1. Pacha Du Polder 16/1 When the racing got underway it was a thrill to 2. Mega Fortune 7/1 2. Wonderful Charm 7/2 see Defi Du Seuil deliver the Triumph Hurdle in After such drama refreshments were needed 3. Bapaume 10/1 3. Barrel Of Laughs 100/1 fine style, well done to our columnists Philip and and the Guinness continued to flow, the Jockey: R Johnson Jockey: Miss B Frost Sarah Hobbs on a fine training achievement. bonhomie of the crowd could hardly be better and everyone was in party mood – even the Trainer: P Hobbs Trainer: P Nicholls At this stage the UK were 14 v 8 down to the appropriately named Barel Of Laughs obliged Irish in the BetBright Cup, could they go through his owners by taking third in the Foxhunters’ 2.10 County Handicap Hurdle 4.50 Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle the card and finish all square at 14 v 14? This at 100/1, he’ll be back in May and should be 1. Arctic Fire 20/1 1. Champagne Classic 12/1 question was answered emphatically as a “No” noted as he very nearly won. The Foxhunter 2. L’Ami Serge 25/1 2. Verni 25/1 as one of the finest training achievements of provided Paul Nicholls with a winner in the 3. Ozzie The Oscar 50/1 3. Runfordave 9/1 the week came in the County Hurdle. Arctic Fire Festival at the 27th race, but spare a thought if 4. Air Horse One 10/1 4. Coo Star Sivola 13/2 struck me as a surprise entrant, I knew he was you will for those who came, tried and departed Jockey: P Townend Jockey: JJ Slevin all class having finished second in ’s with no winners including , Jonjo Trainer: W Mullins Trainer: G Elliott Champion Hurdle of 2015, but surely he couldn’t O’Neill, Nigel Twiston-Davies, and win? After all, no horse had carried 11st 12lb to many others. Getting one on the board really is 2.50 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle 5.30pm Grand Annual Chase victory since 1960, indeed, no horse rated higher a big achievement, for Gordon Elliott and Willie 1. Penhill 16/1 1. Rock The World 10/1 than 139 had won in the last 10 years – Arctic Mullins to get six apiece was phenomenal. 2. Monalee 8/1 2. Gardefort 20/1 Fire was rated 158, a massive 19lbs higher than 3. Wholestone 13/2 3. Theinval 9/1 any previous winner in the past decade. Add in As is now customary, applause should also go to Jockey: P Townend 4. Dandridge 13/2 the fact that this was his first run in 14 months, Ian Renton and his team, the whole Festival from Trainer: W Mullins Jockey: R Power his performance was amazing as he reeled in start to end was truly special and we’re all very Trainer: J Harrington Wakea who had stolen a 15 length lead turning lucky to be able to enjoy four days of fantastic 3.30 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup for home. Ever the king of the understatement, sport in the best of surroundings. 1. Sizing John 7/1 Going: Good (Probably better Willie Mullins was quoted afterwards suggesting The final race went to Jessica Harrington who 2. Minella Rocco 18/1 than good with the constant drying wind) he had felt Arctic Fire was well handicapped. capped a wonderful week by taking the last 3. Native River 7/2 Weather: Breezy but dry Spare a thought also for L’Ami Serge, the second with Rock The World….she really had. Jockey: R Power highest weight who ran a blinder to come Trainer: J Harrington second by a neck. Steve Ennis

20 21 CHELTENHAM PREVIEW NIGHT

Our Clubs annual preview night took The panel was a high profile collection of “A” list place on March 12 at The Centaur to racing personalities. I might be biased but I think Joe Tizzard, Adrian Heskin, Sir AP McCoy, Tom Malone and Sam “I’m not old enough to be here” from OLBG entertain the packed audience another packed audience of 1000+ racing Richard Hoiles is getting better and better at his fans. It proved to be another fantastic role in the commentary box – he was brilliant fundraising night with the club securing throughout the Festival, but he’s also a highly £5,370 for our racing charities via the capable Chair for evenings such as this and problem, but the coming back.” I’ll not even mention their bets of the week, they all bombed, but this betrays the point of the raffle and silent auction. we’re very grateful to Richard for his continued Richard Hoiles gave a mention for My Tent Or evening. I’ve been going to the preview night support. Yours to be placed in the Champion Hurdle It was a pleasure to see our magazine for several years’ now and it’s a great evening to and advised taking the 16/1 that was available contributors Adam The format focussed meet up with people you only see each year at that night. Tom Malone made Yanworth his Hurley and John on the first two days of Festival time, the club were really well supported nap for day one, while none of the panel Hales in attendance, racing in the first half. with many volunteers on the night running the It’s not the going that fancied anything beyond Vroum Vroum Mag Edward Gillespie our Passionate arguments raffle and silent auction, well done everyone! vice President was also will be the problem, were made in the or Limini in the Mares. present promoting his supreme for Ballyandy The passion for the Most importantly, book “Sixty Years of but the coming back from both Joe Tizzard respective arguments the evening whets Jump Racing” with co and AP. Hindsight is a was persuasive, but In a few years’ time he’ll your appetite for the author Robin Oakley wonderful thing but the results that came become a really nice fun ahead and we and we even had Liz Armstrong attend, who I don’t recall Labaik even getting a mention. are a reminder to stick all headed home kindly made a donation for the silent auction. Everyone agreed that Altior was a good thing for your pin in your own person again! with hopes and the Arkle while in the Champion AP said people fancies, you’ll surely do expectations high shouldn’t worry about the ground conditions for as well. for the week ahead, satisfied with the Buveur D’Air, “It’s not the going that will be the Tom’s nap of the week was Unowhatimeanharry, knowledge we raised £5,370 for our various Joe was encouraging all to get on the well racing charities. On behalf of the club, thank you handicapped Sizing Codelco and all thought Un to all our panellists, all our contributors of gifts De Sceaux would need softer ground. and to all who volunteered to make it a great The catalogue of dud tips continued all the evening. way to the Gold Cup where AP dismissed the Steve Ennis chances of Joe’s horses and Native River, Joe retorted by turning to the audience to suggest of AP, “In a few years’ time he’ll become a really nice person again!” The panel offered lots of options, but none proposed Sizing John AP always makes time for fans to get a picture, this time Liz Armstrong with her portrait of “The Final Flight” with club member and ex jockey Paddy Kenneally one of many superb donations to the silent auction as the winner.

22 23 Column header picture courtesy of John Grossick. JOHN HALES COLUMN

In the build up to the Cheltenham Festival We went to see my young horse Be Daring at John bought lots 25, Maire Banrigh and 26, The Dellercheckout at the Cheltenham Ireland sales we ran Aux Ptits Soins back over hurdles Doncaster and he was very disappointing and at Haydock. This is a very frustrating horse will probably not be good enough to race under who can perform at the very highest level rules. At the same meeting Vivaldi Collonges the Festival and he produced a great winning impressively in a four year old race and goes to when he is right. did not run well and has since had a soft pallet performance, he will now be entered in a Paul Nicholls and the Mare to Dan Skelton. After operation to improve his breathing. A bad day Unfortunately he has suffered with a lot of graded race at Aintree. the sales I was confronted by my wife who said all round. "I suppose you have bought a horse" to which niggling problems in what was supposed to be I did go to the sale on the Thursday evening and I gave a truthful answer "No" because I had a special year over fences. However his jumping I always enjoy going to the Cheltenham preview I promised my wife it was only to look. We were bought two horses. I knew if I showed her the was suspect despite winning at Kelso and we evening. I was with my son and my grandson travelling in each day with Roy and Margaret Mare she would fall in love with her. Everything decided to who is very Moody and we persuaded them to stay at the fell into place and I am happy to say we are still revert back keen on sale with my wife and I. I had no intention to married. to hurdling Everything fell into place and I am racing. It buy but I have for the race was a very always had a soft We are now at Haydock. happy to say we are still married informative spot for a really Given his ground he has a planning for Aintree He gave a evening. I nice horse that chance and I know Trevor and we have a lot very gutsy hoped that you really want to look forward performance and finished second but his Tony McCoy's remark that he did not think to take home. wanted to have a horse in the to. Ian Fogg and jumping was very poor and something had would stay would prove to be So I asked Dan Grand National I received an to be wrong. I had neglected to ask our incorrect. Sadly he was correct and "Pierre", Skelton to have offer from Trevor chiropractor Mark Windsor to check our horses which is his stable name, will now be dropped a look and he Hemmings for this year and it was a mistake I will not make back to two miles. came back during the day and said I should Vicente which we decided to accept. Given again. Mark said he had problems with his back The Festival itself was a great success and I am look at Lot No 25 and 26. So I sent my daughter his ground he has a chance and I know Trevor but also his pelvis was displaced. He has been sure everyone enjoyed the racing because every Lisa to have a look during racing when you can wanted to have a horse in the Grand National treated and is now doing a lot of better work. race is so competitive and for tension can be visit the sale horses as they are in a different following his sad loss of . On the I am hoping you will see a different horse at compared to a Wembley Cup final. It was not location from the horses racing on the day. Lisa day when he was sadly lost he produced one Aintree. If OK I would like to try again over fences going to be our year and in this company you confirmed that Lot 25 and 26 were very nice of the greatest performances I have ever seen next season. cannot expect to win a race every year. Ibis Du horses. I did not see the horses until the evening on a racecourse. Best of look Trevor. We hope to I was asked if we would take Rheu did not travel very well and did not like the and I hope my judgement was not affected by see our new mare Maire Banrigh in the Mares to parade at Exeter which I was very pleased ground which was quite dead on the Tuesday. my consumption of wine during the day. On Bumper. The horse will now be jointly owned to arrange as it would be another donation Politologue was my main hope but he did not first sight I thought they were two lovely horses by myself and a new owner to racing John Diver to Alder Hey Children's hospital in Liverpool. stay and finished a creditable fourth. and the Mare was one of the nicest horses I have who is a friend and colleague of mine in the Toy However disaster struck and the Horsebox broke seen for a long time in terms of conformation industry. Also we hope to see Aux Ptits Soins, We were disappointed that our Gi Gi partnership down on the M5 and Neptune did not make and looks and the lad that had ridden her in Captain Forez,and Brio Conte. horse did not get into the Martin Pipe race. Exeter. I am very sorry that the race goers at a Point to Point the previous week thought Instead, he ran at Kempton on the day after John Hales Exeter did not have the chance to see him. she was a machine. Lot no 26 had won very

24 25 ADAM Other good results were Singlefarmpayment getting beat a short head in the Ultima, there were a few four figure bets for this one, and the defeat of Limini in the Mares Hurdle. That for me was nearly the race of HURLEY the meeting, three cracking mares with Festival form from last year fighting it out up the hill. There’s a fair COLUMN bit of negativity about the Mares races at the Festival but I love them, you can’t say the Festival hasn’t been enhanced by the likes of , , the “That’s a cracking start!” said the boss after aforementioned three and Let’s Dance. They’ve also For once, Ruby was the bookies friend when beating Tully East, left, under a drive from Denis O’Regan got seen plenty of strong favourites which is great for the 25/1 stunner Labaik crossed the line in the Unowhatimeanharry up to make day one a winner for me and the bookies opening contest to this year’s Festival. “Yep, punter in me. that will do” I said, unaware we’d taken a Day One was a good one for us bookies then, and a beaten a neck, and it was these fine margins that made excuses for Harry. The only people smiling more than lump at 50/1 the previous evening in one good one for me personally too, as I managed to nap the difference through the week for many of us, punters the winning connections were the bookmakers. and bookmakers alike. of my Ladbrokes betting shops! That bet Tully East on our in house Ladbrokes TV. Nothing like Let’s Dance was popular in the Mares Novice at 11/8, proved to be our biggest hit all week though, leaving it late, the seventh race turning a losing day into SPs of 14/1, 7/2, 16/1, 11/1, 4/1, 33/1 and 7/1 sum up day and ensured it was a day for the punters. The Mullins/ a winning one for me. two for punters, and it was emphatically 2-0 to the Walsh four-timer would have been costly for some I’m and you’ll probably be disappointed to hear bookies. sure, but we somehow dodged any multiples on those. we had a fantastic week. Day two continued in the same vein, with one of the best backed horses all week getting turned over in the A bad day for my shops, but not the killer blow it could The Thursday in 2016 was the crucial day on the betting have been. I must admit I had to check the racecard to see who first. The Neptune was all about Neon Wolf, and the front, with short priced wins for , the fella in orange was, Labaik had definitely missed groans that accompanied the result of the photo finish and Limini annihilating my betting shops, and this year Day four is of course all about the Gold Cup, and for us my radar, but there was obviously money for it and were probably heard in Stroud. There’s no doubt in my day three had a similar look to it. Yorkhill got the ball it was all about Djakadam. The vibes in the fortnight a few believers out there. His record is littered with mind though that Neon Wolf will be the best horse rolling in the JLT at 6/4, finally getting Mullins and Walsh or so leading up to the race were strong for the two refusals, including a race on the beach at Laytown back to come out of this race, he could be some force over on the scoresheet for the week. A smart ride by Ruby, time runner up, and he became a huge liability in the in September. He’s clearly got an engine though, and fences next season. giving up the inside to nobody to lessen the chance of 24 hours leading up to the race. We took several four it will be fascinating to see if he can mix it with the top any costly jumps to the left. I thought he was one of the figure bets which initially saw him move from 4/1 into hurdlers next year. It didn’t look a vintage Supreme Might Bite was favourite for the RSA in name only, as nobody seemed to fancy the Henderson charge. It was good things of the week, and could see him being right 5/2, with Native River going the other way to as big as Novice however, you’d be staggered if it produced a in the mix for Gold Cup honours next year. 11/2 at one point. They settled closer in price at the off, Champion Hurdler, Arkle and Coral Cup winner like last a jaw dropping race to watch, he travelled and jumped like a superstar, then nearly gave it away. If his mind can with Sizing John solid at 7/1. It was the latter that was of year’s edition did. If that ride was good, then surely the effort on Un De course crowned king of the steeplechasers, and proved be concentrated next year he could go right to the top, Sceaux in the Ryanair was even better. The jockey On to the Arkle, and Altior was one of a few the King George looks made for him. another decent result for us. More than decent for me practically got run away with, but panic he did not, too, as my money was down and I got another winning disappointments through the week. Yes he won, but conserving every ounce of energy he could without admit it, you were a bit underwhelmed weren’t you? The word disappointment doesn’t really do Douvan and nap on Ladbrokes TV. the Champion Chase justice, I can’t recall a bigger shock disappointing the horse. Some terrific jumping and Every horse is entitled to an off day though, and I believe barely controlled aggression resulted in quite a lead It was another thrilling Gold Cup full of narrative. Was he would have got the better of faller Charbel, so still at Cheltenham. Sent off at 2/9 he was expected to skip round, collect the trophy and make a date with Altior turning in, and the best jumps jockey in the game had Cue Card beaten when he departed? Did the mistake plenty to look forward to for him in the years ahead. A enough left to get home by a little over a length. I’ve at the second last cost Djakadam? Would softer ground nothing race in terms of betting shop turnover, as this next year. A reminder if it was needed that races have to be won, nothing can be taken for granted. A reminder long loved this horse, the way he jumps reminds me of have made the difference for Native River? My response one had been prohibitively priced for a while. It did get an old favourite of mine , and the punters to those questions would read yes, no and yes, but we’ll some of the Ante Post accas rolling though. also to listen to the wife, my insistence that she should open a rival betting account to take the 10/1 Altior/ loved him too at odds of 7/4. have to wait twelve months for any possible answers. Yanworth was another let-down in the Champion Hurdle, Douvan double went spectacularly wrong. She was a Bookmakers were entitled to be sweating more Defi Du Seuil was the only winning jolly on the day and and was seriously strong in the day of race market, going tenner out of pocket, plenty of punters would have felt than up against Mike Tyson when was terrific in the Triumph Hurdle, in hindsight a huge off at 2/1. I actually fancied this one but was still surprised it, but I think it was those of us that love Unowhatimeanharry set off in the Stayers Hurdle. This starting price of 5/2. He could go right to the top over at the starting price, it looked a wide open contest on that would have felt it the most. Cheltenham is about result was going to make or break the week for many of hurdles, I’d take him in a match bet with the owners paper. Buveur D’Air was relatively weak on the day, drifting champions, and with a few of those on the missing list us, and he was backed into odds on as the tapes went current champ that’s for sure. The other SPs on the day out to an SP of 5/1, but he did a good impression of the Douvan was the one with a license to thrill, but he was up. All of the multiples, including my own, were running were 20/1, 16/1, 16/1, 12/1 and 10/1, so clearly another owners Istabraq when clearing away for a decisive victory. not to be the superstar this Festival badly needed. on to Harry, but for once it was Mullins & Walsh to the cracker for us bookies, 3-1 for the week and a chance I I’m pleased to say I talked up this ones chance of Festival Tombstone at 7/2 for the Coral Cup and Divin Bere at 9/2 rescue with Nicholls Canyon. It was easy to forget this could get paid for once at the end of March. glory back in the October edition of this magazine, but one had seven Grade One victories to his name going unfortunately for the Arkle Chase! Another decent result in the Fred Winter were both well supported on the day, Adam Hurley but neither could get the job done. The latter was only into the contest, and he was rather overlooked at 10/1. for the betting shops though. A deserving winner all the same, and there appeared no

26 27 JO COLLINSON COLUMN

Pre-Festival Not all days racing are successful with winners. On February 13, Harrison and I left very early to On January 20, Harrison Day passed his go racing up a Catterick with three runners. I HGV test via my brother Tony Collinson’s drove and Harrison was navigator, even though I We were all sorry to say goodbye to Twirling Magnet, Minella Rocco made us all proud with his second in company, MT Training. Only just 19, Harrison knew to “pass Wetherby and keep going...” but are delighted he has gone to Caroline Arkell for the Gold Cup is too tall, solid and heavy to be a jockey, so his retirement he will be a head of travelling in the future. I expected the weather conditions to be He has been driving the two-boxes since last freezing and bitter, yet the sun shone and the spring and is now even closer to realising temperature was surprisingly high. Harrison Big Penny was our first runner and she ran off. In a split second, Penny swung her head his dream of doing the travelling here. This and I worked in harmony together – I declared well to finish second, but then collapsed after and butted me in the face. It felt like an age as I won Harrison the Spillers Employee of the and Harrison unloaded the kit. We plaited the the race. This is caused by a lack of oxygen rocked backwards, reeling – the bruise started Month for January, and he has had a test run three between us and nipped to the canteen to the brain, often overheating and suffering gathering immediately. round the block with me in the passenger for a delicious meal. The canteen at Catterick is from acute exhaustion. I was back at the Peter unseated when looking like the winner seat and his maiden drive with the other renowned for its home cooked food. Since my stables getting Powerful Symbol (Peter) ready, and, my lead up, Hedley Lamarr finished well HGV driver, Will Seely. Harrison was thrown last visit, the sagging sofas and mismatched wondering where Harrison and Penny were, down the field. He was in the dope box so in the deep end when driving back from an tables had been replaced by plastic garden checking my watch every few minutes. with that and the vet checking Penny a final abandoned Huntingdon in Storm Dora. He furniture, but it They eventually returned and I continued time, we left later than usual. Harrison ran into is an extremely good driver, though I maybe was still homely. leading Penny the canteen and all too biased saying he was well taught! We bought provisions for around, cooling her returned with two Florin Alin won the Spiller’s Employee for the way home. off under a cold Holywell absolutely loved huge punnets of February for working into his lunchtimes I got a cheese hose, shadowed every minute and he buzzed golden chips – to give the horses extra treatments. He has roll, and it by a vet. She was on the house as been managing lots of the horses with their was difficult no longer wobbly, for two days afterwards the canteen was alternative therapies to keep them supple for to choose just tired. Harrison closing. their upcoming races. praised the between what It was just the beginning of a long journey veterinary staff, who had tipped gallons of water Head lad Alan Berry lives two miles away at the could have home, with a refuelling stop at a Shell garage over her, helped by Donald McCain and Ludu satellite yard, Slade and solved his transport been a WI cake and a forty-five minute tachograph break. I had Gaubusseau, McCain’s head of travelling. problems by purchasing a runabout – one stall. I eventually lots of cake, a black eye and a long day that did elderly woman driver and every other cliché. picked a When Penny was OK, I put her back into the not finally end until half past midnight. Plus, I It is a boxy Renault Clio; N-reg, once a lipstick chocolate stable and saw the many grazes and a swollen, spent the next fortnight explaining that I was red, now faded to a dusky pink and has been crunch, citrus cut eye from crashing through the white railings not a victim of physical abuse, but had been given nicknames such as ‘passion wagon’ and sponge, and landing on concrete. She was troublesome head-butted by a horse. ‘motorised roller-skate’. flapjack and a A nice selfie by Jordan Canavan to remove her bridle, so I swapped to her off After Holywell’s disastrous last run, he went to brownie. out on the hunt side away from her sore eye and I took her bridle

28 29 Slade for a change of scenery in an attempt to hindquarters to the onslaught and tucked their Cheltenham Festival 2017 on an upturned plug at high speed! I put on a freshen him up. One day, the hunt was about; heads into their chests. The wind tugged at our cold poultice, padding and a Vetwrap bandage the hounds not far away and the foot-followers hat silks and we also bent our heads in hopeless The Festival dawned bright and sunny. I was and he still did not feel much more comfortable! clogging up the lane. Jordan Canavan was on shelter, rain spiking us in a thousand pinpricks. driving our two runners: Holywell and Go It just proves how everything can be in your Holywell, Jack Savage on Walkami and Jonjo The electricity flickered on and off and the big Conquer in the handicap chase, the Ultima, and favour but then there are still a million things O’Neill (junior) on Wild Ginger, his point-to- industrial washing machine kept tripping; twigs was accompanied by John Dina – who had that can go wrong. Yet, I was just relieved that pointer. The lads took one look at each other, and branches littered the yard and the runners never been to the Festival before. He was so there was no serious injury and he came back all sent the others on the usual work up the arrived at Huntingdon, only for the meeting excited and could not quite believe the buzz OK, if a little sorry for himself. gallops and set off in determined pursuit. Not to be abandoned. The next day proved the in the air. Holywell also felt it and was crashing quite blending in in their blue Jewson uniform, opposite: idyllic, not even a breeze and just a about in the lorry until I got him off. After we Even though neither of our two runners won, I they asked permission from the red-jacketed few candy floss clouds in a blue sky. Horses and had unloaded and I had parked up the lorry, was chuffed that Un Temps Pour Tout did. Ever huntsmaster, who riders alike revelled John came with me to declare – just so he since last year when he won, beating Holywell, welcomed them in the pleasant could take in a bit more of the atmosphere. I have followed him and am now friends with with a plummy “The conditions. As both horses go out in the field during the his stable lass Emma Carrow. Much to her more the merrier!” there is more to racing than daytime, they had a shampoo and I got plaiting bemusement, she had won the BTO in the Twirling Magnet The horses loved up the pair. I was just pleased to keep busy. My Hennessy (David Pipe’s horses are never plaited), winning – having a horse had an awful fall at the atmosphere, nerves were really jingling and, except for a few and said I deserved that one today! I gave her a Ludlow – he stayed ears pricked and run well and return having chocolate biscuits, I was not able to eat all day. congratulatory hug, genuinely pleased that it was at the veterinary eyes bulging at the The conditions were all positive for Holywell: the her horse. given the jockey a good spin practice overnight milling hounds. going, the jockey, the weather, back to a track with suspected On the Wednesday, another sunny day, I did Soon, they were is often just as important he loved. I was feeling the pressure on us – or serious injuries and a favour for Bara Ponická, who was taking her jumping wooden perhaps pressure is the wrong word, it was more we thought he beloved Taquin du Seuil in the Coral Cup. His tail, hunt jumps and like hope. would never return. though thick and sleek, is often difficult to plait, hedges, and even flew a stone wall. Jordan said Yet, ‘Twirly’ did, diagnosed with three cracked Holywell was indeed very shiny and his plaits so I jumped off my second lot and went to do Holywell absolutely loved every minute and he ribs and he went straight to Slade to recuperate. very neat, and he won me the best turned out it during the coffee break. I can proudly say that buzzed for two days afterwards. The boss made the decision that Twirly was – a cash prize and also a Dubarry boot bag full I nailed it and did a beautiful plait, securing any On February 20, we lost Beg To Differ up at retired. He will leave another cavity in the yard of goodies like a bootjack and cleaning kit. I was punky bits with strong-hold hair gel! Will Seely Carlisle when he broke a leg. His loss left a huge – a firm favourite with the grooms and young very proud to do so, not only because of my drove and they had a brilliant day when ‘Tykes’ void in the yard. Nicknamed Beggles, he might jockeys alike. Two years ago, Twirly and our then beautiful horse but it was my second BTO at the finished second. It was a dream come true for Bara have appeared grumpy over the stable door amateur Tommie O’Brien forged a successful Festival and my first at Cheltenham for the boss. and she deserved to win the BTO for his neat plaits but inside he had the sweetest, most inquisitive partnership, winning two hunter chases and Go Conquer ran an amazing race to finish fifth and shiny coal-black coat. nature; nuzzling his way into everyone’s coming sixth in the Aintree Foxhunters. The – pinging the fences and leading most of the Florin had two runners on the Thursday – also his affections. He was the pride of his groom Flo previous season, he had won a novice chase way. John could not contain his excitement first visit to the Festival – Champagne At Tara in Willis for whom he had won at Sandown last round Cheltenham and won the best turned out and was jumping around, seemingly riding the the Stable Plate and Another Hero in the Kim Muir. season and gave her her first Festival lead up. in the Grand National. He looked after amateur race alongside Aidan Coleman. Meanwhile, Georgie Webb, in her first season in racing and a and conditional jockeys on the track and I felt for Flo as any journey back from Carlisle after blundering over the second, Holywell was racing school recruit, was also there for the first everyone at home, especially those youngsters is long but that would have been the longest then given reminders and was soon pulled up. time and had Mad Jack Mytton in the Stable Plate. who came on trial or on work experience. Twirly journey ever. He came back very lame behind and horrible They were like two kids in a candy store. Sadly, has a loving new home locally with Caroline injuries ran through my mind. The vet saw none of the runners ran well – Champagne pulled The mood in the yard was still bleak the day that Arkell alongside her two other horses in the that, having lost a shoe, the toe-clip of which up and Mad Jack was running a great race when Storm Dora caused havoc. The roaring wind did hunting yard where she works. The pair are had stabbed into the sole of Holywell’s hoof. falling at the second last. It looked a horrible fall not stop all day and was especially bad during guaranteed to share many years of fun together. No wonder he was hopping: the nearest but he was thankfully unharmed. Jonjo Junior had first lot when the horses tried swinging their comparison I could think of is someone treading his first ride at the Festival on Hero and, despite

30 31 being unplaced, had a great time. Florin, who has only recently learnt to plait manes, won the BTO with Champagne – a handsome grey who always stands out in the paddock and they were a well deserved winner. I was excited to be going to Gold Cup Day, taking Doesyourdogbite (Gromit) for the boys’ race. Will Seely drove the big box, so we had an extra person on the ground to help saddle. Flo Willis had in the Gold Cup and Charlie Davies had Minella Rocco. Both had never led up in the pinnacle of chasing and were overawed to do so. Flo especially could not believe that she was living an ultimate aspiration. For a groom, the Gold Cup is beyond anything else. Also, Marius Barbu was there with his Eastlake in the Grand Annual. To begin with there was the usual plaiting and socialising – of course, there are always lots of friends to catch up with, especially those now working in Ireland. Ludo was there, looking far from shabby in a suit, instead of the McCain royal blue. WIN A DAY AT THE I watched the Gold Cup in the small television room in the stables. It is a converted stable with RACES COMPETITION a kitchen, the worktops littered with remnants Me and Holywell at Cheltenham, his day didn’t work of the free beverages on offer: coffee granules, out but I was proud to win the nest turned out award teabags, mugs and teaspoons. There were a few stools and chairs and an overflowing wheelie past them, the other half was behind them. This month’s question for the chance to Our congratulations, along with a voucher for bin. Yet, amid this, I watched a brilliant Gold Cup Gromit looked like he will get three miles and can win two entry tickets for any meeting of two entry tickets to Chepstow have already unfold, and our two running blinders. ‘Morey’ go left handed, something that we were unsure your choice, except feature racedays, at been sent to Geoff. is given below. finished sixth and Rocco flew home, always a dour of before. Sometimes, there is more to racing than The question for the March competition is: stayer, to finish second. Charlie said to be in the winning – having a horse run well and return Each month the first correct entry drawn Which Charity is linked to Chepstow’s winner’s enclosure when Sizing John came in was having given the jockey a good spin is often just from those received in time will be awarded a Easter Monday Family Fun Day this year? amazing: the crowd, the music, the cheering. as important. voucher which can be redeemed for entry ticket Later on, Gromit danced round the paddock, Eastlake ran well enough in the last and, most badges direct with the racecourse office. Please post your entries to reach Tony Coleman by Friday 14 April 2017 at: 14 Ridge Green, Shaw, loving the atmosphere, ears pricked. He was brilliantly, won Marius the BTO. This meant a day The winner of the February competition was West Swindon, SN5 5PU alternatively, e-mail him ridden by Killian Moore, who woke him up and did not go by without a Jonjo runner winning a Geoff Robbins, who supplied the correct answer at [email protected] gave him a great ride. They jumped off in front turn out, which is a massive credit to us all. We that the Chepstow’s Silks Restaurant is situated and despite Gromit jumping right at the first, might have only ten runners and not a winner on the first floor of the Premier Stand. NB: Please remember to include your current they led until the second last when half the field amongst them, yet we still had the second in the membership number and postal address with swooped past them. I was delighted with Killian Gold Cup. your entry. and Gromit, because even though half the field Jo Collinson

32 33 Edward asked the panel, What turns an 8 or 9 year FEBRUARY old mare into a desirable prospect? Stephen: Either people buy CLUB NIGHT them to race or buy to sell. You need the ideal mix of a good race mare and a sound stallion. February's club night meeting saw a last Stephen: I suppose I am better known for my In order to be sold it has to tick minute substitution with original chair show jumpers and broadcasting. I come from every box. In terms of being Nick Luck having to travel to Dubai. The a non horsey family, in fact I followed my father able to sell them, you need to late replacement was in the shape of a into the wholesale meat trade. My father rode know the tricks of the trade in the UK. There is roughly around 160 at the familiar face of our Vice President Edward show jumpers and I followed suit, sitting on on prepping horses for sale. moment. But I guess you do always wonder Gillespie. Our guests were Alan Varley, my first horse aged 12. I always watched racing But most importantly be honest. Reputation is where the next good one is coming from. I also Steve Hadley and Simon Sweeting. and attended a few meetings and got involved everything, sell one with problems and word feel strongly about the impact the horse racing in owning a horse and riding through a friend will spread fast. Edward posed the opening question of industry has on our carbon footprint and global of my fathers. The horse went on to win seven “Why/How are you involved in jump racing warming. Alan: Horses generally don't run so often now, three mile chases. My biggest regret of my and tell us about your set ups?” trainers seem to mind them a lot more. This riding career was falling two out at the downhill Stephen: The key is to not buy too cheap. You is maybe because more and more flat bred Alan: I started working as a national hunt jockey fence in the National Hunt chase. Now involved generally get what you pay for in life. Always go national hunt horses appear and they can be but I was not very successful, I used to ride for in breeding I co-own a few mares with a couple for good reliable stallions. I guess there is always fragile. Captain Forster. After hanging up the saddle I called Richard and Sally Ashton who are based a danger of over producing and in turn diluting wanted to stay in the industry so purchased a in Chesire. I currently get foals and send them the quality of horse. With the above comments about current livery yard but I quickly outgrew it. I now lease a to Cheshire and they return when three year stallions in mind. Edward asked our Alan: I tend to agree with both Simon and stud based in Moreton in the Marsh. It has sandy olds to get prepped and go to the sales. But be guests, "With the current crop of stallions Stephen on this matter. The current top stallions soil providing great drainage covering 100 acres. warned, bad mares are the road to ruin. getting older, who do you think could be are getting older and wonder how long they I have been at Batsford for 16 years. I currently the new boys on the block?" Simon: I grew up on a national hunt stud and can keep going. have three main stallions. Native Ruler, by Cape Alan: Telescope and Blue Brazil wanted to become a trainer. I began working Cross, the same sire as Sea The Stars and Ouija Simon: In terms of racing these mares, a lot of for Henry Cecil. I have always been fascinated Simon: Getaway (IRE) and I have always liked Board out of Oaks winning mare Love Devine. good ones often retire early. As they are a viable in the breeding side of things and in 2000 the Westerners, they tend not to sell for very much He is a half brother to Sixties Icon. His racing selling point. lease became available on a private stud farm and can be a mixed bag, but there's a bargain to career was cut short due to injury but from in Overbury. Our star in the yard is clearly Kayf On the back of Simons last comment, be found. seven starts, he won and was placed four times Tara who has produced many of great horses including second in the Grade two Jockey Club Stephen: I concur with Alan including Thistlecrack. Kayf Tara has always paid Stakes where he was beaten a nose by Dandino on Blue Brazil. his way every season. I am lucky to have a very and finished ahead of multiple Grade one close knit team that have been with me since So there you have it folks, winner Campanologist, Indian Days (multiple day one. but them in your notebook. Grade two winner) and Monitor Closely (Grade Another fantastic club night two winner). Victory in that race was snatched After the usual half time offerings of the passed. Thoroughly enjoyed from him in the very last stride. I had Haafhd raffle. Edward kicked off the second half by by all. Thanks to our guests who was a European Champion 3 year old and posing the question, What challenges do and last minute stand in Passing Glace who was a tough and sound dual you see in the future for your business?: Edward. group winning miler. Simon: I am very positive about the future, there's a great incentive to keep breeding mares Kayf Tara Telescope Russell Neale

34 35 LIAM TREADWELL COLUMN

Steve Ennis writes; My monthly catch up unfortunate to unseat me two out. I think he’ll with Liam began with an invitation to get be back in November for one of the 2m4F or his perspective on the runners he had at 2m5f handicaps. In the Fred Winter I rode Candy Cheltenham and what might be ahead for Burg who found the experience a little too them over the remainder of the season, much. This was only his second run in the UK Liam picked up the story as follows; and he was overawed among the huge crowds and big field. He sweated up badly in the I only had one runner each day, but living so close preliminaries and finished well down the field. to the racecourse I was able to watch the first race Put a line through that race, he’s still a horse with each day from home, then jump in my car and Aso’s third in the Ryanair (blue silks right of picture) was a career best and continued Venetia’s strong recent form a future. be in the car park before the second race had begun... coming home was a different story! Cold March gave me a great ride in the Brown love the Grand National fences and the flatter Hurdle, the front three would all be the type Advisory Chase on the Thursday, he bowled On day one I had a great spin on Vic De track, I think he’s a great prospect and could run who would have given Quevega a serious race. along in front, jumped well only to be stopped Touzaine in the Ultima Handicap, he was bang 10lb better than his weight if his jumping is as I guess we should all pay more attention to the in his tracks by a faller at the 12th which killed there coming down the hill and was giving me good again. four miler after Native River and Minella Rocco any chance he had, after that I nursed him home a great ride, turning for home though his petrol finished second and third in the Gold Cup. and eventually pulled up. He goes again on The Irish dominance at the Festival didn’t gauge emptied pretty quickly and was then Saturday at Newbury and should really surprise the boys in the weighing room. Beyond the Festival I’ve been really pleased have a great chance as he enjoys They’re especially strong in the handicaps as with March as the winners have kept coming in the good ground we’re getting they have plenty that arrive fresh, lightly raced and Venetia has also had a great time of things at present. and potentially well in on their handicap mark. in the last six weeks with a 30% win strike rate You get the sense more are targeted for a just before the Festival. Aso’s third in the Ryanair My final ride showed the most Cheltenham win than the British horses which Chase was a cracking result, he was probably promise as Bright New Dawn are typically more exposed by the time the suited by the smaller field of a graded race than gave me his best jumping Festival arrives. the hustle and bustle of a big field handicap performance to date. His where he might get knocked about. jumping was so good he took I thought the ride of the week was on Fayonagh me to the head of affairs in the by Jamie Codd as he didn’t panic after a poor Looking ahead to Aintree I’m hoping I might get Grand Annual and was cruising start. It’s also great to see the obvious faith to ride Tenor Nivernais, I don’t think he’s ground from three out, as they turned Willie Mullins has in both Ruby Walsh and Paul dependent and the good news is the yard are for home he couldn’t quicken Townend. He trusts them to implement a plan running as well at this time of year as they have quite as much as the winner, B, C or D if plan A isn’t taking the shape they in a very long time, so there’s still plenty to look hoped for before a race, some of Ruby and Paul’s forward to. Tenor Nivernais’ 30 length victory but finished with his best rides were outstanding. at Ascot gives me hope for his performance yet in seventh. He’ll Liam Treadwell chances in the Grand National possibly go to Aintree and will My favourite race of the week was the Mare’s

36 37 TIPSTER COMPETITION MARCH UPDATE

As the Festival approaches so the It was no surprise that the new overall leader OVERALL LEADERBOARD Please don’t forget that you can track the status appearance of ‘Tipster’ horses, and picked up the top score prize for the month, Pos Name Current Month Total of your entries on-line by accessing www. Festival contenders, unsurprisingly having scored 80pts. However, Phil Bradley 1= JAMIE SHARP D 170 475 ctcrc.co.uk, selecting ‘MENU’ and then ‘Tipsters recedes. With accumulated scores in was not alone since Andy Johnson matched 1= STEVE TAYLOR D 150 475 Competition’. February even lower than the previous that effort with his ‘D’ entry, a remarkably good 3 KEITH APPLETON B 140 440 If you have any questions about your entry, or its month, Phil Bradley soared to the top of score given that only 325pts were available for 4 GILLIAN WALKER D 120 425 status, please contact Tony Coleman either on the Leaderboard with a score of 345pts distribution during the month. Well done to 5= STEVE HEARLE E 140 420 07795 146242 or by e-mail at with his ‘A’ entry. both Phil and Alan who each will receive £10. 5= DIANNE WESTON B 120 420 [email protected]. The Festivals now come into prominence Pos Name Current Month 7 PHIL BRADLEY A 70 415 for the next two months of the competition 1= PHIL BRADLEY A 80 8= KEITH APPLETON A 110 410 and we should expect much activity over the 1= ANDY JOHNSON D 80 8= ALAN WELLSTEED A 160 410 closing weeks. As the table below demonstrates 3 JAMIE SHARP B 75 9= KRIS BYERS C 130 400 the immediate pack behind the leader offer 4= KEITH EDWARDS A 70 9= DIANNE WESTON D 110 400 a serious threat and it could even be that 4= STEVE PAYNE G 70 someone outside the top twenty maybe 4= DIANNE WESTON B 70 springing a surprise? Meanwhile our congratulations go to Phil, who FESTIVAL UPDATE picks up the £10 overall leader prize for February. A lower overall scoring month from this year’s Festival, with absences from several Please note: ALL prizes will be paid out at the high-profile horses somewhat diminishing end of the competition. RICHARD DAVIS AWARD ‘competitor interest’. That said, plenty of great finishes and the usual great stories (or bad luck) OVERALL LEADERBOARD to reflect upon as the Tipster Competition For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Latest placings (up to and including Pos Name Current Month Total moves toward Aintree & Punchestown. Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, 21st March 2017) 1 PHIL BRADLEY A 80 345 At the time of writing this update on St Patrick’s Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and Worcester 2 STEVE TAYLOR D 40 325 1st Ryan Hatch 197 pts Day evening, subject to ratification from my during the period 2nd May 2016 – 29th April 3 B WOOTTON C 55 315 2nd Jamie Bargary 187 pts shadow, the immediate post-Festival leadership 2017 (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three 4= PAUL JONES B 55 305 3rd Harry Cobden 184 pts table shows the following position. Counties Race Club) 4= JAMIE SHARP D 55 305 4th David Noonan 168 pts 4= GILLIAN WALKER D 15 305 PLEASE NOTE: Due to yours truly sailing the Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a 5th Charlie Deutsch 157 pts 7= KEITH APPLETON A 40 300 high seas (hope not!) around the British Isles, Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. 6th Stan Sheppard 146 pts 7th Harry Bannister 144 pts 7= KEITH APPLETON B 50 300 the next magazine and website updates will 7= ANTONIA LORD B 65 300 only be up to 30th March. Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey 7= TERRY POULSON D 45 300 Full confirmation and publication of the final tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. 7= DIANNE WESTON B 70 300 result will be given in the May edition. This award is named in his memory.

38 39 NEXT STOP... AINTREE