MARCH 2018

FINISH LINE Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club magazine JONJO'S ON A SNOWY DAY CONTENTS EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

Editor's Introduction 3 To start with apologies that this newsletter If anyone would like to write an article about Fergal O'Brien stable visit 4-5 is so late getting to you! There were their Cheltenham or Aintree experiences do Katie Miller Column 6-7 mitigating circumstances for both myself email them to me. Even if it’s only a paragraph (editor) and Ian (graphic designer) which 500-1,000 words at the most. This is your club Park 8-9 basically has one name The Cheltenham and your newsletter so contributions are always John Hales column 10 Festival. I did try and get everything to Ian welcome. Club News & Richard Davis Award 11 before The Festival but failed miserably Our April meeting is cancelled as the IJF Football (I’m only human) and then we both Jo Collinson column 12-14 Match is on at Cheltenham Town FC so please attended Cheltenham. Worcester racing history book 15 do attend if possible. Please see article in the IJF charity football match 16 I hope you all enjoyed the week and more newsletter and Events. about it in next month’s newsletter. David Massey column 17 Enjoy your racing The meeting is next on the Neil Mulholland column 18-19 Sarah x Harry Stock Q&A 20-21 horizon and I am attending for the first time so not too sure whether I will get my spray tan out February club night 22 and high heels. Those who know me will know Tipster competition update 23 that hell will freeze over before that happens as comfort is my main priority. Please do pop over and say hello if you see me.

Cover photo by Joe O'Neill

2 3 FERGAL O'BRIEN STABLE VISIT

February 10th 2018 – Fergal o’Brien visit were looking rather red faced in the cold as well as spectators. Fergal commented that “You should be It was a wet, cold and windy morning as we here when its REALLY cold, positively tropical today!” edged along the road leading up to Fergal However it was noted that Fergal was wearing a hat, O’Brien’s yard at Farm high up in so it must be cold. Fergal O’Brien Stable Visit 24th February. festival), Poetic Rhythm (going for the 3mile novice The Cotswolds above Naunton, passing a long at The Festival), Mystifiable who will be going for the string of Nigel Twiston-Davies horses walking There are two gallops, one 5 furlong comprising silica The second leg of the CTCRC visit to Fergal Topham at Aintree and the fastest horse up the hill along just before we turned into Fergal’s yard sand, rubber and old carpet, and another 4 furlong O’Brien at the upper yard of Grange Hill Farm which was Mercy Mercy Me, who is the yard’s festival where we were directed into a parking spot by of deeper fibre sand. Fergal shares these gallops with enjoyed far better weather conditions than bumper hope Mr.Chris Coley. Nigel Twiston-Davies and I noticed Sam TD leaning leg one, with bright frosty conditions and out against the big green bus on a spying mission no on the gallops the other side of the valley was After the third time up the hill the horses walked Chris describes himself as handler of money and doubt. Sally Randell (Assistant Trainer) was organizing actually visible. down the road for a short while to cool down before car parking attendant, he is in fact Fergal’s business them and they came up three times, once at a canter, returning towards the stable where Fergal met each partner and helped him set up as a trainer. Also part The welcome was again a warm one with Chris then twice at full speed. The grey Mystifiable looked one in turn to check them over and receive any of the “Yes No Wait Sorries” who won the Challow Coley (leader of the Yes ,No, Wait, Sorry Syndicate) pretty impressive. news/gossip from the work riders. Sadly he forgot Hurdle on New Year’s Eve 2017, Fergal’s first Grade 1 organising events and directing where to park both to say at this point that Master Dee was going to success. “That’s it, you can piss off now” says Fergal and we all cars and cakes. After the initial wander round the yard romp home at Kempton later in the afternoon but trouped back to the yard. Time to spend visiting the to get bearings and a cup of tea it was off down the So there we were in the yard with not only CTCRC I guess we can forgive him for that! From there we horses, some were wrapped up in big thick duvets drive to the gallops to see the second lot do their members but owners as well. There was a nice cup all went back to the stable to get better acquainted while others that had been working were being three pieces of hill work. Fergal gave us the names of tea waiting, then I discovered the yummy cakes with the horses and for me a chat with an excited rubbed down and given breakfast. Fergal has around of his horses as they came up the hill, although he in the office, while I was eating a wonderful piece of Lily Pinchin who was due to ride Sally Rendell’s Feel 50 boxes at Grange Hill and has had a few more built seemed to have trouble with the 18 horses of Nigel chocolate cake I turned round and there was Fergal The Pinch at Chepstow later that day (finished 10th). over summer. I said hello to the cakes in the office Twiston-Davies who were sharing the gallop. Both at his desk munching a piece of Victoria sponge Once everybody had finished looking it was either again and then it was time to return home to dry out. trainers were using the less inclined of the gallops, (his favourite apparently) and a great big grin on his homeward bound or down to the Black Horse at the one which is furthest from NTD’s yard has the face. I did notice that once out in the rain the smile Thank you Fergal and team for giving us the Naunton and a chance to review the mornings events same carpet topping but has a sand base which disappeared. opportunity to visit. Despite the weather I really over a warming and in some cases, rather large means it is used less often and for more strenuous enjoyed myself. breakfast. We all made our way out to the gallops, (rain was by pieces of work. Horses in the second lot included now coming down even harder) and the poor riders Toni Lord Perfect Candidate (going for the Ultima at the Mike Lawrence

4 5 KATIE MILLER COLUMN

Dad and I have done quite a bit of ride and we also got to see Solomn Grundy who travelling over the last few weeks and have we met (and fussed!) when the club visited Neil experienced the joys of some real National Mulholland earlier in the season. He came a very Hunt weather from snow to sunshine via a good second. Though Bryony was not racing, lot of mud. she was interviewed from the Parade Ring about her new job. When she finished she came over Our first trip was down the motorway to Exeter. to me to say hello again. It was an amazing day; I had wanted to go and visit this Course for a even more so during the last race when the while and as we drove in between doing some cold blue skies suddenly became cloudy and it swotting for an upcoming test at school, I could started to snow! not help feeling a little disappointed that Bryony Frost did not have a ride on the card. We found It was my birthday in February and I had my the Course well enough but managed to miss school friends over for a party. Before we Katie and Dessert Orchid at Kempton the entrance! It was a bitter cold day so I had headed into town to a craft workshop, I asked we got to see many of his champions including usual, we missed the car park entrance on the on my tweed coat and lucky pink Cheltenham Mum if we could wait to watch Black Corton on Might Bite and my favourite of all Altior. It was way in! woolly hat. We headed off to the turnstiles. As the TV. My friends all crowded into our small also interesting to see where our horses live and I very much like collecting autographs when I looked across towards the Stands I noticed a study; I am not sure if any of them have ever who their neighbours are. large silver grey Range Rover that was heading watched racing before and they looked at each we go racing. At Kempton I got the chance to in the same direction as us. It stopped and the other when I started shouting at the TV! But Our final road trip was to Kempton; again a ask Mick Fitzgerald if he would sign my book. I window wound down. A voice called out “ I by the end of the race they were all cheering Course I had not seen before. Dad told me that asked if he was coaching Bryony and we had a know that hat! Hello Katie how are you?” It was Bryony to the winning post. the weathermen were forecasting the arrival of bit of a chat. He had just finished working for Bryony. A humungous smile spread across my something called a polar vortex. I had no idea ITV Racing that afternoon and told me that he Our next visit was very special indeed. Dad has face. She gave me a big hug and we had a long what this meant but it was incredibly cold! At would be calling Bryony on his way home to see some small shares in a couple of Middleham conversation. We did not realise at the time but Exeter we saw the resting place of how she had got on at Chepstow; and also to Park and Enigma Racing horses trained by Nicky it had just been announced that she had been and paid our respects. At Kempton we saw the tell her that he had met Katie with the pink hat! I Henderson. We travelled to Lambourn to see appointed the Group Wide Ambassador for impressive statues of and Kauto ran back to where Dad was waiting for me with them do a piece of work on the All Weather. Jockey Club Racecourses and had just finished Star; our visits have given me quite a history another humungous smile. The gallops are a short drive from Seven Barrows lesson about National Hunt races. The racing a photo shoot with her new sponsored car. I At the end of racing Mr Henderson had so we all piled into a convoy of 4x4 vehicles for was excellent and it being something of a field knew it would be a good day. arranged for three of his Festival hopefuls to a real off road experience through some really day for Paul Nicholls with three winners. The have a racecourse gallop. Despite the bitter cold I liked Exeter despite the cold; we were very glad sticky and slippery mud. Mr Henderson led the horse that impressed me most was Alan King’s we stayed on to watch Might Bite, Buveur D'Air to have bought tickets in the Stand that offered way with his two dogs running alongside his Redicean who won the Grade 2 Betdaq Adonis and Theinval go through their paces. What a a panoramic view of the Course and central truck. The view from the top of the Gallop was Juvenile Hurdle under Wayne Hutchinson. As great way to finish the day. heating! Before racing we all stood in silence to just breathtaking and it was fantastic to see our I write it looks like he will take on another remember Richard Woollacott. The racing itself horses going through their paces. If that was of my favourite Nicky Henderson horses at Katie Miller (with a helping hand from Dad) was very exciting and, as usual, I beat Dad in our not exciting enough, when we got back to the Cheltenham; Apple’s Shakira. I cannot wait. I points competition. It was great to see Lizzie Yard Mr Henderson gave us a quick tour where beat Dad in our points competition and, as

6 7 GOWRAN PARK

Gowran Park in is a very ‘Peace N’Milan’ ridden by Cian Maher staying on picturesque dual purpose course which well from Gordon Elliott’s Graineyhill ridden by held it’s first meeting in 1914. The new James Bowen. The sixth race saw Willie Mullins grandstand and facilities were opened in and David Mullins win with ‘Montalbano’ from 2003 and the course was reclassified as a ‘De Plotting Shed’ of Gordon Elliott and Davy Grade 1 course for National Hunt meetings Russell. The last race was won by Gordon Elliott’s in 2006. ‘Edene D’arc’ ridden by Declan Lavery from Noel Meade’s ‘Young Ted’ ridden by Nina Carberry. The highlight of the season is The Thyestes Handicap Steeplechase in January which has The fifth race was the Thyestes and it started been won by the likes of , Hedgehunter, with the drama of a false start so all had to be Numbersixvalverde, On His Own, Djakadam and recalled. Henry de Bromhead won it last year last year Champagne West. The race takes it’s with Champagne West for Roger Brookhouse name from the racehorse Thyestes named after but it was not to be repeated as he hit a fence a figure from Greek Mythology. hard and was eventually pulled up. It was to be Steph Searle with Montalbano Jack Kennedy and Thyestes trophy Gordon Elliott’s year with ‘Monbeg Notorious’ I always take a day’s annual leave to go to this and Jack Kennedy, neither jockey nor trainer meeting as it is one of my favourites of the year. having won the race before although he did There is always a packed crowd although by the go off favourite. ’Wounded Warrior’ was 2nd for standards of Cheltenham it is still very easy and Noel Meade and Adam Short at 25/1 although pleasant to walk around no matter what the he only just held on from Gordon Elliott’s ‘Space weather. Cadet’ There are seven races on the day with all of the It is a wonderful day’s racing in Ireland and I am top trainers and jockeys in attendance although always surprised that more do not make the this does not always mean that they go away journey from England. I always see many familiar with all of the prizes all of the time. faces in the stable staff as they have previously The first race was won by Willie Mullins, Paul been based at British yards. I think this is one of Townend and ‘Scarpeta’ either disputing the best kept secrets for racing fans and maybe I or leading all the way to win easily. Jessie should have kept quiet... Shhhhhh Harrington and Robbie Power won the next After note: James Bowen was meant to go for a with ‘Wings Like Arion’ having been held up and meeting with the stewards but decided to leave then going on to win from 3 out. The Galmoy and go home. I think he will be in trouble. Hurdle saw 2 of my favourite horses of the day ‘Presenting Percy’ and ‘Augusta Kate’ come Sarah home 1-2, although the winner was impressive. The fourth was won by the Francis Flood trained Thyestes presentation

8 9 Column header picture courtesy JOHN HALES of John Grossick. COLUMN CLUB NEWS The month of February is normally a quiet the Champion Chase at the Festival and this time not month for owners with the horses who are do all the work in front which he did at Newbury. The & FORTHCOMING EVENTS good enough to go to The Festival probably Queen Mother Chase is always run at a frenetic pace having their final prep race and the other and this will help him if he is tucked in behind. I am horses not going to the Festival having a quiet not going to say we will turn the tables on Altior but Wednesday 18th April Saturday 5th May time as they will be prepared for Aintree, Ayr or we will give it a very good try. The race is going to be IJF Football Match at Cheltenham Town FC Philip Hobbs Stable Visit Punchestown. very competitive and if Douvan makes it it could turn out to be the race of the Festival. is on the same evening as our club meeting emails to [email protected] by Our first runner in February was the GiGi would be so we have taken the decision to 21st April. partnership’s Gibbs Bay who has been disappointing Ibis Du Rheu really needed the race at Newbury cancel the club meeting and try and get as Short notice stable visits: over fences and at Doncaster on the 8th February and this week Paul Nicholls was very pleased with many people to go to the football match as Please email [email protected] to he came down at the first fence. For a horse that has him with a race course gallop at Wincanton. Having possible. We thought an en mass booking won a good Bumper he has all the physical attributes already won at the Festival (The Martin Pipe race for be put on the short notice stable visit list. As from CTCRC members would be good. Please but now we will concentrate on putting him over conditional Jockeys in 2016) he is being targeted at we have no magazine between June and mention CTCRC when booking or alternatively hurdles. It was a big day for me at Newbury on the the 3 mile Handicap on the first day. They will be September there are sometimes visits arranged send an email to [email protected] to 10th February with Politologue having his prep race my only two runners at the Festival. We may go to during this time. Emails are sent out to those show interest. for Cheltenham and Ibis Du Rheu making his long Punchestown with Politologue but we will see how who might be interested in these visits over awaited return after suffering a fractured Pelvis at the he comes out of the race at the Festival. the summer. end of the previous season. There are two other horses I am really looking forward Politologue to seeing in the near future. Maire Banrigh who has suffered his had a breathing operation and Just Rocky that I part first defeat of own with the Halmurrit Syndicate. Dan is very pleased the season but with Rocky and his work so far and he tells me that he at the time of is straight forward enjoys his work so fingers crossed writing this he will produce a good performance. RICHARD DAVIS AWARD column had Paul Nicholls has made entries for the Dellercheckout earned more but he needs time to strengthen up and I believe you For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Latest placings (up to and including 9th prize money may see a very good horse next season. Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, March 2018) than any other Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and Worcester horse in the UK When you read this we will have been to 4 days of 1st James Bowen 209 pts during the period 25th April 2017 – 28th April this season. He the very best of National Hunt Racing at Cheltenham 2nd Ciaran Gethings 158 pts 2018 came up against which we always look forward to and I will also have 3rd Charlie Deutsch 145 pts an exceptional been to the Cheltenham preview evening on Sunday (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three 4th Richard Patrick 137 pts horse in Altior 11th. Counties Race Club) 5th= Mitchell Bastyan 127 pts and there is I hope all the readers enjoyed the racing at the 5th= Stan Sheppard 127 pts no disgrace in Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a Festival and for me it will always be the Festival of being beaten by 7th Jamie Bargary 123 pts Dreams. Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. a better horse. Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey We will have John Hales Ibis du Rheu tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. This another go in award is named in his memory.

10 11 especially on our weekends on. At Sandown, John Dina had Palmers Hill running and I had Doesyourdogbite (Gromit) and we both could not go, which would have left the yard JO COLLINSON short-staffed. Thus, I stood down and went for lunch in town with Nicole instead. We watched COLUMN Gromit’s race on Nicole’s mobile in the car park and we shouting for Grommy, who finished fifth in a good race. He had been unplaced Head of travelling to Tim Vaughan, Andrea Andrea did herself, her yard and everyone in for too long and I was thrilled he had run so Kelly was a finalist in the Leadership National Hunt racing proud. She proved her much better and had been well looked after by Award at the Godolphin Stable Staff rightful place up there with the best staff in the Harrison Day. Awards 2018. Andrea has been with Tim country. My hunch that Grommy would run well was Vaughan since he started training ten Fellow groom Nicole Vaughan did not have the proved correct as he had been bouncy on the years ago, and is an amazing person – best day on 17th, when she had two runners gallops, bucking and kicking and had even got always smiling and laughing, and helps on her Saturday working. I took Pop Rockstar to the white rails with a deadly aimed back hoof! anyone out. In the past, she has lent me Ascot as Nicole is yet to take driving lessons and Nicole Vaughan fluffy cheek pieces, blinkers and has given Our only winner of the month, Fleminport, Michelle Marsh was taking Noble Robin up to me lots of advice too. Andrea is petite in was on the 19th, even though the number him up! Fingers crossed for next time out. As Wetherby. I felt for Nicole who deserved to go, stature but overflows with a bubbly, lovely of runners was low due to the weather. The it happened, the Beast From The East brought especially with her “good horse” Nobel Robin. personality. 5-year-old has now won two hurdle races on about many jump racing abandonments and Yet, it does not always work out – Nicole never the bounce and will definitely, one day, become there were a few meetings of jumpers bumpers To be shortlisted is no mean feat, for the moaned but it must have been frustrating. a nice chaser. ‘Flemmy’ is looked after George on all-weather tracks. competition is hot but then to be whittled Neither horses won – Robin pulled up and Pop Webb, who had only done him a week when down to three finalists is an amazing finished sixth, so I informed Nicole that they had she led him up, a winner, at Hereford the time Head of travelling, Harrison celebrated his achievement. The category was won by Jessica missed her. before. twentieth birthday that night and the hostels McLernon, little sister to our jockey, Richie. Yet, were certainly alive with partying when I It is not always possible to take our own horses, On the 21st, I had an evening Flat meeting at returned, loud music, boozy celebrating and Kempton when I took Tidal Watch. He was laughter from head girl Flo Willis’ ground floor ridden by local lad Kieran Shoemark. I had only flat. I realised when Harrison had asked if I could been evening all-weather racing once before, take ‘my’ Domingo to Ffos Las the next day nearly five years ago when I led up in the 9:15 that he had wanted to party the night away. Of at Wolverhampton! It was different seeing course, I jumped at the chance to take my own Kempton simultaneously lit up and shadowy, . rather than in daylight. The track itself, under silvery floodlights, appeared eerie and surreal. I have not looked after ‘Ringo’ for too long but I like him a lot. He is tall, leggy and has Tidal Watch is nicknamed Tiddle, despite not impeccable manners. He travelled in the two- being tiddly at all! He is difficult to ride at home, box without as much as a stomp or restless and is ridden daily by capable Colm Ryan. Yet, bang for the three hour journey. Noel Fehily at the races, he was a complete gentleman, rode him and had a great spin. Ringo came back and very handsome after being plaited and covered in an inch of mud from ears to hooves, had been well brushed at home by his groom his tail lank like a muddied rope. I had not had a Vasile Ursu, one of our hard working yardies. horse that muddy for a long time – it took three Harrison Day and Grommit Andrea Kelly Tiddle finished fifth and Kieran could not pull drenchings by a hosepipe to wash it off and a

12 13 lot of patience. Hopefully, Ringo will come on for snow plough was busy and, up at the top gates, the race and improve next time. the Manitou cleared the snow, leaving white mountains. WORCESTER RACING That night, when I returned well after nine, the hostels were quiet and unlit, opposite to the The horses got togged up in all their rugs, and previous evening, with no booming music. I put extra ones on Gromit, March Is On and HISTORY BOOK Everyone was in bed early after their excesses Forza Milan. It is not easy to keep ourselves warm too but layering up helps. Lots of thin thermals, especially Marino wool, and long New book celebrates 300 years 229 runners contesting an eight-race card. Oh johns are effective but often toes and fingers of racing in Worcester yes, and contrary to popular belief, Worcester are impossible to warm up. Keeping snug is is the proper home of Britain’s first sponsored As many of you will already know, racing something I have bettered over the years and steeplechase. historian Chris Pitt, our guest at January’s cringe at what I used to wear, or rather what I club night, has just finished chronicling Alongside the racing heritage it presents a social failed to wear. My chilblains used to be terrible the history of for his history from Worcester’s long and colouful past. and, looking back, one year in a former job I now new book, ‘Pitchcroft: 300 Years of Racing Tales of early aviation, championship bare- conclude I had frost bite: purple swollen, claw- in Worcester’. Due out in early April, it tells knuckle fights, the last battle of the English Civil like toes and red splodges spreading up my of the famous – and infamous – horses and War, and Sir Edward Elgar (an annual member) lower leg. Nowadays, I wrap up with ski socks riders that have graced Worcester over the marking his race card in the paddock. that are knee-high and never slip down, and course of three centuries. wear about four pairs on the coldest days. Pitchcroft: 300 Years of Racing in Worcester Don’t forget that Worcester held Flat racing until costs £13.99 and is available from: Pitchcroft The snow culminated in four bust pipes in 1966 and saw all the top riders in its day, from 300, Porters Hill, Droitwich, WR9 0AN. Email: the yard, one hot one in the farrier’s box that Fred Archer and Steve Donoghue to Gordon [email protected] resembled a shower and three others flooded Tonic the yard cat. Richards and Lester Piggott. Richards rode his the beds of shavings. Half way through the Copies are also available from Worcester 2,000th winner at Worcester, broke the number morning, and this was why it was not detected Racecourse. from the night before! of wins by a British jockey there and came within earlier, there was a bust pipe in one of the an ace of beating Fred Archer’s record total of Chris Pitt The Beast From The East, an icy blast from empty hostels. The water was free-flowing wins in a season. Siberia, hit us on March 1st. Temperatures down through light fixtures, carved holes in plunged to -8˚ accompanied by heavy frosts the ceiling and was a river in the under-stairs Great horses like Halloween, Mandarin, Tingle and flurries of snow, resembling sprinklings cupboard. I went to ogle in horror at the three Creek, Silver Buck and . Champion of icing sugar. We felt far from springtime as a inches of water spreading across the flooring, jockeys such as Mellor, Biddlecombe, Francome, bitterly freezing wind whipped viciously round and squelched across the riverbed of carpet. Scudamore and McCoy. They’re all here. And a the string, and the Festival as far from our minds. Residents India Abbot, Solly Wood and Henry century before them, the country’s best chasers Joe O’Neill, from the office, brought around Platt all moved into empty rooms elsewhere and did battle in the Worcester Grand Annual, a race jugs of Heinz tomato soup, which was very well the plumber had to be collected. By then, water once ranked second to the Grand National in received and warming. The dusting of snow was even running in rivulets down the outside terms of importance – and one that is being soon turned deeper. Overnight, the wind lashed of the hostel; almost mockingly so as the snow revived this year for the first time since 1933. the snow into humungous drifts. As I walked to was beginning to thaw and melt into puddles. work at 5:45 up the private road, some sections The temperature rose to a balmy 3˚ and work were tarmac whilst others were knee-deep. got a lot easier! Pitchcroft has witnessed Vincent O’Brien plunder The drifts were nearly as high as the schooling a £200 Flat race with a future Cheltenham fences and the fencing in the paddocks. The Gold Cup winner; a man staring in disbelief automatic drinkers in each stable froze and we at a 12-inch TV screen as the horse he trains were topping them up by the bucketful. The wins the Grand National; and a world-record

14 15 There were no preconceived ideas of what money if getting round. might be raised but the project was appealing to Seeyouatmidnight (Sandy Thompson) IJF CHARITY Chris and the promotion of the game got under way One that won’t mind the ground is the lightly raced with the added bonus of Dr Simon Gillson and his DAVID MASSEY Seeyouatmidnight, who makes plenty of appeal social media skills. Corporate Hospitality packages from a mark of just 149. In fact, when you look FOOTBALL MATCH were sold and an online Auction ran alongside back at some of his form, you wonder how the COLUMN hell a horse of such quality can possibly still have thanks to the generous pledges of trainers in a mark (just) in the 140’s. Exhibit A, M’Lud - twice particular and of the many other racing supporters. The idea of an IJF Charity Football Match was Twiston-Davies’s star horse have seen the back first muted one early Winter’s morning when Alain and Joe O’Neill collected a squad of Jockeys And as we say a fond goodbye to Cheltenham, end of him - Blaklion back on New Years Day back in jockey Alain Cawley was having a cup of tea together and, with a desperate need for some more we view the cheery sight of Aintree in the 2016 at Cheltenham and Bristol De Mai couldn’t lay a with Chris Coley in between lots at Fergal enhanced footballing skills, Frannie Jeffers, Lee distance instead. In some ways the Thursday of glove on him in a match at Carlisle later that year. He’s Aintree is one of my favourite days of the year - Hendrie, Seth Johnson, Darren Byfield, Aaron Downes clearly had his issues - hence the big absences - but O’Brien’s yard in Naunton. top class racing, not many folk there, so you’re and goalkeeper Conrad Logan were all signed up there’s enough evidence to suggest that the engine Alain had participated in a Charity game at Evesham able to get around quite easily. And as I look on free transfers for the night! Harry Redknapp is still there and if it is, he really does look too nicely earlier that year and with the inspiration of that out of the window of the snow that surrounds weighted to ignore. had kindly agreed to manage the team only for his me as I type this, I remember that not even this encounter behind them the seeds were sown. Alain is motivational skills to be rudely snatched away on weather will put the lovely ladies of Gas Line Boy (Ian Williams) a particularly close friend of AP ( other than when on the day of the game with his sudden appointment turning up in dresses not much bigger than Of those likely to appear nearer the foot of the the golf course ) and, with AP’s love of football and of handicap , Gas Line Boy makes plenty of appeal. It’s as Birmingham City Manager. However the void was pocket handkerchiefs. Hurrah! Arsenal in particular, Alain felt it would not be difficult rather been forgotten how easily he won the Grand most kindly filled at the last minute by none other Anyway, the culmination of the three days action to persuade AP to actually lend his name to the Sefton here in December, especially after almost than legendary Arsenal player, Charlie George ably is, of course, The Grand National, the most famous being brought to a halt by the fall of Arctic Gold four Jockeys’ team. AP duly agreed and, with there being assisted by Rod Thomas and John McGovern. horse race in the world. Now, gone are the days from home. That would have stopped most horses a 2 day meeting at Cheltenham in mid April, the first when picking the National winner was a doddle - from winning but Gas Line Boy was given time, made night would make an obvious date in the diary as Over 1000 spectators attended and for the first 3 nothing over 11 stone, nothing that hadn’t won over his ground up easily and scooted clear after the last. all the racing officianado would not be too far away minutes the Cheltenham side knocked the ball about 3m4f, nothing out of the handicap, and you were Fifth in last year’s National, he’s once again been from Cheltenham that evening. Chris approached with ominous dexterity but AP somehow cajoled left with about 6 runners to look at - as these days prepared with this race in mind and although he’s 4lb it attracts a far better class of runner and thanks to higher this time around, that’s neither here nor there. Paul Baker, the Chairman of Cheltenham Town, for his players into action and the Jockeys more than the handicapper compressing the weights, it makes his support of the idea of a game and Whaddon Rd held their own. Wayne Hutchinson was an ever it far more of a lottery than it ever was. Much like Ucello Conti (Gordon Elliott) became the venue and a team of Cheltenham Old overlapping wing back and Ben Pauling was as solid Cheltenham, you now have a handicap where the The second Elliott horse to appear on the list. Unlike Boys became the opposition. Hence special thanks to as a rock at the 50-1 and 66-1 shots actually have ability, where once the ever-reliable Cause Of Causes, Ucello Conti’s Paul and the Club for supporting the cause and it was upon a time that was never the case. record is a bit more patchy but I have always thought there’s a big race in him and it may just be this one. Chris’s task to get on and make the event a success..... So here’s my four against the field for this year’s contest. And no, Blaklion isn't one of them, before Back in the 2016 National, he finished sixth to Rule you ask. I’m still smarting from him not running in the The World after making a couple of quite serious Gold Cup... tears up another ante-post slip...) errors after halfway, but it was still a very decent effort. It’s worth bearing in mind that Elliott hadn’t Cause Of Causes (Gordon Elliott) had the horse very long at that point either, just a He’s just so hard to knock, isn’t he? Not least, that matter of a few months. So all in all that was quite fact that for every big race he turns up in, his trainer eyecatching. He followed that up by finishing a close seems to have him absolutely cherry-ripe on the day. fourth to Vieux Lion Rouge in the Becher that year Three times a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, he (giving him 6lb, he’ll be getting 3lb here) and was still proved his stamina for this last year when a gallant travelling plenty well enough when unseating at the second to One For Arthur, sticking to the task very 22nd last year. well in the closing stages. He’s had his pipe-opener at Leopardstown in February and by the time you read His jumping can be a worry, but there’s no doubt he this, is likely to have taken part in the X-Country at the has the talent, as he showed when second to Anibale Cheltenham Festival as well. This time around, he’s Fly in the Paddy Power Chase at Gowran Park in on a 3lb higher mark than last year, but with Cause Of December. A clear round and it’s not hard to see him Causes it’s less about the mark and more the way the on the premises. race tends to unfold around him. Hard to see him not running his race once more, as long as the ground David Massey isn’t too bad, and he looks the e/w banker of the race

16 17 NEIL MULHOLLAND COLUMN

This month I wanted to talk to you more developed the estate to become the centre of a about the history of our stables, a bit more stud farm which soon housed Arab racehorses, about our horses in greater detail and before I moved here in 2012. some of the vital roles our staff play on a medication and healthcare while my second of local part-timers who come in and ride out We are very fortunate to have such brilliant daily basis, in order to keep the yard and head girl Georgie Murgatroyd is responsible for several days a week. Certain horses are ridden facilities available to us and the yard has the business running smoothly. the well-being of our horses at our satellite yards by the same rider every day - particularly those expanded and developed every season we have and in pre-training. The yard staff are led by who can be a bit difficult, though this isn't the Conkwell Grange was built in 1907 by the been here. We now have just under 120 boxes head yard man Andriy Severin and he oversees case with Maisie's affection for Carole's Destrier! architect Sir Edward Guy Dawber. The Edwardian on site with others in pre-training and satellite the other yard men who are responsible for Some horses are easier rides than others as you building was almost destroyed by fire in the yards nearby. It's a great place to train - the mucking out, haying and watering the horses would expect, but on the whole we have a 1920's when on Christmas morning in 1925 a horses are very relaxed and happy and me and and the usual jobs that need doing on the site. talented bunch of young riders and the horses blaze broke out in the day nursery. The damage my family are very settled here, so hopefully this Andriy has been with me since the very first day are generally very well behaved. was mostly restricted to just the one room but is where we will stay now forever. I started training and he can be trusted with Once riding out is finished, riders then brush the house was smoke-logged and required a bit anything. Andrzej 'Andy' Zmuda is our gallops We have a team of riders and a team of yard staff over all the horses, rugging them up and getting of renovation. Through the next 60 years, the man that keeps our two gallops open whatever who work side by side to ensure the yard runs them comfortable before finishing for the day house would be occupied by various wealthy the weather as well as helping out around the like clockwork day in, day out. Dan Higginson at 3pm, which is when our yard staff return for families including by a royal navy commander yard. Yuriy Oberemok is our handyman who is is my assistant trainer and oversees the day to evening stables. They then hay, water, skip out before being bought by the Fosler family in a great help around the yard for fixing various day running of the yard along with my head and feed before tidying the yard and putting 1985. During their time of ownership, they bits and bobs and keeping the place looking girl Maisie Bush who takes care of all equine the horses to bed for the night. At 8pm, two tidy. The riders work by the following routine staff that live on site come up to check every Monday to Saturday: single horse, topping up any water buckets, Riders Routine: adjusting any rugs and giving evening feeds to horses that require them. 7.00am - Check lots and tack up 7.30am - First lot It's a system that works well for us, though I 8.30am - Second lot don't know of many other yards whereby the 9.30am - Breakfast riders work straight through then finish at 3pm. 10.00am - Third Lot It seems popular with the team and by doing it 11.00am - Forth Lot this way, there is always staff on the yard from 12.00pm - Fifth Lot 7am through to 5pm which we feel is very important. Fifth lot finishes around 1pm which is when the yard staff finish for lunch. On very busy days Neil Mulholland some of the lads may have an extra lot but this Ghost written by Dan Higginson isn't often the case due to our healthy base

18 19 HARRY STOCK Q&A

How and where did you first become John Suthern, Tom Siddall and of course my interested in horses? boss Martin Keighley. I used to speak with John From an early age I had been brought up Shortt, a close family friend who sadly passed around horses, joined the North Cotswold Hunt away last year, and he was always very honest Pony Club aged 4, began Pony Racing aged 10. and rang me after every ride. What inspired you to take up competitive Favourite Racecourse? race riding? For obvious reasons this would have to be Watching racing on a Saturday, and living in the Cheltenham, the home of National Hunt, and heart of the Cotswolds, surrounded by National somewhere every young lad dreams of riding. Hunt Racing and jockeys. I haven’t ridden there much, so I would have to say Stratford, another local track of mine would Most memorable ride to date and why? be there, its undulating and of course the class What are your hobbies? be my favourite. I’ve had a few winners round This would have to be my comeback ride at of horses going there is a step up and the track In the summer there are a few of us lads that Stratford and seem to get a good few rides too! Uttoxeter on Nafaath for my first boss, Donald itself needs respect. spend our Saturdays off playing cricket for my McCain, after having 22 months off with a Most difficult Racecourse to ride and why? local village. Its great fun, although we are not Best horse you have ridden and why? broken back, at one stage I didn’t think I would I would have to say Cheltenham, I was lucky that good and don’t win too many matches! I would have to say Spice Girl, she is a huge ride again, so my instructions were to go out enough to ride a winner on my first day riding improver. Favourite holiday location? and enjoy myself, but it ended up being a at the track, but I didn’t realise how hard it can I don’t enjoy flying, so only go on a plane if I winner! Who do you admire in racing? have too! Definitely have to be A P McCoy because of his If you could ride any horse which one pure determination and work ethic to the sport, Pet hate(s)? would it be? and I don’t know anybody that wouldn’t look up Laziness would have to be my pet hate, I hate I would love a go on Buveur D’Air, the way he to him! moaning and laziness, just get on with it! jumps and travels over 2 miles must be some feeling! Favourite TV racing presenter/summariser? Food heaven and food hell? Matt Chapman, I think he’s brilliant, and his Heaven is an Indian takeaway! And Hell is simply A horse to follow for the remainder of the enthusiasm is great for our sport. not eating! current NH season? From the yard I work at, Martin Keighley’s, I Fast forward 10 years – what would you would say Spice Girl. ideally like to be doing? What is a typical day for you? I would love to be a successful established Who do you turn to for advice and I get to the yard for 6am, muck out 4/5 horses, jockey riding first to a stable earning a good guidance? ride out usually 4 lots, depending on whether it’s living. I have a great Jockey Coach in Robert Bellamy, a schooling day or a work day, or if I am racing. but I also have plenty of supportive and If i am not racing I would be back at the yard knowledgeable jockeys, and ex jockeys always doing evening stables from 3pm till 5pm. giving me advice, the likes of Warren Marston, Harry Stock, photo by Pete Wilson

20 21 FEBRUARY CLUB NIGHT TIPSTER COMPETITION UPDATE With very little more activity than in 8= ALAN WELLSTEED D 30 185 January, there was no great opportunity 10= KEITH APPLETON F 30 180 February’s meeting saw Edward Gillespie and reform the sport; to provide instruction for for major gains on the point scoring 10= KEITH APPLETON H 30 180 10= JOHN RENDELL C 10 180 interview Nick Rust, chief executive of the those who carry out roles within the authority front. Consequently, the Overall Lead was British Horseracing Authority. and all race-course staff who oversee the horses. maintained by Neil Jakes, whose “F” entry None of the Top 3, who fought for the Most Points It gives advice on race planning; liaises with moved up to 220pts. Whilst Marlyn Miles in The Month prize, figure in the Overall Leadership With Ed Gillespie’s inducements, Nick Rust gave Top 10. With so few points on offer, Callum Hall, government; oversees welfare; people and managed to marginally close the gap, in us a brief resume of his past working experience. Paul Jones and Pat Redmond did remarkably well recruitment; safe-guarding young people and 2nd place, she was joined on 200pts by He had worked as a bookmaker for 30 years, to each total 50pts which, remarkably, resulted in a disciplinary issues. It also attempts to attract new Michael Ogilvy and Terry Poulson. having in his words, ‘outgrown the job of triple tie for the 2nd consecutive month. owners and crucially, grow the sport, building apprentice jockey’. He has had a life long interest Unsurprisingly, being a low-scoring month, the Congratulations therefore go to Callum Hall, Paul trust with the public and present supporters. with gambling (he was suspended from school chasing pack have retained their proximity to the Jones and Pat Redmond who will each receive a So, Nick clearly is a chap who must be capable leader and the Festival will be their opportunity to for running a roulette wheel in the common £10 prize. of wearing many hats! Thankfully, he appears take over the lead. Meanwhile our congratulations room). He has also held posts within racing to embody the role of the BHA as being ‘the go to Neil, who will receive the £10 leadership prize. Pos. Name Jan. Month Total political spheres. Nick became a race horse voice of conscience’ for the sport. Ed put this 1= CALLUM HALL A 55 owner about 15 years ago. Please note: ALL prizes will be confirmed and paid succinctly, by describing Nick’s role as ‘a spokes- out after the end of the competition. 1= PAUL JONES D 55 1= PAT REDMOND A 55 Nick told us about the work that falls under body for the horse.’ Pos. Name Feb. Month Total the BHA remit, which was established in 2007 ( Rosemarie Davies Please don’t forget that you can track the status of reformed Jockey Club).The British Horse Racing 1 NEIL JAKES F 15 220 your entries on-line by accessing www.ctcrc.co.uk, 2= MARLYN MILES A 25 200 Authority was formed to regulate horseracing NB Editors Note: Lots of things which were said selecting ‘MENU’ and then ‘Tipsters Competition’. 2= MICHAEL OGILVY A 45 200 in the meeting are staying 2= TERRY POULSON A 50 200 If you have any questions about your entry, or its in the meeting. So you really 5= KEITH APPLETON D 30 195 status, please contact Tony Coleman either on 07795 should have been there for 5= JOHN RICH B 40 195 146242 or by e-mail at [email protected]. such a frank interview. 7 SARAH WAITE A 30 190 8= MICHAEL OGILVY D 30 185 by Rosemarie Davies

Edward Gillespie and Nick Rust.

22 23 Publication No. 320 - March 2018 President: Alastair Down Vice President: Edward Gillespie www.ctcrc.co.uk [email protected] Regular club meetings held at: The New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. 01242 690351 The next magazine will be online and posted to members in mid-April

Club officers: Joint Chair: [email protected] Sarah Matthews 07729 847724 [email protected] Magazine Editor: Secretary: Sarah Matthews Helen Cameron [email protected]

Treasurer: Valued Committee members: Colin Nelson John Berry [email protected] Peter Collier 01242 578634 Rosemarie Davies Antonia Lord Membership Secretary: Sarah Waite David Bishop [email protected] 01451 821216

Stable visit organiser: Sarah Matthews