SEPTEMBER 2018

CheltenhamFINISH & Three Counties LINE Race Club

WELCOME BACK FOR THE NEW JUMPS SEASON CONTENTS Editor’s Notes

Editor’s Notes NICK SCHOLFIELD Welcome back after a glorious summer. I hope you have all had a wonderfully relaxing time and have taken in some JOHN HALES summer racing. I have seen plenty of you around the LUCY SHARP tracks over the summer which has been great to have a JO O’NEILL catch up. ROSEMARY PROSSER We had our wonderful picnic back in May on the same evening on which the Davis Family presented the Richard TABITHA WORSLEY Davis Award but not to James Bowen (the winner) but to DAVID MASSEY his brother Sean and father KATIE MILLER Peter. CTCRC NEWS & RICHARD DAVIS AWARD Elegant Olive had a wonderfully behaved parade at Worcester and a small write up will appear in a UPTON VIVA future newsletter. OBITUARY I will apologise for the lateness and amateurish “Members will be sad to hear of the death of quality of the newsletter but as you know we have no Cynthia Bussey. Cynthia and her husband graphic designer so I have spent a month Ernest were members for many years (possibly learning Adobe Indesign to try and bring you some sort of over 30) and enjoyed taking part in the newsletter. The download newsletter is always available competitions and being part of the Cheltenham on the website as soon as it is completed which is normal- racing community, right up to her final illness. ly 2 weeks before the printed version so do please go on- Cynthia attended Cheltenham Race meetings line. every year and enjoyed the visits to stables and The winter jumps season is nearly upon us again which to the pre-festival talks. Two days before she means your annual membership for died she was asking as to where her Cheltenham will be due. horses were in the many lists she had entered I look forward to seeing you at meetings and stable visits. in the competition. Her competitive spirit will be Please remember this is your club so do missed. “ contact me with any ideas. SJM Susan Doswell Cover photo Nigel Kirby summer — which is a nice boost at this time of year. John Hales Summer tracks have done extremely well this summer Column with all the hot weather we have had .... keeping the tracks All of our horses are now back Nick again.. safe and consistent is much in training and we are looking harder than it sounds. It’s not forward to a successful season. I I’m looking forward to sharing been all work .... there was have been told by the Club my experiences of the a break in the calendar in that one of our horses may receive August and this really gives 2018/19 National Hunt season some form of recognition at the £340,000 last season but it was you chance to recharge the with you. As a freelance awards night on September 28th. in his last race at Aintree when he batteries ready for the long professional jockey, it’s key to We will be taking a table and I hope won the with the season ahead. ride out as much as you can that those members that go to the introduction of a tongue tie that he this time of year. I ride out for I’m really looking forward to presentation night on showed what a top class horse he is several trainers, but mainly the season ahead as I am sure 28th September will have a very and out stayed Min in the battle for Jeremy Scott and Jack Barber you all are. I just hope to stay enjoyable evening. The horses the line. We have the King George who give me the main supply injury free and hope to get on that have gone to Dan Skelton are on in our sights but it of my winners. I really enjoy the right horses on the right Aux Ptits Soins and if he gets his will depend on how he stays over riding out. days! confidence back has all the ability 2.5 miles in his first race which will to compete in the World Hurdle. A probably be at Ascot. I am expecting This time of the year all the new comer is Eclair Danaiy a 4 yo a big improvement in both the winter horses have enjoyed French bred who gave an excellent Dellercheckout following a wind their summer breaks and it’s performance when he made his operation and Ibis Du Rheu who exciting to see which horses debut at Autueil. Watch out for if he can stay sound should have a have grown and matured. All Just Rocky who we bred and is good season. your geese are swans at this now owned by Halmurrit Racing. A new comer is Flash Collonges time of year I think the saying Particularly of interest is the Mare purchased by the Gi Gi partnership. goes! Marie Banreigh who following a He is related to wind operation, won at Market and is a very nice type but, with the Jump racing is at its quietest Rasen and she will be well in at the breeding, will have a lot to live up at the moment but I’ve Weights when she makes her debut to. The GiGi partnership have sold had a couple of winners which will probably be in October. Gibbs Bay but hope their potential recently — Moorlands Paul Nicholls has and star performer Brio Conte should Jack, Gorilla Tactics and I am hoping for great things in the be back by Christmas following an Kilmurvy all for Jeremy coming season. He won over injury he picked up last season. Scott have all done well this odd steady canter round the fields time I tried to take a photo of him horses in training with Paul, they by the hedges and the odd circle he began nuzzeling my arm, so pop in to see Dodge too. They are in trot in the corner where there that didn’t happen. He loved her attending Paul’s open day for all weren’t many or if any cracks to digging in to his muscles and giving the owners to come and see their go around. him his massage, at one point it horses parade and have lunch with was so nice he started curling owners. On the way they are making a stop to see the main Dodge’s New Adventure That aside, Dodge is coming round her and pushing her in the on very nicely considering. He’s right direction. Bless him, he’s a man. Hopefully they are happy with Since our last post we’ve been becoming very soft and round in true gent. what they see as much as I am. concentrating on getting ourselves an out line and starting to move We love seeing them too. We are (me included) up together, fit forward in his paces rather then up We also had the saddler out to all in regular contact through group and balanced. The weather that and down on the spot. I’ve started measure him up and fit him with his messages so they are always we’ve been having over the winter to really enjoy working him on the first ever very own saddle. We’ve up to date with everything that is months hasn’t helped us out and flat now (it’s never really been my had to make do up until now with going on but its never the same as has put a stop to some of the things favourite discipline) I can start to my race exercise saddle which was seeing someone in person. we were planning to do. At home, relax now and enjoy it instead of fine in his eyes because that’s all I have plenty of space and open holding his hand the whole time to he’s ever been used to, but now We have also been asked to attend fields for us to play in and we have reassure him. we are getting down to the serious Blenheim Horse Trials in mid full rein of the farm, which is great. business, I got my bum in gear and September, to take part in the RoR We can gallop, school on the flat In the middle of July he had a visit sorted him out. To be honest, he’s parade they have there. Hopefully and even just have a stroll around from the equine physio. He loved changed shape so much over the all will go well, we are both looking mum and dads planted woodland it!!! No real problems, just a little last 8 months that I’ve been riding forward to it. Lucy Sharp on the farm. It’s a great place to tight in muscles I don’t think he him out of racing that It would have warm up/ cool off for Dodge too. even knew existed when he was in cost me a fortune in re flocking the Trouble is, this weather tried its racing. For you that followed Dodge saddle all the time. Now I’ve been hardest to put a stop to all our plans in his racing career will know what riding him in a ‘proper’ saddle, what for this summer. The ground dried I mean when I say Dodge spent a difference its made. Like I said out and went very hard and cracks most of his time looking up in to the earlier, it’s allowed him to stretch came, big enough that Dodge sky instead of looking down at his a lot more and when jumping it would have fallen in to them if he toes bless him. Alice, who came gives me a lot more support and stood on one and the longer the to see him, loved him (everybody has balanced the both of us out. rain stayed away and the beautiful does) not that I’m biased at all. He hot sunny weather stayed, the stood nicely while Alice assessed At the start of September the bigger the cracks were getting. It him, checking him over from head owners are coming out to see him was too hard and dangerous to go to toe as she’d never seen him again in his new home, the perks of galloping in the fields and to protect before. When the treatment began, living down the road from . Dodges legs we made do with the he stood, watched her and every Every time they come to see their On the 12th, I went up to Thirsk for the first time with Tidal Watch (Tiddle). It was a long journey, but I loved the racecourse. The paddock area was undergoing a renovation and will look smart when done, complete with a brand new Veuve Clicquot bar. It was lovely to lead up Dougie The sun shone in a cloudless there all winter so it was Costello, who I had led up a azure sky. It was not a day lovely to go in the sunshine. Summer Diary 2018 few times over jumps, and we I was thinking about our Poppy Bridgwater, daughter by Jo O’Neill had a good catch up circling runners but racing, being of trainer David, rode and The summer did not get the paddock. After winning such a big part of our lives, I told her not to give up on off to the bet start when I the best-turned-out, Tiddle was still present. There were him. She kept drilling and lost my beloved It’s A Gimme finished sixth, somewhat quite a few faces from racing. Gromit finished second (way on May 2nd. He suffered a beaten by the undulating Half of the table names were behind the winner, but it did fatal injury on the gallop course, but it was good to racehorses I had looked not matter: Gromit had run and it was horrible to see. visit a new track. Plus, the after.A lot of our family so well). A few of his loyal Gimme was my favourite canteen was run by the same and friends were there to owners cheered us into the – the sweetest horse with a amazing ladies as Wetherby celebrate, and a mini bus winner’s enclosure and we loving nature. He won the who pile up the plates and picked up our colleagues were all so delighted with Summer Plate in 2014 under give away free rock cakes after for the evening do. It was a how he had run. Not that AP McCoy, equalising Martin the last. wonderful, happy day that Grom cared; he was more even eclipsed leading up a than happy to charge about, Pipe’s record of winners. th He was a yard legend and The 19 might have Gold Cup winner. head butting at least two of been famous for the Royal us. After this, due to the lack deserved a happy retirement. th Rest in peace Gimme, you wedding between Harry and On 28 , I took of rain, Gromit went out on will always be in my heart. Megan, but it was also the Doesyourdogbite (Gromit) holiday as he does not like day I married Joe O’Neill. to Leicester; it is freezing firm going. chasing my first Flat winner, one winner, especially at a love visiting the Cumbrian On 12th June, I took the having had a few agonising pretty racecourse as Salisbury. course, with its funfair and lovely drive to Salisbury seconds!) I won the BTO but village atmosphere. Head of down roads shadowed by thought someone else had I did not have to wait too travelling Harrison Day took thick green hedges, fluffy cow when the name Jo O’Neill was long to lead up my first Jumps the four-box up to Uttoxeter parsley and sweeping fields. called out! I was too jittery to winner of the season either: with a load. Then, through the military remember I had got married! As You Like (Ruby) won his areas with the most exciting Yet, I need not have worried chase at Ffos Las on the 21st. Florin and I basked in the warning-triangles of tanks – because Dessie won under I should have had more faith bright sunshine and saw lots disappointingly none whirred Fran Berry and I ran up to in Aidan Coleman, who got of friends. A lot of us buy the across in front of me. Towards them with much happiness Ruby to win by a mere head. Cartmel sticky toffee pudding. the end of the journey, I and utter satisfaction. It was even a sunny evening I bumped into Paddy passed the oversized building Michelle has looked after him there and the crowds cheered Brennan, head of travelling to blocks that are Stonehenge, since a two-year-old and loves us in like they had backed Graham McPherson, whilst abandoned long ago by a him very much, and Matty him. buying my bagful at the stall. giant toddler. The throngs of Gill had ridden him daily Ludo Gaubusseau, head of tourists appeared dwarfed in this summer. I was just an travelling to Donald McCain, comparison. The surrounding interloper who struck lucky. told us we could buy it in flat landscape was dotted with Dessie was the real star; the Morrison’s and I replied that mysterious mounds that were, little horse with a very big it was not the same! Being of course, in my mind, long heart. Sticky Toffee Pudding French, maybe Ludo prefers barrows. st tarte tatin or crème brulèe I had ticked off my final The 1 July sent us a rather than British stodge. Michelle Marsh was on box in racing, having led up mixed day at two different holiday, so I had the pleasure winners in point-to-points, meetings. I took the trip I led up Adam du Breteau, of taking her Desert Cross, National Hunt and now on up to Cartmel with Florin who snoozed whilst I plaited nicknamed Dessie. He had the Flat. It does not matter Alin. It was Florin’s first time him and looked a picture with won his previous start and if I have seconds on the Flat racing again since returning his coppery coat gleaming I was a bit paranoid about forevermore, because I was to work here after leaving and four white socks jinxing him. (I was still just happy to have had the for just over a year. I always whitened with talc. He started up front but then something behind the bridle! It made Russell’s. Racing Welfare had went amiss. It took awhile to Florin and I very happy to The 30th June to 8th July also brought in iced ring reach him, where the screens lead him in, and to see him was the third National Stable doughnuts. We sprawled on had been erected and it was pose with his ears pricked. Staff Week. Racecourses all the lawn on the first yard, not good news. Adam had I went up to get the prizes – over the country supported relaxed by banter, sunshine broken a hind leg and he was champagne and sticky toffee Racing Welfare. At Cartmel, and carbs. A lot of yards used already gone. I could not pudding, and Alain said it all grooms were given free social media to advertise praise the veterinary team was his first winner round mini sticky toffee puddings the spoiling of their staff: enough, for putting him Cartmel. and Florin, as a winning from barbeques and parties, down so quickly and not groom, was presented with cupcakes and heartfelt letting him suffer. We had a double at a goodie bag full of more messages. I believe it was a Uttoxeter butwe lost Another puddings in a variety of success and, each year, it goes We had to wait for Hero there, who was aptly flavours. At Stratford on from strength to strength. Dreamsoftheatre to run. He named and always ran Tuesday, we were given a £5 is a known as Dreamy and heroically. He was another food voucher and a free ice is a little gentleman. He is favourite within the yard, cream. At Newton Abbot on so quiet and has all the new especially that of head lad the Friday, Harrison found staff onboard, looking after Johnny Kavanagh. It makes a Golden Ticket within ten all his riders. Plus, he is a it a peculiar day to lose seconds of it being put out in grey, with the dapples of a horses and to have winners. the weighing room. Harrison Six of the lads then went rocking horse, so is beautiful. A mixture of sadness and was the lucky one to declare on a Spanish holiday and Florin used to look after him, happiness, for those winners at that moment and received I dread to think about the so was pleased to lead him should never be forgotten. the £100 of high street fun they had. It was Henry up, though he is now looked vouchers. Platt’s first time abroad, and after by Nick Healy who was the other five looked after on holiday. Whilst watching On the Thursday, Jonjo him: Jonjo Jnr O’Neill, A.J on the big screen, I knew and Jacqui very kindly O’Neill, Harrison, Matty Dreamy would win – he was bought in fish and chips for and Henry Morshed. The pulling jockey Alain Cawley, everyone, from the posh alcohol consumption must instead of reluctantly being chippy in Broadway called have been off the scale and I doubt they even managed to Looking back on my won the , Triumph crawl on a sunbed anytime notes, I realise every entry Hurdle, Challenge Trophy and the Queen Mother Champion Chase. before the next afternoon. mentioned the sunshine: an At the 2007 he Yet, all returned very jolly and ultimately uncharacteristic was top jockey, having ridden four bounced around the yard for British summertime. I winners during the meeting. At the a few days. apologise for the repetition, following year’s Festival he rode a first The Cheltenham 50 Club Gallery day double. At Towcester in 2011 he but it has been amazingly th The latest development at Cheltenham rode the 1,000 winner of his career. sunny. We perspired in Racecourse, with fourteen different He retired from racing after injury at t-shirts, even first lot was projects costing a total of £45 million Chepstow in 2014 hot and the grass, usually started in 2013. This included the Bob Davies (51 winners) – lush and emerald, turned refurbishment of the weighing room. The conclusion of the whole he was three times Champion crispy and brown. There were enterprise was marked by the official National Hunt Jockey – one of which endless days of blue skies. opening of The Princess Royal Stand was a tie with in Flo and Hughie After the horrid days of snow by HRH Princess Anne on the first day 1968/69 season (77 winners each). In 1978 he won The on of the past winter, I relished of the November Meeting 2015 A new feature of the refurbished Lucius. He rode 912 winners during There is never a dull in the heat. Weighing Room was the introduction his career. On retirement from race moment: head girl Flo Willis of The Cheltenham 50 Club Gallery riding he became Clerk of the Course had a fall on the gallops which is displayed on the wall in the at Ludlow. Jeff King and fractured her knee, so main body of the weighing room, behind the Clerk of the Scales’ desk. (52 winners) – was signed off work for six This display features names and he rode 710 winners in his career, weeks. Two weeks after that, photographs of the 15 jockeys who but had 15 unsuccessful rides in the Matty was getting a leg up as at 1st October 2014 had ridden 50 Grand National. He won the Topham Trophy on Red Tide in 1964; Stone’s on a youngster when he or more winners at Cheltenham. The fifteen members of this exclusive club Ginger Wine Chase in 1965 on Beau wasthrown and he fractured Normand; King George VI Chase in Stonehenge are: a bone near the ankle. He Robert (Choc.) Thornton 1966 on Dormant; Massey Ferguson had come from the Northern (50 winners) - in 1966 on The Laird; Hennessy in 1967 on Rondetto and the Whitbread Racing College and had been he won his first Cheltenham Festival race in 2006 on My Way de Solzen in 1976 on Otter Way. getting on incredibly well, so in the World Hurdle. In the 2007/8 Terry Biddlecombe ( this was just bad luck. season he broke his 100 winner 60 winners) – barrier for the first time. He has he rode the first winner of his career in 1958. He was Champion NH Jockey (1999 -2001). He rode the winners three times (including tie with Bob of 1,268 races including eleven winners at the Cheltenham Festival Festival. His triumphs at Cheltenham Davies in 1968/69 season). In 1967 Cheltenham Festival winners during meeting including the Queen Mother included two Champion Hurdle wins, he won the on his career. Champion Chase on and in 1988 on Celtic Shot and 1993 Woodland Venture and was second won the Grand National on Monty’s on , and the 1987 in the Grand National in 1972 on Gay (69 winners) – Pass that year. He won the Stayers Queen Mother Champion Chase on Trip. When he retired he had ridden his 15 year career as a jockey was Hurdle in 2004 on Iris’s Gift and the Pearlyman. He retired in 1993 with a over 900 winners cut short by injury in the 2008 Grand Cheltenham Gold Cup on winning ride on Sweet Duke at Ascot. National. His first win in was in 2013. Up to and including the 2018 MBE CBE (67 winners) – at Ludlow on Lovers Secret. He won meeting he has ridden 36 Cheltenham (109 winners) – he was Champion NH Jockey four the Grand National in 1996 on Rough Festival winners three times Champion NH Jockey. He times and Champion NH Trainer eight Quest and the Cheltenham Gold Cup MBE achieved 1,699 career wins, which times. He is the only person to ride in 1999 on . He was (72 winners) – includes four victories in the King and train winners of Cheltenham Gold leading rider at the 1999 and 2000 he was apprentice to Fred Winter at George VI Chase (2 riding One Man & Cup, Champion Hurdle and the Grand Cheltenham Festival Meetings. He age of 16. He rode 1,138 winners 2 riding ). He won the National. He won the Grand National rode over 1,300 winners in his career. during his career, being Champion NH Grand National on (1986) four times; 1957 riding Sundew; Timmy Murphy Jockey seven times (sharing title with and Minnehoma (1994), and the 1962 riding Kilmore and as a trainer (70 winners) - in 1981/82 season Cheltenham Gold Cup on in 1965 with Jay Trump and in 1966 he won the 2008 Grand National on with 120 winners each). His ten wins in 1988. He rode eighteen Cheltenham with Anglo. In 1962 he rode Mandarin and rode the 1,000th at the Cheltenham Festival include: Festival winners including the Triumph to victory in the Grand Steeple-Chase winner of his career at Taunton in Mildmay of Flete on Uncle Bing 1977; Hurdle in 1988 and the Champion de Paris at Auteuil, which is recorded 2010. He rode the winner of the Gold Cup on 1978; Hurdle in 1990 both on ; the as one of the greatest races ever. He twice. His Champion Hurdle on Arkle three times in 1989 on Waterloo retired as a jockey in 1964 with 923 winning rides at Cheltenham included; in 1981; Grand Annual on Friendly Boy, 1991 , 1996 career wins. 2004 Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup Alliance in 1981 and the Coral Hurdle Ventana Canyon. He was five times Norman Williamson ‘Stormin on Tikram and the in 1983 on Canio. winner of the Lester Awards for Jump Norman’ (68 winners) – on Creon; 2005 the Arkle Chase on Peter Scudamore MBE ‘Scu’ Jockey of the year. he was top jockey at 1995 Cheltenham Contraband and the Vincent O’Brian (95 winners) – Festival with four wins which included County Hurdle on Fontanesi; 2008 he was Champion NH Jockey eight (111 winners up to 1st October 2014) the Gold Cup on Master Oaks and the on Our Vic. times, including the shared title with – the Champion Hurdle on . John Francome (1981/82). He rode his first win under rules was at Hereford In 2000 he was second in the Grand (71 winners up to 1st October 2014 1,678 winners during in his 15 year in 1994 on Rusty Bridge. His first win National on Melly Moss. In 1998 he ) – in 2011 he was leading rider at career which included the winners of at Cheltenham was in 1999 when he rode to victory in both the Cheltenham Festival meeting and Mackeson Gold Cup, Hennessy Cognac won the Stayer’ Hurdle on . In the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and the Grand National meeting. He rode Gold Cup x 2, the Welsh National x 4 2000 he won the Cheltenham Gold King George VI Chase. At Cheltenham his first winner in 1997 and three (which included two on Bonanza Boy) Cup on , and the he partnered Lady Rebecca to three years later became Irish Champion and the Scottish National x 2. He won Queen Mother Champion Chase on consecutive wins in The NH Jockey. In 2003 he rode five thirteen times at the Cheltenham in 2002 In 2003 he partnered to 4,000th winner of his career. He retired victory in the Champion Hurdle. The at the end of 2014/15 season. His last Q&A A Has to be Go West Young Man th 3,000 winner of his career was St. appearance as a jockey was at the Bet with Tabitha Worsley winning at Perth! He is such a quirky Saviour at Ludlow in 2016. He has 365 Gold Cup meeting at Sandown horse and to win on him like he did been Champion NH Jockey for three in April 2015. He was BBC Sports Q How and where did you first was a very good feeling. Full credit consecutive seasons from 2015/2016, Personality of the Year 2010, being the become interested in horses to all the team at Laura Morgans for prior to which he was runner up to Sir first jockey to win this award, and was what they have achieved with him I’ve been riding since before I Anthony McCoy on sixteen occasions. presented with the Sports Personality A already. Hopefully more exciting days can even remember. My family has Lifetime Achievement Award in to be had in the future with him. (138 winners up to 1st October 2014) 2015. His many racing achievements always had horses. I grew up on the – he has been leading rider at the include winning the Cheltenham hunting field, as both my parents Q If you could ride any horse which Cheltenham Festival Meeting eleven Gold Cup (x2), Champion Hurdle (x3), were masters, and did every pony one would it be times, having ridden in excess of 58 Queen Mother Champion Chase, King club discipline going. winners at the meeting since his first George VI Chase and the 2010 Grand A , you’ll struggle to find Festival win on Alexander Banquet National, riding Don’t Push It. On the Q What inspired you to take up a more genuine and gutsy horse. in 1998. At the 2009 Cheltenham first day of the 2017 Festival Meeting competitive race riding Festival he rode seven winners over the AP McCoy statue by Paul Ferriter A I did lots of pony racing when I Q A horse to follow in the future the four days of the meeting. His was unveiled. This is situated on the was younger so got the racing bug AGolan Fortune trained by Phil achievements include being Irish North Entrance Plaza. from that. Then when I was 14/15 I Middleton had a good season over NH Champion Jockey 12 times. He kept in my mums ear (editor: Think hurdles last year and looks a very won the Grand National at Aintree The Cheltenham 50 Club Gallery this means nags?) that we needed exciting prospect for staying chases. in 2000 (aged 20) on Papillon trained is a special tribute to the great to buy a pointer for me as soon as I by his father. He has ridden many achievements of these fifteen jockeys turned 16. Thankfully I managed to Q Who do you turn to for advice famous horses to victory including: who are legends of racing at the persuade her! (She might regret that and guidance , , , course which is international known now) Queveqa. , Big Bucks, as the home of jump racing. AMy mum is a massive help to me , and Nichols Canyon to and we always discuss every ride I Q Most memorable ride to date and name but a few. RAP July 2018 have in great detail (even though we why Sir Anthony McCoy OBE don’t always agree!).I also try talk to (190 winners up to 1st October 2014) trainers that I have ridden for about – he rode 4,358 winners throughout the ride and and discuss what was his career. For 20 consecutive years he good and what could’ve been better. was Champion National Hunt Jockey. His highest number of winners in one Q Favourite Racecourse season was 289 in 2001/02. He rode AMy favourite chase track to ride his first winner in 1992 aged 17. On is Fontwell, it is an interesting track th 7 November 2013 riding Mountain and it was also where I rode my first Tunes at Towcester he achieved the Photograph curtesy of Dennis Penny winner under rules. Q Most difficult Racecourse to ride are watching my back, is amazing. The way the Q Do you have a nickname and why community rallies round you and the A The Nimmo team like to call me A Fakenham can be tricky as it is Q What is a typical day for you supports you get to aid your recovery Tabby cat, but most people just go does not exist in any other sport. very tight, so in bigger field races A Most days I will be riding out with Tabs can sometimes get trapped in and elsewhere for various trainers in struggle to get out. Often pays to be the morning, then come home and Q Fast forward 10 years – what handy round there. ride our string of pointers out in the would you ideally like to be doing afternoon A Hopefully still in one piece still Q Best horse you have ridden and riding in races alongside training why Q What are your hobbies a successful string of pointers, A Again has to be Go West Young A Played a lot of premiership hockey including some homebred winners Man, he has got so much ability and whilst at university and school, such a massive engine. I am very and some eventing on a couple of grateful I get to ride him. retrained racehorses in the summer Q What is your worst habit months when racing is quiet A Changing the channel on the radio or TV to avoid adverts, drives Q Favourite holiday location everyone mad A Don’t get time to go on holiday very often, but had a lovely holiday Q What is your most treasured with the Dickins in Spain this possession summer A My 2 little dogs

Q Who do you admire in racing Q Pet hate(s) Puppy Love (Above) Acrylic of Tabitha by KParsons A I love the way rides A Traffic!! as he has such a lovely quiet riding style and really gets horses happy and Q Food heaven and food hell running for him. Also an incredibly A Hell is mushrooms without a nice guy and would always help you doubt! Heaven is tenderstem broccoli out if you wanted advice. Q What do you think racing does Q Favourite TV racing presenter/ best summariser AThe care and support provided Q Social media – friend or foe A Luke Harvey, he’s incredibly when a jockey gets injured, which I A So far has been a friend, so knowledgeable and his love of the experienced firsthand when I broke sport is very infectious to those who hopefully it will stay that way! machine) continually kept just as well as everyone wants for me, having backed him Summer Tales warning me “this won’t be to give you the name of the e/w, although the Bunbury a patch on tomorrow.” We horse they want to bet. These Cup later provides the day’s by David Massey packed up at the end of the days, the frontman wants a highlight (I gave the 1-2). day, set off for our digs for the stake and a number, to get How’s the summer been night at nearby Sherburn. A the bet processed as quickly Fifteen minutes to the off and for you? Me, well, I’ve been few beers and an Indian and I as possible and provide the we’re banging bets through. picking up work here there was ready for a good night’s best service. No-one wants to There’s queues everywhere and everywhere, and have sleep. Sadly the heat rather queue so you try and keep it and everyone wants a bet. attended plenty of the big scotched those ideas, but I got moving. Muthmir is popular. Although Flat meetings as a result. enough to get by. a lady comes up and asks for Royal Ascot all five days, On days like today you know £50 Mr Lupton. I always think Newmarket, York, and, er, Saturday. I recorded the video you’ll get the punter that a woman having a good bet Market Rasen a couple of for the Daily Punt (I know gets to the front, then stands knows something. She does, times. Probably my favourite you’re all avid readers) in there gawping at the board as Mr Lupton wins. weekend was working with the beer garden of the place for two minutes and holding the Roy Christie firm at York we were staying, and it was the queue up whilst then Short-priced favourite Dai for the John Smith’s Cup. I’d already scorching hot at 8.30 deciding what he/she wants to Harraild doesn’t prove as like to share with you all how in the morning. At this point I back. (Normally she. I know, popular in the second as you’d that went, before we get into realised that packing a black everyday sexism. But it’s true.) have thought - the fivers and the Jumps Season proper next shirt to wear for the day (and You try and chivvy them along tenners are on Time To Study month - I’ll be giving you my tie, let’s not forget) probably a bit before they decide on a and, to a lesser extent Dylan horses to follow then! wasn’t the best idea. I’d fiver each way on something Mouth, but a few decent bets sacrificed comfort for looking before offering you a fiver. come late and they stay with I was working at York on Friday a bit thinner in slimming black, At this point you take a deep us as Dylan Mouth gets home and Saturday, my first couple and was going to regret it. breath, explain a fiver each- by a neck. I’ve just time to dive of days working with the Roy way is a tenner, and go again. to the bar and get some water Christie firm. Having done all Breakfast at a nearby caff Days like today, you do quite a for us all, and we’re off again. five days of Royal Ascot this was duly consumed and we few void bets…. year for the first time I thought were ready for the off. Once Get Knotted is all the punters I was fully prepared for the we arrived at the track and got Tim has sensibly put the want to know in the next. rigors that John Smith’s Cup set up, we started betting a brolly up to provide a bit of Tenners and scores come day, on the Saturday, were good hour before the first, and cover for us, and there’s just piling in. No-one wants the going to bring. straight away a trickle of bets enough of a breeze to keep favourite, mainly because started coming in. Thankfully, us from frying. We watch the they’re still telling me names Friday went by largely without the first couple of races didn’t first at Ascot - Major Jumbo rather than numbers and no- incident, and although it was have many runners, which was hits the frame, not a bad start one can pronounce Wadilsafa. steady business, Tim (on the It wins doing cartwheels, but length. Johnson. That was fun but I the e/w money on Get Knotted enjoyed the racing more than the is all given back as it rolls in Top Cat is the one that they World Cup. second. all want in the sixth, which One of the best things we have starts Tim and I off doing done this summer is to go and Onto the big one. First bet is impressions. I do a passable visit Newmarket. As it is quite £100 on Dash Of Spice and it Officer Dibble and Tim tries Summer a drive we decided to make a proves a popular option. By his hand at Benny The Ball. Holidays weekend of it. The first day we now I’ve put my foot down and We’re winning, the sun is Sarah’s reminder that this article visited Palace House, home I’m asking for numbers. Can’t out and we’re doing Top Cat was due arrived while we were of the National keep looking at the board and impressions. It gets no better on holiday in France. So, work Museum. It was fantastic and trying to memorise them! than this, especially when Top on our initial draft started in the there was so much to see. The Cat doesn’t beat a horse home. shade of a garden orchard with paintings, cups, trophies and “£20 ew Kynren please.” a amazing view of the Chateau other memorabilia on display We bat the rest of the D’Amboise and not a cloud to be taught me lots about the history “What number is that, sir? afternoon out without much seen in the clear blue sky. It’s of racing that I never knew Please give me numbers, not hassle - the John Smith’s Cup a memory we will need to try before. There was also a hugely names.” result rather killed the last and recall on the next cold and interesting section about the three off, to an extent - and not wet day at Cheltenham; proper makeup of the horses themselves “Oh, sorry. £20 ew on Third even a winning jolly in the last National Hunt weather! and what makes a Time Lucky as well then.” can dampen spirits. We pack It may be the summer, but Dad race horse such a supreme up, get paid, and queue for and I have still managed to get athlete from their biology to the Head in hands. Tim’s killing twenty minutes to get out the out to the races and visit a couple importance of pedigree. I even himself laughing behind me. car park. Next stop - Beverley, of new tracks. We’ve also been had a go on the race horse Tuesday. Wonder if the lady to Warwick and Worcester a simulator and got it up to top Euchen Glen is a cracking punter will be there? I might few times including once when speed – watch out Bridget, Lizzie result for the books. We’ve follow her in…. England were playing in the and Bryony! taken a few tenners and a World Cup. We headed off to the My favourite part of the visit couple of scores but overall, Weighing Room steps in search though was the magnificent it’s a good one. of some shade and a view of the yard at the back of the museum big screen TV; the first race on which is the flagship home of Our lady punter is back. the Worcester card was not due Retraining of Racehorses. We “£75 win Northwest Frontier to start for a while. I don’t enjoy were able to go on a tour and please.” Either she’s a bloody watching football all that much learn about how ex racehorses good guesser or a bloody good but I’ll remember this game as I are retrained so they can enjoy a form student. I’m starting to sat watching the TV chatting to new life after racing; everything think the latter as it wins a Bryony and sitting next to Richard from changing diets and routines to the importance of developing such as Frankie Dettori, Oisin one race where the Stalls were summer we would have been different muscle groups needed Murphy and Jamie Spencer (and right next to the stand so we able to cheer Bryony into the for a career outside racing. It of course add to my autograph could get a really close up look at winners enclosure a few times was fascinating, but of course the collection). The views of the the horses loading up and then but it was not to be. As i write best bit was meeting some of the track were excellent and it was starting; it was quite something. she is still out injured. I’ve been horses. I was lucky enough to amazing watching the horses go There were some very good checking the website everyday say ‘hello’ to Our Vic who at the around the Parade Ring with its quality horses on view too for news. Get well soon Bryony. age of 20 still looks in excellent wonderful display of bring orange including two sons of Frankel who It will soon be time to pick my shape and certainly enjoys all of and red flowers. Jump racing will went head to head; the speedily team for the Tipster competition the fuss and attention he gets always be my favourite, I find it a named Formula One coming out and see if I can beat Dad this from the visitors. lot more exciting, but it was quite on top. I was also really taken year; he sneaked it last year but Newmarket itself was just something to see these beautiful by the Middleham Park horse only just! amazing. We walked along the horses so close up including Leroy Leroy who was beaten into Finally, and harking back to last high street, turned a corner and sons of Frankel and Galileo. We second quite literally by whisker. years memorable visit to the there was a string of racers going cheered on the Tweenhills horses The autograph book had an Overbury Stud, Dad told me that out to the gallops. Turn another (as the stud is not far from our outing again and I was able to Kayf Tara finished the Nation- corner and we were on the edge Gloucester home.) add Haley Turner’s signature al Hunt season as leading Brit- of the gallops themselves and The second new track we to my collection; she was very ish-based sire again winning the we were able to stand and watch visited this summer was not so friendly. Whitbread Silver Salver at the the various strings at work, the glamorous but the racing was just You may have already seen annual TBA Awards and the riders for each trainer wearing as much fun. My Uncle and his about the other horse racing thing Horse & Hound Cup for being distinctive colours. Just off the partner run the Heniarth stud of that has happened to me this the leading British-based sire by high street we came across Welsh A and B ponies and they summer. Last year I was lucky number of individual chase win- several Yards tucked amongst happen to be just around the enough to be asked to present a ners. What a horse. the houses. We were not able to corner from Ffos Las. So, we trophy at Cheltenham on behalf go inside but we did take a peek packed our suitcase again for a of the Junior Jumpers club. I just Katie (with help from Dad) through the gates; I could not day looking at the Heniarth team happened to be in the right place believe there could be so many and this year’s foals followed by at the right time. I was amazed stables in such a small area. We a day at the races. There is no to get an email from Alice of the must go back and stay in one thatched cottage Weighing Room Jockey Club SW asking if they of the hotels that overlook the here but it was possible to see could write an article about my gallops. the horses clearly all round the day for the Kalendar magazine. Of course on the second day we track and the back drop of the I’ve seen a draft version so far had to go racing! It was not one Welsh countryside was stunning. and the article looks good; I of the top days at Newmarket The racing itself was very exciting cannot wait to see it in print later but even so I was able to watch and we saw several really close on. some of the top flat jockeys finishes. I particularly enjoyed Of course I had hoped that this elsewhere, trainer to be decided Upton Viva but probably N J Henderson. CTCRC NEWS For now they are doing their pre With the hot summer behind us, training with Kate Mawle who Meetings: cooler temperatures and the runs the racing yard at home. September19th: evenings drawing in this can only They are in the school twice Tom Lacey, Katy Price and Sam Drinkwter with Roger Hart as mean one thing...... the National a week doing pole work and compare Hunt season will soon be upon learning to jump, quietly cantering October 17th: us! away, learning to work upsides NH Preview tbc and generally learning their trade. We have several of our home Stable Visits: breds running this season, some October 6th: Donald McCain under rules and some pointing. Email [email protected] by September 22nd Lucarno Express, a seven year Punchestown 16th/17th October and a stable visit on the old, will resume pointing after Wednesday. injury put paid to his campaign Email [email protected] by September 29th last year. He is a huge horse by Please look on the website for all up to date events. Lucarno (oddly enough) so has been lightly raced because of this

RICHARD DAVIS AWARD and hopefully will now justify the For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, time given him to mature as he Stratford,Towcester, Warwick and Worcester during the period 6th May 2018 – 27th has a terrific jump and we think a April 2019 good engine. (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three Counties Race Club) The Jaffna Queen a five year old Scoring: Winner 10 points, Second 7 points, Third 4 points, Fourth 2 points. by Black Sam Bellamy will also Latest placings up to and including 16th September 2018 resume her pointing career this time with a view to running under 1st James Bowen 157 pts 2nd Charlie Hammond 96 pts rules later in the season. She won 3rd 94 pts a maiden ptp last season and 4th Richard Patrick 82 pts was placed each time she ran. 5th Daniel Sansom 73 pts

Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. Two others who will hopefully From top to bottom; This award is named in his memory. run this time are Maitree Express Lightning, Mack and Lolly out of Shatabdi by Malinas and Igor out of Stravinsky Dance by Only four foals this year, after Presenting. They are both four the sad loss of Shatabdi during year olds and will be trained a very complicated foaling, two suck.....symptoms you definitely All were scanned last week running in France but should be colts and two fillies...... ”Percy’ don’t want with a young foal. At ready for October 1st nomination back on the track next spring. out of Tidara Angel by Sir Percy, 2am one morning with a prostrate payments. Free Thinking was not She is a lovely big rangy sort “Mack” out of Polly Peachum foal loosing the will to live and covered until the end of June this from the family of Smad Place by Kayf Tara, “Lightning” out of two vets on site both saying their time so will have a year off next and Baby Mix with plenty of black Makadamia by Mount Nelson was nothing more they could do, year. type in her pedigree. and “Lolly” out of Free Thinking it was up to him, we wondered if by Yeats (all stable names at he would pull through...... with Next years covering season present) All have done very well round the clock care at home and will be a little busier as we will over the long hot summer and as despite being touch and go for a have 3 extra mares to join the they were all late foals weaning few days he fortunately did pull broodmare team. Tell it to me is still a way off yet. They have through. Remaining in isolation (Liberthine/Kayf Tara) The Missus reached the stage of becoming for a couple of weeks he coped (Violet Express/Presenting) and quite independent now...... extremely well with all the daily Theatre Territory (Specifiedrisk/ or so they think...... any sign of medication and was generally a Kings Theatre). The latter is still something different and they all very good patient but the cause in training with Warren Greatrex Santa Adelia run back to mum, however, the was never identified despite but the other two are already at mum’s are now quite indifferent extensive tests...... very home in the field with the single With thoughts of the future firmly to their troublesome children and thankful to the veterinary team at mares. Lots of planning for next in the forefront it’s difficult to hardly raise their heads to their Avonvale and especially Naomi years coverings are already in concentrate on the daily chores squealing toddlers. Natures way de Pennington and Line Kjaer. progress but nothing definite as that need to be done at this time in progress, preparing for the Because of Percy being so ill, yet. There are several stallions of of year but concentrate we must, inevitable weaning next month. his dam Tidara Angel missed her interest, Champs Elysees, See as the harrowing and Autumn cover with Nathaniel but hopeful the Moon, Blue Bresil, Pethers fertilising is a necessity if we are of a visit to him in 2019. Moon, Getaway, Walk in the Park, to have a good grass cover for Yeats and Clovis du Berlais to the winter. However the much For various reasons we only have name but a few and I am hoping needed rain has yet to come four confirmed in foal this time. Scorpion for The Missus...... to and the fertilising is once again Liberthine is in foal to Blue Bresil, emulate Mite Bite who is out of a on hold but hopefully before the Stravinsky Dance is in foal to Presenting mare by Scorpion. temperatures drop and the grass Kayf Tara, as is Free Thinking Another exciting broodmare stops growing we will have the and Polly Peachum is in foal to prospect is Santa Adelia by desired deluge and we can all Getaway. Both Liberthine and Smadoun who has been bought breath again in the knowledge Percy Stravinsky Dance were empty to race with a view to breeding that we will have sufficient This little chap gave us quite a this year as they were late foaling from in the future. She is on a grazing...... scare when just three weeks old last year and will be due to foal break at the moment at home with chronic diarrhoea and off late February 2019. after a small injury incurred while Sent from JLB Publication No. 323 - September 2018

President: Alastair Down Vice President: Edward Gillespie www.ctcrc.co.uk i [email protected] Twitter: twitter.com/CTCRaceClub Facebook Cheltenham and Three Counties Race Club

Regular club meetings held at: The New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. 01242 690351

Contact Details: Chairman: Sarah Matthews [email protected] Secretary: Helen Cameron Treasurer: Colin Nelson [email protected] 01242 578634 Membership Secretary: David Bishop [email protected] 01451 821216 Stable visit organiser: Sarah Matthews [email protected] 07729 847724 Magazine Editor: Sarah Matthews [email protected]

Valued Committee Members: John Berry, Peter Collier, Rosemarie Davies, Mike Lawrence, Antonia Lord, David Miller,

Sarah Waite has resigned from the committee and we thank her very much for all the hard work she has put into the club. Space on the committee for more if anyone is interested.