NOVEMBER 2018

FINISH LINE Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club CONTENTS

Editor’s Natter Dominic Elsworth by Jo O’Neill Editor’s Natter John Hales Article Dodge’s New Adventures by Lucy Sharp Richard Davis Award & Club Events CTCRC in Ireland by Mike Lawrence, Nigel Chapman CTCRC had a stand at The Cheltenham Showcase meeting which was situated in The Centaur. It was manned by and Nichola Roden members who had so kindly volunteered to give up a race Jo O’Neill Article to help out. We attracted 13 new members over the 2 days. Nick Scolfield Article I would like to welcome the new members and please invite October Club Meeting Report by David Bishop them to make themselves known to me or another committee David Massey Article member at a meeting so we can make them feel at home and Q & A with Ceris Biddle introduce them to a few of the other members. May I also say Upton Viva by JLB a BIG ‘Thank You’ to the members who so kindly volunteered, we always need more so please do bear it in mind for next David Miller Article year. Dan Skelton 100 The Leading at Worcester was won by Richard Olly Murphy Cheltenham Winner Johnson who unfortunately was at another meeting on the last day at Worcester so was unable to have the trophy presented to him. We will hopefully do the presentation at the first meeting at Worcester next season. Since the last newsletter I have managed to make it racing to Worcester, Ludlow, Stratford, Wolverhampton (yes AW!), Punchestown and Cheltenham. The season now seems to have started properly with the last 2 mentioned although I think we still do need more rain as we have had a few abandonments due to the ground. Do come and say hi if you Sam Red Thomas Darby see me out and about and I do hope everyone manages to get some racing in. Sarah doesn’t necessarily make perfect...it Ha Ha... After a session on the Interview with Jockey Coach makes permanent. Therefore, I install Equicizer, both of us have an idea in my jockeys the correct way to do about the level needed to be effective Dominic Elsworth things. Then, when it comes to race in the saddle!! With the Equicizer, you day, hopefully they are fully equipped must generate the movement yourself, How do the jockeys get assigned to from the drills we have covered on the like you would generate power to push mentors? Equicizer. After each race, we review the horse forward... it and then go back to work on certain They can choose whichever Coach areas that need improvement. they want; they can also have a What attributes in a young jockey do secondary Coach should they wish. you look for that suggests him/her Do you coach apprentices or just may be successful? conditionals? Do you get a kick out of watching your The basics of any sportsperson… training succeed? I have two Apprentices and the rest Commitment, drive, desire, will to win, Conditionals. I am also an assessor Dominic Elsworth, 38, I get immense pleasure, purely as willingness to learn. showjumped and hunted as a boy and for The Point-to-Point Authority, so I I know how hard the game is both coach quite a few Amateurs too. started in racing at Sue and Harvey physically and mentally. Smith’s. Latterly, he rode for Oliver Did you enjoy being a coach for Love Sherwood, Paul Webber and Henrietta Islands’ Chris Hugues for York’s Race How does nowadays compare to when Knight. He won a Sky Bet Chase and a for Life for Macmillan? How do you begin once assigned a you began? Victor Chandler Chase on Calgary Bay, new jockey? Apart from getting a marriage Pony racing gives kids a huge a Haldon Gold Cup on Somersby, a Start with the ending in mind… What proposal via social media, yes, it was Beecher Chase on Ardent Scout and a advantage, this has been happening great fun! Chris is a very nice guy, did they want to achieve as a jockey, what in Ireland for decades, but the UK Festival winner on Mister McGoldrick. is their long-term goal? amazingly well, if he were lighter he Dominic sustained a bad head injury is now catching up… I was so bad would definitely be able to make a go in August 2009 but returned after when I first started, I wouldn’t get a of it, he even schooled over the jumps. fourteen months to win his comeback How did you come about making a look in now, I’d imagine. Having said He finished 4th, rode a nice race, the ride at Cheltenham. comeback in the Chepstow “Legends” that, Equicizers and coaches really horse just wasn’t good enough on the have brought the game on. I used to Since retiring in 2014, the charity race? day. practice on an oil drum suspended by Yorkshireman has worked in veterinary I was a little bit tipsy when I received a chain on either end! pharmaceuticals and trained as a an email, which I duly read and replied Jockey Coach. The mentor scheme to... Being the wrong side of 12 stone, started in 2011 and ex-jockeys it wasn’t the brightest ideas I’ve had! What is the best advice you were involved include Carl Llewellyn, Rodi Although, I have thoroughly enjoyed given? Greene, Mick Fitzgerald, Russ Garrity, the challenge, be it with three weeks’ 2 ears, 2 eyes, 1 mouth...Never stand Peter Scudamore and Brian Harding. notice. in front of a gun or behind a horse... You’d be amazed at how many people Who organises the mentor system? Is it vital to see your jockeys ride real I have seen been kicked from being careless. The BHA organise and partially fund horses or just simulators? the Coaching system. Equicizers are a very good training aide, they help install certain key areas How do you instil the importance of By Jo O’Neill for young jockeys to work on: practise fitness into your jockeys? a very nice prospect from Dan Skelton is very pleased arrived early and we were John Hales France. A 3yo by Saint Des the way Eclair Danaiy is asked to sit in the Cinema Saint who finished a very working in training so you to watch some of the great impressive 2nd in his only will see him make his UK races from the past until Article race at Autueil in Paris. His debut sometime in November the other guests arrived. I We have just had our first name is Protektorat. This is probably at Newbury at what I was absolutely delighted to runner in Marie Banrigh at not an ideal name which we still refer to as the Hennessey see Golden Miller win the Carlisle. She is a beautiful cannot now change as he meeting. Just Rocky is carrying 12 mare which I own with John has raced under rules. His recovering from his wind op Stone and break the course Diver. We were very hopeful name in English sounds like and may also be ready for his record. It is very difficult to she would run well after protecting a Rat so we have first outing at Newbury. compare a horse from one winning at Market Rasen given him his stable name era to another but he possibly in her last run following a Roland. He is very impressive was the greatest chaser of wind operation. She did not standing 16.3 hands with a lot all time. I believe he won the disappoint us winning well by of scope so we hope he will 5 times 6 lengths. It is a long way to make a top class chaser. We and I cannot remember how Carlisle so my wife and I went hope you will see him before many Grand Nationals. I did by train (London to Glasgow) the end of the season. He is learn something from this visit in a time far quicker than we now at Dan Skelton’s who is and was told that in the 1930’s could have gone by car. We having a great season. The Cheltenham Gold Cup were at Preston when Dan was treated as the prep race Skelton phoned to say the Paul Nicholls has told me for the Grand National. How horses were stuck on the M6 today (27/10) that we hope nice to see that now they are caused through an accident to run Ibis Du Rheu and Her Majesty The Queen the two greatest races of our near Stoke. Although the possibly the Dellercheckout photograph courtesy of sport. motorway finally cleared Dan’s at Weatherbys next week The National Horseracing Museum box arrived too late for the first at the Charlie Hall meeting. race but Marie Banrigh (which I am particularly interested is Celtic for Queen Mary) was to to see “Dellboy” following This week the Jockey club in time to impress coming his wind operation. Paul invited some National Hunt up the Carlisle hill which is a tells me that is owners for an evening at finish similiar to Cheltenham. flying in training so we can the museum in Newmarket look forward to seeing him which Her Majesty The Queen I am very pleased to let you at either Ascot or Haydock opened some two years ago. Golden Miller know we have purchased then hopefully onto the King I strongly recommend a visit unknown photographer with Sir Alex Ferguson, GED George on Boxing Day. which represents both codes Mason and my daughter Lisa flat/jumping. My wife and I https://www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk/ Dodges New Adventure temperatures have dropped and the horses are getting fluffy. Which, RICHARD DAVIS AWARD By Lucy Sharp this can only mean one thing... So, after such a lovely summer, CLIPPING!! Dodge has had his For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at: Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and Worcester the change in weather has hit us first clip of the season and in my th th hard. I know it’s not freezing yet eyes he looks amazing. I know I’m during the period 6 May 2018 – 27 April 2019 and we’re not quite in the depth of a bit biased (Dodge looks beautiful winter but comparing to what we covered in mud) but i don’t think (Sponsored by the Cheltenham &Three Counties Race Club) have had this summer, it’s cold. I he would look out of place back in am not a fan of the cold weather, Ditcheat again. Very handsome. Scoring: a Winner 10 points, a Second 7 points, a Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 points. never have been and the hot, He is such a legend to do as well; sunny weather is definitely the He always has been to be honest. Latest placings (up to and including 4th November 2018) way forward in my eyes. But the He stands still, listening to me sing 1st James Bowen 179 pts cold weather is starting to creep as I get my lines nice and straight. nd in, mornings are darker for longer Jayne, who does all the clipping 2 Bryony Frost 140 pts 3rd Richard Patrick 119 pts and the nights are coming in earlier for Paul Nicholls is known for this 4th Charlie Hammond 113 pts and earlier. We are no longer riding in Ditcheat and you will definitely 5th Daniel Sansom 77 pts out in the mornings before I head hear her before you see her but to work. Up until quite recently I after 6 years of getting clipped in Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey tragically killed in a fall over fences in have ridden Dodge before heading Ditcheat’s version of the X Factor, 1996. This award is named in his memory. to Ditcheat to ride out, which was this is what Dodge is used to. So perfect when it was so hot. 7:00am unless I bring my A game and have was a perfect time and temperature my favourite play list on, he will Cheltenham and Three Counties Race Club Events for the hot bod that is Dodging fidget and walk around the box Club Meetings: while I’m trying my hardest to get Bullets but now all the timings have November 21st: P2P Evening with Nicky Sheppard, Alex Edwards, Martin gone wrong and we are riding out my lines straight. Whereas, with at lunch time or in the evenings. the sing along going on in the back Harris and John Willis. Instead of watching the sun rise ground he will stand still eating his December: No Meeting and the misty mornings, we’ve hay and enjoying the vibrations January 16th 2019: Phil Smith and Edward Gillespie TBC from the clippers. swapped it for chilly evenings February 20th 2019: AGM watching the sunset. It makes for a beautiful photo opportunity though. March 10th: Festival Preview April 17th: Ladies in Racing May TBC: Worcester Racecourse Picnic and Richard Davis Award

If anyone has any requests for stable visits or speakers do not hesitate to He can now once again hit the email Sarah via [email protected] roads like they are the catwalk. We have new members who might want to go where we have already been Looking the best in the village. before ...... Along with the days getting shorter Cameras please... get my good Please get in touch. and the evenings coming in, the side !! Salmon, , Day two and a stable visit ...... names just kept coming. One that CTCRC in Ireland and was just too good It was only to Willie Mullins yard so Willie liked was Authorised Art so it a chance to pass up. nothing to get excited about!! may be prudent to keep an eye out? is a very old gentleman now 23 and CTCRC IrISH Visit Pt 1. We were met by Jo the racing was falling asleep on (and off) his secretary and Willie who accompanied Having enjoyed the opening day feet. Time however was running us over to the gallops. The whole of the Punchestown season last year short so after a quick cuppa and a staff seemed to talk in code about along with a visit to the powerhouse slice of cake (you have to, don’t you what work each horse needed but it stable of Gordon Elliott, we decided Rosemarie Davis?) we travelled on to obviously all made sense to them as to go back again this year for another Punchestown. they went about their business. Apart go. So tickets bought for an out of At only 12 Euro’s to gain entrance from the 1 mile all weather gallop, season song and rucksacks packed to to what is the friendliest course which was the softest I’ve seen (2 comply with Ryanair’s new cabin bag I’ve been to we duly spent the next miles on here is equivalent to 4 on policy we spent the weekend before few hours having a grand time. grass according to Willie) there were thinking “what a mistake this is” as the Great White Shark Gordon Elliot bagged the first on the multiple sand gallops and a mixture first storm of Autumn lashed across somewhat surprisingly good, good to of sand and rubber for jumping all the UK. Come the Tuesday morning firm ground. It was pretty much all on very flat ground. The horses swap the winds had abated and thankfully Another new recruit is Great downhill for him from then on though. gallops according to the weather off we went. I even managed to get White Shark which was also talked Hidden Cyclone raced for the first time and the firmness of the surface. Eyes through the security checks without about in glowing terms. Group photo in over a year in the next finishing 3rd popping out of our heads we watched the ‘normal’ drugs search so things taken, it was time to head back to out of 4 and was then retired by Shark the likes of Relegate, Bellshill, Pair were definitely on the up. Punchestown. Heads still spinning Hanlon as at 13 years old and 15 wins of Brown Eyes, Un Batin and Un De the afternoon passed by in a blur of to his name it was felt it was time to Sceaux go through their paces. Un De sunshine and silks. The two things go out on a relative high. My Sister Sceaux had obviously summered well that stood out were Dick Purcells look Sarah took the next for Willie Mullins and looking like a tank was ridden by a of joy and his charge to the bookies looking very impressive and should French lady Virginie who was the only after somehow coming up with the be winning a number of mares races person with ‘guns’ big enough to hold winner of the last and the look on the as the season goes on if the ease of him. jewellery stall owners face when he the victory is owt to go on. The day espied us viewing his wares knowing just whizzed by and before we knew it full well that Sarah had had a couple of we were repairing back to our chosen winners . Oh well it’s only money and Living Legends at the INS hostelry to enjoy a couple of drinks the memories of those two days will along with some excellent food and last long. company. First place to visit upon arrival Mike was the Irish National Stud a mile outside of Kildare fairly close to a rather expensive shopping outlet (not close enough for certain members Un De Sceau and Virginie of CTCRC). We had been to the stud Back to the stable(s) afterwards before but the lure of the living to see some of the 200 inmates. Max legends drew us back. The chance to Dynamite, Min, , Footpad, see and feed , Beef or Hidden Cyclone Next Destination, Sharjah the big CTCRC IRISH VISIT Pt 2 11.00am we were a little worried We then walked over to the longer that we might be too late to see gallops to watch the horses “Having spent a good day at many horses on the gallops but working. Punchestown races the day before, we were not disappointed with six of us arrived at Willie Mullins’ between 20 and 30 horses doing yard in glorious sunshine. There their morning’s work. We started in was little to indicate where we were the middle of a short circular gallop – only a couple of signs saying where the horses did their warm ‘slow down for horses’ but no up, mainly walking and trotting, and signage declaring it was the yard Willie discussed with each rider of Willie Mullins, the Irish champion their plan for the horse. Whilst it trainer. Jo and Chacun Pour Soi was obvious who was boss it was Yorkhill There are several things that struck noticeable that Willie asked each Back at the stable yard Willie then us on this particular visit. Firstly, rider what they proposed to do with left us in Jo’s capable hands. It was Willie Mullins, unlike many other the horse and then if necessary a bit like a who’s who of equine trainers, does not use a hill to get made a few tweaks rather than just talent and when Jo asked us ‘who his horses fit. All his gallops are telling them what to do. would you like to see?’ it was a flat and yet he seems to be able case of trying not to omit any of the to get his horses as fit as anyone great horses there. Amongst others else. Secondly, the whole place We were all a little apprehensive we saw the recent Cesarewich has a very relaxed air about it. having heard stories of how getting winner, Low Sun and the second, It may well be the hallmark of a a visit to Willie Mullins’ yard was Uradel and several Cheltenham successful organisation and a well notoriously difficult and only having stars such as Faugheen, Footpad, oiled machine but everyone seems had confirmation that the visit was Melon, Min and Laurina. Such was to just get on with their business on the afternoon before, however the quality of horses that we almost without any real fuss. Thirdly, it is a we were met by the man himself walked straight past Yorkhill’s truly international yard -whilst there who couldn’t have been more stable without a mention. All in all a were many Irish accents there were friendly and introduced himself to wonderful way to spend a morning. also plenty of English, French, each of us individually. He then Probably the ‘biggest name’ we Australian and Eastern European introduced us to Jo, his office saw on the gallops was Un de accents to be heard and finally, manager, and modestly told us that Sceau, ridden by a diminutive Willie Mullins is exactly the same she probably knew more about French woman. As Un de Sceau as you see him on TV – a very the individual horses than he did. enthusiastically went about his affable, friendly, open and genial We then all crossed the road over work trying to pull his riders arms man. to the gallops to watch the horses out of her sockets we could see working. why Jo described her rider as Nigel Chapman having the biggest ‘guns’ in the Footpad and Nichola Roden As we had been asked to arrive at yard (male or female). November Column This summer has been memorable out the back at Goodwood in a “Actually, put your stirrups up for the Flat: Godolphin achieving their Jump Jockeys’ handicap. His owner, another three holes. Heels down!” by Jo O’Neill th 5000 winner worldwide and another Christopher Johnston, subsequently My length of stirrups had gone USA Triple Crown winner in Justify, decided to retire him. Afterall, from Frankie to Franny Norton, and just two years after the last one. Yet, Pumbles won four for him on the Flat I thought one buck and I would by now, autumn has sidled up with when with Mark Johnston and he be in orbit. Yet, I followed Dom’s the leaves turning golden to russet came to us initially to run over hurdles. instructions, cantering upsides him on and I am itching for the National Hunt He schooled well but got progressively the short gallop. season to begin. worse and, after falling one morning, he was sent back on the Flat. “Shorten your reins…not that Currently, I am looking after my old short. Better. Hold your neck strap. favourite Doesyourdogbite (Gromit), Pumbles took me twice to the Lean back…lower…bum towards the as well as Forza Milan (Foz) and beautiful track of Goodwood, with its tail.” March Is On (Marty) from last year. magnificent, gothic stable yard. He will Trying to be a good pupil, I leant Back in September, when in Cork, The new ones I have acquired are a always be in my heart for having such Presenting filly (black as midnight, a sweet, kind nature. further back, tighter in the saddle. By I visited Holywell at Richie McLernon’s the time we had pulled up at the top, I family farm near Mallow. We were nervous and nicknamed Tabitha), Big We have had two Boomerangs, Penny when his former lass left to go was blowing like I had run a marathon taken to see him by Richie’s sister which is what head lad Alan Berry and a lot of muscles were aching! Diana, as well as four gangly, wobbly home to Ireland and Arrivederci (a calls previous staff members who Dom is an excellent coach, and I foxhound puppies and Bentley, the grey 3-year-old, who is gorgeous. I am have returned. Last year, Charlie Davis can truly see how the jockeys benefit huge Doberman-cross. Holywell is very thrilled because I have neverlooked left to be a conditional for Charlie from his input and advice. He is also contented and portly, living with calves after a grey). Arrivederciarrived with Longsdon and has come back to us very funny and witty to have in the and four yearlings. His bold personality a completely different name: Orage as an amateur. Keaton McMinn left string – winding everyone up and still evident when the yearling parted D’Ainey, which his French breeder had to work in Ireland and later for Dan calling our new recruits Alex Howitt to let him through the middle and he given him. His owners, Sir and Lady Skelton but returned in September, the Biffer and Georgia Plumb the allowed none of them near the carrots Broughton, wished to change it to full of swagger and jokes. Charlie has Bosher because they are both from and peppermints I had bought. Diana See U Later but this was unavailable. taken over looking after the fields and Doncaster. had showed him, but he did not have After an error, he was nearly named the horses being trained outside from quite the temperament and got too Ate Logo, but this was rectified to the pens, and Keaton looks after five On Saturday 13th October, I left hyperactive in the ring. It was lovely Arrivederci, which means ‘good bye’ horses in the main yard. after second lot with Scotland (Scotty) to visit Holywell; to see him having in Italian. Head girl Flo Willis loves and his lass Lauren Hay for Future this as her grandmother is from Italy, Due to riding in the Chepstow a quiet retirement, keeping his little charity race, ex-jockey Dominic Champions Day at the Rowley Mile herd in order. and I think it is a catchy name. There course. Lauren joined us in March and might be a few superstitions about Elsworth was riding out – and gave me spontaneous tuition. I need it as I have is also the owner, Jim Hay’s daughter. changing a horse’s name, but this is an She has the biggest smile and always old-fashioned notion. A lot of horses never been a jockey, nor one of the best riders. brings lots of chocolate to eat on arrive and ultimately have their names the journey there. I always struggled changed, especially those from France One lot beganwith Dom saying, saying “Cesarewitch”, but I was as they are named at birth. As he “Heels down…down more…legs by the excited to go. The sun was shining, was in-between names for a while, I girth.Put your stirrups up six holes.” and I was doubly excited about going nicknamed him Lucky. Fingers crossed, “Ok,” I replied meekly, feeling like to the Headquarters. I had led up in he will be lucky for all of us. Frankie Dettori. So much for the old Newmarket but that was in 2001 and Pumblechook (Pumbles) finished mantra of Ride Long, Live Long! at the July Course. Plus, I was a little nervous as I needed to get everything Flat races seem to go so quickly but Colorado, has non-descript “He’s all that,” answered Aidan, spot on. these two miles, 2 furlongs was a slog. appearance with peculiar eyes that “but he’s genuine.” Scotty finished a pleasing eighteenth permanently show a lot of white, a The next day, Alantold me Aspen under top weight. He was tired and dark bay colour that is not particularly Colorado had once been the ante-post staggery afterwards andLauren shiny,but he had an amazingly well- favourite for the . summoned the vet. I had to run back behaved character. I was rushing after I felt a bit stupid for thinking he did to our lorry to get a bucket because washing off Teddy, but Aspy was so not have a chance at Carlisle but was there were not many to hand. With lovely and helped me by not putting delighted that he had won. Never trust thirty-four runners and in that heat, a hoof wrong. He pootled round the my judgement on a horse! there should have been buckets and pre-parade, stood like a statue when On 21st, I drove two runners to Scotland with his lass Lauren Hay lots of water available. All is well that being saddled and pootled again ends well: Scotty was perfectly fine round the paddock. He had previously Stratford with Florin Bogdan, who Newmarket is a “box up” like after cooling off. He will go hurdling been trained by Joseph O’Brien and is one of our Romanian yardies who Goodwood so I text my best friend now and I dread how nervous Lauren had come to us late in the summer. has started going racing recently. We and racing oracle Carolyn White, head will be! had a good day, and on leaving we of travelling for Dr Newland. She said th were handed a brown paper bag of to drive past the July Course on the On 18 , head of travelling Harrison goodies. Instead of giving stable staff left, then the stables are between the Day and I, as the other lorry driver, meal vouchers, Stratford Racecourse courses on the right, at a golf club took the long journey up to Carlisle. supply food for the way home. It sign. I was relieved because without We were out of the yard with three was just like a school packed lunch Carolyn’s directions, I would have runners before 6:00 and it was the with a sandwich, packet of crisps, driven straight past. brightest, sunniest day. With a couple chocolate bar and bottle of water. It of pitstops and a change of driver, it We dropped off Scotty and went to was a pleasant gesture, especially if took exactly six hours. declare which, despite my worrying, someone had a long journey home. was straight forward. Then we sped We have many “babies”, which back and shampooed Scotty, plaited are young horses that were broken him up and made him extra smart. this summer and are progressing Bang on 2:40, an hour before the their education with us. They are by Photo courtesy of Dennis Penny race time, we had loaded up our an array of sires, including Fame And equipment and Scotty, and were on I thought our chance of a winner Glory, Jeremy, Oscar and Beat Hollow. our way to the track. had disappeared when Sky Pirate We ride them upsides for every was beaten. I even told a race-goer canter to get them used to it. We The Rowley Mile was very Photo courtesy of Dennis Penny beautiful, with flowerbeds bordering he had no chance. Then, watching on ride them with longer stirrups to kick the paddock and a huge, smartly I led up Tedham (Teddy) in his the big screen, I saw him galloping them on and squeeze them to keep dressed crowd. I was loving people- first hurdle race. He is a big bay and through the other runners, passing the them straight. Babies buck, kick and watching, especially when Frankie he was promoted to fourth, running line in front. I charged over to Aidan wobble, lurch forwards or sideways. Dettori won the Dewhurst Stakes. a satisfying race. He will need further Coleman, waving my fist in delight and They spook, scoot, and sometimes Stood in the pre-parade, I was too far but hopefully has a good future. astonishment! dillydally. Yet, there is nothing better away to witness his ‘flying dismount’ Harrison led up Sky Pirate, who “I thought he wasn’t much good than when, say, a lazier one goes up but heard the echoing cheer. finished an agonising second! He is and couldn’t breathe, and would be the long gallop fluently or they are consistent, and it would be good if he retired tomorrow,” I burbled with harmoniously going upsides. Lauren was very nervous and got his head in front soon. twittered through the race. Normally, excitement and covered Aspy with Jo x Our final runner, little Aspen pats. informed that Kissesforkatie was my took to fences really well and may do even 100th winner for trainer Jeremy Scott October Club Meeting better. Bet now at 4-1 said David Massey! Nick Scholfield National Hunt Season Preview Hey. I think in my last post I was Of the Novice hurdlers, Acey Milan was saying I was hoping that the rain which I was pleased to hear. I have the best UK bumper horse. All set to go would have arrived! It hasn’t as I type had a long and successful partnership The speakers at the season’s preview were hurdling, possibly stepping up in trip later. away! November and lack of rain is with Jeremy having ridden for him Chris Cooke, racing correspondent at the Olly Murphy’s Brewing Up A Storm who frustrating for everyone in racing at since my conditional days. We both Guardian & Independent; David Massey, finished behind Acey Milan, has good a tipster (website : dailypunt.com), with prospects and may also step up in trip the moment. There are always lots of enjoyed great success with Melodic th entries at the entry stage, but we’re Rendezvous by winning an Elite Alex Steedman of Racing UK in the chair later. Tom George’s The Big Bite was 9 in seeing small fields because you just Hurdle, Kingwell Hurdle and winning a but also contributing extensively. the Festival Bumper and is another good hurdling prospect. can’t run the winter horses on this Grade 1 with him. Let’s hope there are David’s advice for punters was to “find ground. It was disappointing to see few more days like that to come! what works for you and stick with it”. Also, Sebastapol oozed class when winning only 4 horses line up for the Charlie don’t be afraid to back more than one the Ayr bumper and will be well suited by Hall Chase but it is understandable as horse in a race. good ground. The team felt Tornado Flyer was also one to follow. the ground was certainly on the quick Of the race courses, he felt that side. I thought the winner Definitely Punchestown and Galway had terrific On the potential Novice chasers, Philip Red did it really well and was giving a atmosphere, and in the UK, Fakenham Hobbs’ Defi Du Seuilshould do much perfect ride by Danny Cook who really was a treat!. better following a season when the stable gets on well with him. was plagued with illness. Similarly Oliver The panel went straight in with the Gold Sherwood’s stable wasn’t firing early in Cup: They all felt that a follow up by the season, and Euxton Lane is expected Native River was a challenge, especially as to improve. the going may be kinder next March. Santini ( ) is crying out Leading contender Might Bite may have to go chasing and better ground will be done better if he’d had a run after the Jam Session a bonus. Another that will improve as a Kempton December meeting. Courtesy of Goodwood Racecourse chaser, especially over longer trips is Tom RSA Chase winner Presenting Percy will George’s Black Op. be a leading contender. A few weeks ago I headed to Others highlighted were: TopoftheGame Sizing John didn’t run in 2018 and the Goodwood, yes Goodwood, for a jump (Nicholls), Benie des Dieux (Mullins) and Kissesforkatie panel thought we may have seen the jockeys flat race. I rode a horse called Mr. Bigshot (Pipe). Courtesy of Fontwell Racecourse best of him. They observed that there Jam Session for Ian Williams and he On the more ‘everyday’ horses, names was plenty of stable confidence behind showed class and courage to win. I mentioned were:Don’t Tell George, Thistlecrack this year. A few of the winter horses have can’t say I have had many rides on the Dual at Dawn, Quarry Leader, Big River, had their first runs of the season flat as from a young age I was always The overall panel conclusion was Native Brillare Momento and Hidden Glen. River & Presenting Percy. now where the ground has been ok on the bigger size and went the point The panel agreed that this the time and with that I have had a few nice to point route instead of flat. He made Regarding the Two Mile hurdlers, Alex of the season is always one of happy winners. The fillies are doing me well my life easy as it was a great ride thought Laurina would win the Champion optimism. As we progress some of these at the moment as I had a nice bumper and stayed on strongly to beat Orin Hurdle; We Have A Dream, may also be will succeed, whereas some will definitely winner on Kissesforkatie at Fontwell Swift by a length and a quarter picking aimed at this race, but will only be a 5 disappoint! and L’Chamise over hurdles at Market up a nice 10k prize. Having not ever year old by March. ridden Goodwood before I asked top A most informative and entertaining Rasen for Jack Barber who is on his Altior is the dominant force in the flat jockey Oisin Murphy how to ride evening. first season training. There is a great Champion Chase, but sometimes hits a the course and his intelligent thoughts David Bishop programme for mares and I hope flat spot and is only 7-4 in the betting, certainly helped. they can go on and win a few more while Footpad is much better value. He races this season respectively. I was enhanced pace terms - often 6 or even 7 places on some handicaps - and again, you want to give David Massey yourself as many options as possible. Q&A Session with Ceris Biddle I was born in Warwickshire and first never keen for me to be involved with At the recent Cheltenham and Three Counties NH I get that bookmakers will restrict winners and trying lived opposite Warwick Racecourse. I them but dad took me for riding lessons preview evening, our stand-in chair Alex Steedman to keep accounts open is a juggling act in itself. used to love watching the racing and when I was about 10 and that lead me to asked if we could give one punting tip for the Remember, single men/women that like a bet - when getting my first pony. evening, what would it be? Which set me thinking - dating, the first question you should ask yourself first met Robin and Claire when I came we all know what we should do punting wise when when meeting a future partner shouldn’t be “does he/ up for some work experience. I had it comes to the big festivals (don’t we?) but on a she want children?” or “have they got a good job?” day-to-day basis, is there anything we can all do to but “will they mind opening a new 365 account for always wanted to be involved in racing Q What inspired you to take up improve out betting hablts? Here’s a semi-serious me?” so when my school had a week where competitive race riding look at a few pointers that I might be able to offer… we had to find somewhere for it, I A Racing caught my eye pretty much 4. At the big festivals, bet a few. gave Claire a ring and she was more as soon as I started riding.Ialways loved 1. When looking at a race, spend no more than This was the tip I gave on the night, and it’s an than happy to have me and suggested going to the races,Warwick was my local ten minutes looking at it. important one. You get very few opportunities that I come up that Saturday to help track. I always wanted to be the one You open the paper and there’s a 18-runner 0-100 at throughout the season to bet quality horses at big around the yard. As soon as I left riding the horses. My Dad had a friend Taunton staring you in the face. Form wise, there’s prices, but the Cheltenham, Aintree and to a lesser more letters than numbers for most of them. You’re extent, Newbury and Kempton festivals all offer school I came straight to Robin’s for a that loved racing and we used to go to not even sure half of them are actual racehorses. you the chance to do so. Don’t forget, even for the full time job and have been here since. his house in the evenings and watch the Where do you begin? big handicaps at Cheltenham, those at the foot of In the time that I have been at Robins I days racing replay. He was always very the handicaps are 130+ horses. It’s not like you’re It may be that there’s a couple in there are ones you have learnt so much about racing and supportive of me wanting to be a jockey have on a tracker, or are with a trainer in form. But backing donkeys. You’re betting on horses with and I will forever be grateful that he was ability. So get stuck in. continue to everyday. Robin has given the bottom line is - if you’re looking at a competitive in my life. If it wasn’t for him I probably handicap and haven’t found a way into it after ten me opportunities that I will never minutes, leave it alone. Maybe look again with fresh wouldn’t have pursuedmy dreams of race 5. eyes later, but don’t drive yourself daft trying to find Areas of speciality. forget: my first ride as an amateur and riding, which so far have been the best the winner. There are other races, after all. Bookmakers are fully clued up when it comes to just recently as his conditional. It was days of my life. racing, or football, or golf, but when it comes to definitely worth spending weekends the likes of Strictly Come Dancing or Dancing On and holidays at Robin’s because all 2. Be ahead of the game. Ice, they’ve as much idea as you have. If you can Q. Most memorable ride to date and why Whilst all and sundry are looking at that Taunton put the legwork in, there’s often bets to be found in that experience has made my dream handicap, it could be that rain elsewhere is changing the strangest of areas and sports. So if you have possible and seem real. A. I have been lucky enough to have the ground for the big weekend handicaps. You’ll extensive knowledge of the Ukranian Basketball two rides under rules for my boss Robin often find that bookmakers these days will offer leagues, put it to good use. Don’t bet on stuff you Dickin. Both were fantastic experiences, prices for those handicaps before declarations. Is the know little about. Or if you must, at least take advice ground changing swinging it in favour of one or two from folk that do. I had the pleasure of riding two lovely that might otherwise you might not have considered? horses, Galactic Power and Under The Always be prepared to throw a few quid around ante- Phone. They both made my job very post when these opportunities occur - yes, you’ll 6. Don’t bet when drinking. easy. I am sure I will make plenty of great lose a few, but equally you can often find yourself Self-explanatory, innit? Step away from the laptop/ memories throughout my career but I very much on the right side of the price come the phone/bookmaker if you’re on the gin. It won’t weekend. end well. A friend of mine backed Yorkhill for the guarantee that I will always remember last year. Mind you, she was sober that first time I cantered down to the start at the time, so has little excuse. and walking the track before racing. It was 3. Have as many accounts as you can. the most triumphant moment of my life. Not just for best prices, that’s obvious enough, but Thanks to Robin Dickin and EPDS racing there’s more than one way to skin a cat these days 7. Back Euxton Lane to win a race at the and you want as many markets as possible to have next year. Q How and where did you first become for letting me ride Galactic Power and a look at. Some bookmakers are happy to bet e/w You know it makes sense...... interested in horses help my riding career kick off with a great without the favourite, often a useful tool when there’s start finishing fourth. an odds-on poke in the race, and match bets are The Next Big Thing...... A For as long as i have known, i have another good source - especially if you’re at the You’ve been told...... been interested in horses, which is a bit track and one is clearly fit, and the other isn’t. Plus, ...... By the way it was a pleasure to meet you all odd considering my parents have never Q If you could ride any horse which one bookmakers on Saturdays are giving you much had anything to do with them. Mum was would it be Q Favourite holiday location Q Social media – friend or foe A. That’s a difficult choice but I think the Q Most difficult Racecourse to ride and Willie Mullins trained, Footpad, would be why A. I don’t really go on holiday that A. Friend as long as used in the correct much. I’m not a big fan of flying but If I go way. the one. He looks like a class ride and is A. Out of the two racecourses I’ve ridden any where I like most of the Greek islands. unbeaten over fences at the age of six. at Warwick and Ludlow I found Warwick more difficult because horses get racing Q Do you have a nickname down the hill and it’s a long way from Q A horse to follow for the remainder of Q Pet hate(s) A. I have several nicknames none of home there. the current NH season A. People clicking their nails together. them I would like to tell. It would take a A. A horse called Three Bullet Gate People leaving rubbish in my car. lot of explaining if I did tell you. currently in training with Robin. He’s Q Best horse you have ridden and why recently finished third in a bumper with A. I can’t pick between the two horses Q Food heaven and food hell Q Fast forward 10 years – what would the winner looking like a really smart I have ridden. However Robins yard is A. Lasagne is a big yes from me. I hate you ideally like to be doing horse. I am very excited to see this young full of lovely young horses which is very any kind of fish. A. I know it’s a long shot but I suppose horse go novice hurdling. exciting and hopefully in the future I will every jockeys dream is to be champion be riding some of them. jockey and be riding Grade One winners. Q Who do you turn to for advice and Q What do you think racing does best I also love the idea of producing young guidance Q Who do you admire in racing A. I think racing does a good job of horses and would like to be doing looking after people, there’s a lot of something along those lines when I’ve A. Everyone around me has been very A. There are plenty of brilliant people past support networks in place to help and finish my riding career. Hopefully that’s a helpful I always think that you can learn and present involved in racing but hands provide information that might be useful long way off though. something from everyone no matter who down Aiden O’Brien is a master when it to all kinds of people from jockey to stable they are. I will always turn to someone comes to training horses. A remarkable staff. that I think will help me become the best man who I have always admired. version of myself. All of Robins jockeys (Charlie Poste, Jack Quinlan and James Nixon) couldn’t be more helpful and will Q Favourite TV racing presenter/ answer any questions I have. Dominic summariser Elsworth who’s my jockey is a very great A. Oli Bell does a very good job on ITV teacher. I’ve not known him very long but racing. Very likeable guy. he’s full of helpful advice.

Q What is a typical day for you A. On a normal day we’ll start at 6:30 and muck out. Then we will ride four lots Q and have breakfast after 2nd lot. Then What is your worst habit finish at 1 for lunch to be back in the yard A. I take ages to tell a story. at 2:30 where all the horses will have a Ceris on board Galactic Power brush over and get fed then we finish at Robin Dickin has an open morning at the five. I’ll then head to the gym. Q What is your most treasured yard on the 1st Saturday of most months possession starting at 9am. A. My car gets me to where I need to Ceris on board Galactic Power Q What are your hobbies Delicious cakes with tea and coffee. All in be and before I had one I didn’t realise aid of charity. Q Favourite Racecourse A. I don’t do that much outside of racing how important it would be to me. Now I Please check Social Media for the dates. A. Has to be Ludlow because it was where now but I used to play cricket and still couldn’t do without it. I had my first ride but that might change. enjoy it when I can. We have been lucky to away. She is now 23 and happy to on foot or in vehicles as the UPTON VIVA secure 2000 bales of good hay lead a peaceful retirement but with undulating landscape makes for for the winter from a local farmer a purpose in life and I’m sure, will easy viewing to watch the hounds as it will be in great demand by very much enjoy coming in at night at work. Whether you agree or Well, Autumn has arrived with all this year and like us many with the foals in a few weeks time. disagree with hunting their is no a vengeance here on top of the people will be feeding hay already. sound or sight like hounds in full hill! Still a fairly dry October but As enjoyable as it was, the hot Both fillies coped well with the cry with many riders following over some very hard frosts already so summer, we are now suffering the weaning and after a few desperate a wonderful landscape. unfortunately our usual flush of consequences of the drought...... whinnies settled down quite quickly. grass did not arrive. In an effort lack of grass, increase cost of hard We like to wean at 6 months as to save some of our fields for the feed as grain yields were low and the foals are more independent, winter months we are already higher cost of forage plus the need eating hard food well and their putting a few bales of hay out for to feed extra almost three months immune system has developed the young stock in the hope they earlier than normal. well enough for them to cope on can stay where they are a while their own. The mares also settled longer. We usually bring all the quickly as the foals had become stock that live in the valley fields less reliant on their dams milk and up nearer the barns at Christmas more interested in any hard feed where the fields have been rested that was available! and there is a good cover of grass. Unfortunately after the long hot, dry summer and with the lack of On the racing front, all our autumnal rain we don’t have the homebreds training is going good grazing as in previous years to plan. At home both Lucarno so the horses need supplementing Express and The Jaffna Queen are fit and well. Both have schooled with extra forage until they move, As our foals were all late this year probably by the end of November and visited other gallops as part we have only just weaned the first of their prep with a view to running this year. two, both fillies. The mares were at Larkhill at the beginning of in the barns for feet trimming and December. Maitree Express is still as they all went back out into the in pre training at home as is still paddock we quickly slipped the On the last Saturday of the month very green and definitely a “bit of a two mares back out and away with we always host the opening meet lad” who only does as much as he hardly a murmur from the foals. of the Warwickshire hunt and has to!! Violet Express our retired matriarch this year was no exception. An

was introduced to the group of amazing spectacle as usual with Igor and Nonesuch, in training with mares and foals several weeks ago the wonderful views and backdrop NJH, are also training well but as and she will be left to act as nanny of Upton House. Over 50 horses yet no news as to when they will when all mares have been taken were present with many followers, run. One of our foals who was sold as that has to be done every year to David showed not only the challenges a yearling made his debut over prevent a build up of bacteria and young inner city kids have to fences at Newton Abbott on 12 infection that could be passed on, Miller overcome to get into racing, particularly in the case of this October.....now known as The Two especially the foals, when weaning It’s the morning of the first Amigos (Midnight Legend) he won can compromise their immune programme young Muslims, but Cheltenham meeting of the season. also the sheer joy, excitement and very impressively by 53 lengths system. We leave the main barn for The sky is crisp and blue over enthusiasm of being able to race on very wet ground!! He had as long as possible to enable the the Cotswolds and that wonderful up that famous hill. As I write it is previously been trained by David boxes to be freshly cleaned when sense of anticipation hangs in still available to watch on I Player Pipe with no success over hurdles the mares come in for the winter. the air. Who will be the stars this (Inside Out West). I’d recommend but was then trained by one of his This year many of the mares will year, what great races are waiting you take a look. around the corner for us to enjoy owners, Nicky Martin in Somerset, be in by January 1st as we have and perhaps, just perhaps, this Our winter season of jump racing and won 5 point to points on the a couple of maiden mares and might be the year that we see one actually started a few weeks ago bounce during the 2017/18 season. barreners who will need to be of the horses we have a small when we headed off to Chepstow We are all very much looking put under lights to establish their interest in storm up the hill to for their opening jump fixture of the forward to his next run and also a cycles ready for the 2019 covering victory. It’s good to dream!! season; a hugely enjoyable day first run over fences from his half season...... more on this subject which saw Katie pick three winners Katie has the joys of half term in a row and select a couple more brother, Sizing Tara (Kayf Tara) in next month! homework and a German test to than ran into places. Once again, training with Nigel Twiston-Davies. prepare for – half term is not what it poor ole’ Dad ended up losing our used to be – so you are stuck with chocolate bar challenge. Highlight Dad this time. of the day though was seeing You might recall that a few months Gardo De Juilley run out winner of ago I wrote an article about the the feature race for Westbury-On – work that the Pony Racing Authority Severn trainer Sophie Leach. Not are doing to create opportunities only was it great to watch a local for youngsters riding out of some horse win, much of my childhood inner city riding schools. This was spent in the Forest of Dean, includes the St James City Farm but also Sophie and her team have and Riding School in Gloucester been great supporters of the work where I volunteer several times we are doing at the Farm so we a week. It has been an exciting had a double cause for celebration. few months at the Farm; we have now had youngsters competing at Cheltenham, Wincanton and Wolverhampton and we have The annual pressure washing, been on the TV. The BBC spent disinfecting and wood staining of By JLB a few weeks in the run up to our the barns is now under way, with race at Cheltenham following the youngsters barn almost finished the inspirational Imran and our ready for the foals...... and Violet...... young jockey Anas for the Inside in a few weeks time. This is one of Out series of programmes. They Gardo De Juilley the most tedious of jobs but one produced an excellent piece which Our first racing visit to Cheltenham to learn something new. While about who these jockeys were this year was not to Prestbury it is great to see our horses, the and what they achieved. She was Dan Skelton 100 Park but the Imperial Gardens chance to take a quick peek at the blown away by the gift and also The victory of Sam Red & Will and the Literature Festival where superstars such as Altior, Might amazed and excited that so many Marshall in the Amateur Riders’ we enjoyed an hour listening Bite, Buveur D’Air and co is too folk took time to tell her that they Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on to Henrietta Knight and Nicky good to pass up. The strength of have read her articles. It meant a October 26th gave Dan Skelton the Henderson. The topic was the Yard is just incredible. lot to her; thank you. Henrietta’s book The Jumping 100th winner of the current season, I started this article before heading and in doing so broke the record for Game, which takes a tour round off to Cheltenham and am finishing the top yards and looks at the it off back home after an exciting the earliest 100 ever trained. Previously different ways trainers set about day shouting Lil Rockerfeller home held by 15-time Champion Trainer preparing their horses. It’s a (my daughter may be small but , the record has stood fascinating read. I could sit and she makes quite a noise when her since 2001 when Mr Pipe trained 100 listen to these two chat away for selection is chasing up the hill!) winners by 3rd November. hours; it was interesting to hear and of course having a chat with An emotional Dan Skelton them reminisce about the days B and beating me once again in commented: “There is a lot of work when road work formed a key the chocolate bar challenge. I that goes into this. It has been brilliant. part of training regimes and how spent an hour or so manning the These days Katie is not usually It is great to get to 100 so quickly. It is trainers such as Martin Pipe with club stand in the Centaur chatting able to make Club Evenings; it’s his interval training and Willie to people and introducing them to only a number though and we have just a school night and there is a need Mullins and his circular gallops our club. We manage to sign up got to keep going.” to get up bright and early the next have changed the way many top a couple of new members though day. However, the last meeting fell trainers now operate. Nicky made the one chap I spoke with said he during half term so she was able an interesting point about the was impressed with what we had Olly Murphy Cheltenham to come along and listen to the close season; in what other sport to offer but thought it might be a speakers. I’m sure the meeting Winner do the athletes get sent home for problem getting to our meetings. It itself will be covered elsewhere the summer and told to eat and turned out he lived in Scotland. I Local trainer Olly Murphy gained in the article but I mention this drink as much as they like! Hard think I’ll give him that one! Enjoy a first Cheltenham victory as because of an incredibly generous to imagine Mo Farrah spending too your racing. Huntingdon bumper winner Thomas much time between championships gift from one of our members. Darby (11/2) made a winning debut down the chippy! I’ll not mention names for fear of embarrassing the person, over hurdles with a striking display One of the perks of having a couple but having read about Katie’s under champion jockey Richard of very small shares in horses autograph collection he gave her Johnson. trained at Seven Barrows is the two early 90’s IJF calendars just Olly Murphy said: “Thomas Darby is a big opportunity to visit the Henderson covered in the most fantastic array green baby, who won at Huntingdon in stables a few times each year to of autographs, dozens of them from May, and I am delighted, it’s nice to get my see how they are getting along. Gee Armitage through to Peter first Cheltenham winner. Our October visit gave us the Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody, remarked: “It’s lovely chance to watch our lads (and a and many more. It when they are able to win a novice hurdle lass) work on the Wexford Sand was incredibly kind and a gift she’ll around here when they still look quite before taking a look at them more Lil Rockerfeller treasure and which we’ve started immature and I am sure that he is bound closely in the Yard. These days to work through so she can learn to improve for the experience. are always a joy and we never fail Publication No. 325 - November 2018

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