APRIL 2016

FINISH LINE & Three Counties Race Club magazine

DAVID MULLINS WE SALUTE YOU CONTENTS WELCOME

Editors Introduction 3 Richard Davis award 21 What’s in a name? Well if you’re a Clinton, for just under two weeks. It was a great sight Kim Bailey column 4-7 Jo Collinson column 22-25 Bush or Trudeau, chances are you might therefore to see Liam back in the saddle in time John Pinfold guest column 8-10 Adam Hurley column 26-27 become leader of a North American for the Cheltenham April meeting. country. Closer to home, if you’re a Pipe, At the same meeting and with Liam in mind, the John Hales column 11 Members jury 28-29 Scudamore, Carberry or Mullins then a club were proud to donate a cheque for £2000 Aintree Festival review 12-17 Tipster competition update 29 successful life in may to Lisa Hancock, IJF Chief Executive, to continue Sophia Dale column 18-19 Injured Jockeys Fund 30 await you. to help provide support to the brave jockeys Club News 20 Of these racing dynasties 2016 will be who bring us the pleasure we enjoy in the sport remembered as the year when the Mullins we follow. family carried all before them. Aintree proved Our Club has a strong literary theme this The media centre at Aintree has been the defining weekend, as, with the Irish month as we’re pleased to introduce our guest renamed in honour of Alan Lee Championship secured, brought columnist John Pinfold, the author of a new his horses over the Irish Sea in sufficient book “Aintree The History of the Racecourse” numbers to give himself a clear advantage in the on pages 8 to 10. In addition to learning about UK Championship by the close of the three day John’s book, we also have a super club night Festival. But it was another Mullins who carved to look forward to on April 20 where authors his name into folklore, as Willie’s Alastair Down, Richard Austen and Jamie Reid 19 year old nephew David gave a sublime ride will be signing copies of their latest books as our on 33/1 shot Rule The World to win the race in club night guests, do try and join us if you can. Wishfull Thinking joins Somersby and fine style. Balthazar King in retirement Our attention now turns to Punchestown Our magazine this month provides many of and the mouth-watering prospect of the back stories to the big race. We give special locking horns again with and Cue coverage to Kim Bailey on pages 4 to 7 as he Card in the , surely that’s worth a reveals his mixture of pride versus “what if” for Ryanair flight of £9.99 alone? the valiant The Last Samuri who jumped the last in front, only to be overtaken on the run in As those three look set to create a memorable to finish second. John Hales shares his thoughts spectacle we also offer our thanks and fond on his horse Unioniste’s game effort in coming farewells this month to Balthazar King, Somersby tenth, while Jo Collinson tells the story of the and Wishfull Thinking, three horses who have National through the eyes of the grooms who brought real joy to all who watched them over love the horses in their care. their long and successful careers – may they enjoy a We would normally have had a fourth long and happy retirement. contribution from our columnist on his scheduled ride on Katenko but Liam Enjoy the racing suffered a bad fall at Bangor-On-Dee on March Steve Ennis 31 which temporarily knocked him unconscious. The fall resulted in Liam being stood down

2 3 TLS and posed for what seemed hundreds KIM BAILEY of pictures ahead of the Grand National COLUMN

As most of you are aware Kim Bailey has arrive? It all started back in February when been our longest serving contributor the weights were announced. Things went to our club magazine, for which we are quiet due to the pressures of The Cheltenham hugely indebted. This month it seems Festival and no sooner had the last race been only fitting we give Kim centre stage to run on Gold Cup day than the phone started recount the drama of the Grand National ringing. It was a media frenzy like nothing I where his horse, The Last Samuri, (TLS) have seen before. The Last Samuri was fancied came tantalisingly close to capturing the and the whole press core seemed to want to most famous race in the world. Kim picks be part of him. I was not complaining as I have up the story for us; missed that sort of treatment while without horses good enough to even be mentioned. I can only say I was exhausted by Sunday Enjoy and be helpful was the motto from night.. and I did not win. here. What a very long week. The build up for this weren’t even born. I think many had done a Aintree is a fabulous racecourse and Liverpool I think all of the TV channels were down years Crabbie’s Grand National just seemed bit of swatting up to the right questions. I is a fabulous city. Both make you feel welcome here filming from every conceivable angle to go on and on, was the day ever going to felt like a male model by the time I set off for and this year it all seemed brighter and better. and all trying to find that illusive story. It has Aintree last week. Radio interviews and more media and so it been 26 years since I last won the race and went on. No chance to relax and enjoy? Really! TLS, just right of centre sets off as they got away Thursday was the last first time in the National most of those who were here to talk to me time I was to see TLS The big day arrived and until Saturday and time Aintree is a fabulous still we were on course. to put the saddle on. He Phone calls from Matt exercised on Thursday racecourse and Nicholls my assistant morning and frankly Liverpool is a were like receiving a call after seeing him nearly fabulous city from your doctor after a run into three deer who medical. Answered with had decided to join the dread. Morning Line string while galloping up our all weather I with Alice Plunkett were I was able to see TLS knew it was time to leave. Praying for any form arrive.. he was filmed coming down the ramp of luck that might remain to keep him from without falling. treading on a stone, shy from a bleating lamb A course walk with friends, followed by lunch. or just remaining calm while turned out in his Then it rained and by then I felt the world was paddock every afternoon.. routine. against me - why now after such a bright start

4 5 to the day? jockeys arrived, pretend to give instruction TLS seems to be enjoying himself as does his Clare hugging each other saying what a (already done well before the race). Time to David Bass and somehow seems to great race he had run and how proud, what Time to saddle and I decided to saddle in the relax and enjoy the proceedings - like hell. have been able to see strides so far away from we really said was something completely stables as he used to become very wound the fences that you wonder if he has some different but most of what came out of our up and sweaty when he first arrived with us. Leg up the jockey and then that's my part electronic guidance on him… always in the mouths was not printable. He saddled like an done. Twenty fore we head down to The Chair and he sails old sheep with his minutes to the The winner came in with all the head down. I say Three from home I started end of the race fanfare expected .. no TLS. Panic that an old sheep as TLS to shout (quietly) and then and somebody he had collapsed. My phone would felt tiny putting that has to win it, we all not connect and I ran (not good at saddle on his back. two from home I thought wonder. that) as fast as I could to the vets area Blackening his feet and there he was just exhausted my God we could win this I watch from the to show him off having given his all. He was fine. parade ring with and then out of the Relief. Clare and family. stable yard into the parade ring. Bloody awful place to watch a big race. TV Back for further interviews with Clare Time for the public side of the race. Owners screens too small and the race too far away Balding. Yes pleased and pleased being interviewed by and every from the grandstands. They’re off. Cigarettes, for his owners - try and sound like body smiling and wishing each other luck, mints, nails whatever takes your fancy. Down you are, difficult. I needed space and the only time of the year when they possibly to the first and when they jump that you feel found it in the Suny Bay room for a mean it. Last minute details and then the better. Beechers and still there and great jump. very large whiskey and then home, if The rain came when we least wanted it, why now after such a bright start to the day? only if only! Next year everybody said.. is there one really? over, no mistakes yet and the fences looked small as he was jumping like a gazelle. We were so proud of our horse, and so proud of my jockey, and so proud of my team.. Yes The second circuit and that was the time we by Sunday night I was knackered. said race - too late David had already started as he and TLS were enjoying every moment. Kim Bailey Beechers again done in style. Kim Bailey Racing Ltd, likewise and we were right there. Three from Thorndale Farm, Andoversford, home I started to shout (quietly) and then Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 4LL two from home I thought my God we could T: 01242 890241 win this. We jumped the last with two others F: 01242 890193 and I knew he would stay. Shouting started. M: 07831 416859 Could he hear? - No, but who cares. At the www.kimbaileyracing.com elbow we had beaten off one but then I realised we were done and second was were we were going to finish. The world went mad and there I stood with

The Last Samuri, left, takes the last with Vics Canvas alongside and Rule The World in our wings. 6 7 JOHN PINFOLD GUEST COLUMN

After more than 30 years working in day in April 1967 and, standing at the Canal higher education, first at the Turn, had a close-up view of one of the most On my first visit to Aintree in April 1967 I saw The 1955 Grand Prix at of School of Economics and then at sensational races in Grand National history as the Foinavon clear the 23rd alone and win at 100/1 Rhodes House, Oxford, John Pinfold is entire field, save for one horse, Foinavon, came now an independent historian based in to a standstill at the 23rd. There was no course Oxford. Brought up in Liverpool, he saw commentary out in the country then and I can his first Grand National in 1967, and has still remember the sound of people rustling the story, whilst others were simply untrue. To seems flawed is the naming of Valentine’s. witnessed at first hand all but two of through their papers to discover which horse give a few examples: Traditionally this is said to refer to a horse called Valentine coming to halt in front of the fence the subsequent renewals of the world’s this was. The question of which was the first Grand and then ‘corkscrewing’ over it in 1840, yet no greatest steeplechase. A recognised National has been a matter of dispute for I was hooked that day and have missed only two contemporary source makes any mention of authority on the history of the race, he some years now. The popular view is that it Grand Nationals since then. I have always been this, and the fence only received its name 10 has written widely on the history of horse was ’s Grand National of 1839 at which fascinated by the history, not just of the race years later. It seems journalists retrospectively racing. CTCRC welcome John as he gives Captain Becher fell itself but of the racecourse as a whole, which confused Valentine us an insight into his attachment with the into the brook which has, over the years, played host to a whole range with another horse racecourse. has borne his name of other activities, including motor racing, one called Arthur – but ever since, yet this I can still remember the Growing up in Liverpool in the 1960’s it was of the winners was a certain Roy James, the the name of the fence ignores the fact impossible not to be aware of the fact that what getaway driver for the Great Train Robbers, one sound of people rustling is now so woven that the ‘Liverpool was routinely billed as ‘The World’s Greatest of the earliest women football teams (composed into Grand National Grand Steeplechase’ through their papers to Steeplechase’ took place in one’s home city. of workers from the adjacent munitions works lore that one cannot had been run over during the First World War) and becoming for a discover which horse imagine it being Intrigued by this, I first went to Aintree on a wet essentially the same short time the first Liverpool Airport. In my new this was changed. book, ‘Aintree: the history of the racecourse’ I course and distance have explored these and other issues including for the previous three Finally, for me perhaps the social make-up and behaviour of the crowd, years, the winner the most surprising today’s Ladies Day has nothing on its Victorian of the inaugural race being none other than discovery was the fact that many of the ‘last’ predecessors and, often forgotten, the fact that Captain Becher riding . Why then has Grand Nationals staged by Mrs. Topham in the for 150 years Aintree staged flat racing as well as 1839 come to be regarded as the first? It seems 1960s and ‘70s were never that at all, as she had steeplechasing. merely to have been because this was the first given an undertaking to the Prime Minister, year in which people and horses could reach the Harold Wilson, that she would continue to stage In retrospect I sometimes think that I should course from the south of by train. The the race until a buyer for the course was found. have called the book ‘Myths and Realities’. As race thus attracted far more attention, and was Calling each race the ‘last’ was simply intended we all know, every Grand National comes with regarded as a ‘national’ rather than a local event to boost the attendance – and of course the a ‘story’ attached, and the more I delved into (the name of the race, however, was not officially receipts. the archives the more I became aware that only changed until 1847). From Mirabel Topham in 1922 to the Ladies Day of some of these stories were true, others were at In the book I have also tried to deal with the 2016 – Aintree has evolved considerably best half-truths or misremembered versions of Another story that has had a long life but which issue of animal welfare which has played such a

8 9 Column header picture courtesy of John Grossick. JOHN HALES COLUMN

Following the we have chance I thought we had when the 1/5 favourite been planning for Aintree and Ayr, seeing fell but Gods Own was a worthy winner. it was From the earliest picture in 1886 fast forward 130 years to 2016 and the spectacle of the Grand National continues to have a hold on the general public which of the young horses can make their another good pay day thanks to another 110% debuts before the end of the season. performance from Alfie. In the Gi Gi syndicate we are looking forward So we arrived on the Saturday for the Grand to seeing Gibbs Bay and Brio Conte get their National following heavy overnight rain and near large part in recent the 1960s. careers underway. I understand both have been to the time of the race the going was changed Grand National From the earliest working well in training and we may see them at to soft with heavy patches. It is a great occasion history – as indeed if redesigning the fences picture in 1886 Ayr. Vivaldi Collonges will definitely be going to and a wonderful feeling just to be part of it. I was it has in other earlier makes the National a safer fast forward 130 Ayr and it could be in the Scottish National. The confident that Unioniste would put up a good periods of the years to 2016 and preparation for Aintree has been very interesting performance. He jumped very well but made a race’s history, most and fairer test then that is the spectacle of with Unioniste being schooled over the National mistake at the tenth, although he recovered he had notably the 1920s something which should the Grand National fences at David Pipe’s and working very lost a lot of ground and in the soft ground it was to and 1950s. Unlike continues to have a well at Dan Skelton’s. I must mention that Dan difficult to close the gap with the leaders. However some traditionalists, only be welcomed. hold on the general needs four winners to achieve 100 winners for the he finished tenth from only 16 finishers and proved I am broadly public season and Harry needs six to reach this milestone. he is a genuine Grand National contender for the supportive of the What an achievement if they succeed. I did take future as he is only an eight year old. The magic of changes the current management have made John Pinfold the opportunity to suggest to Nick Skelton that he this race produced the winner with Rule The World to the design of the fences. No institution can Aintree: The History of the Racecourse should throw a party if his sons achieve this target. having a record of zero wins from 13 starts over stand still; it has to evolve and change with the is available to buy for £30 via www. I am sure he would be a very proud father. Dan has fences. This proves there is always hope for anyone times to reflect current sensitivities. In the mid- racingpost.com done a great job in training Al Ferof in the twilight taking part in what is the greatest steeple chase in 19th century the fences were smaller than they of his career and Harry is now in the top flight of the world. are today, reflecting the fact that many of the jockeys. Paul decided that Ibis Du Rheu would have runners were cast-offs from the flat. By the 1880s John Hales the opportunity to follow up his excellent win at the breed of steeplechaser had developed the Cheltenham Festival. and the fences were significantly strengthened into the form we all remember pre-2013. Today, We arrived in Liverpool at the start of the meeting however, steeplechasers are by and large although we did not have any runners on the significantly lighter than they used to be, and first day. The course was in excellent condition if redesigning the fences makes the National a although the going changed during the meeting safer and fairer test then that is something which and by Saturday was heavy in places. On the should only be welcomed. Friday I thought Ibis Du Rheu was showing signs of the after effects following his performance at The Aintree Festival now rivals those at Cheltenham. Our hopes on the Friday were with Cheltenham and Punchestown, and is a world Al Ferof in the even though we away from the dinginess and decrepitude that were up against Vautour. You can imagine the characterised the course when I first knew it in Rule The World proves again 'the power of hope' in the biggest race in the world

10 11 AINTREE FESTIVAL REVIEW

th Thursday April 7 is her versatility, it seems whatever On The Fringe completes a Foxhunter double under Apple’s Jade crosses the line alone in the distance she runs at is of little consequence….. Jamie Codd Juvenile Hurdle Day one at the Cheltenham Festival is the maybe she will improve again at Punchestown? favourite of many racegoers, increasingly the same applies at the Aintree Festival. Spectators were then treated to their first What racing fan couldn’t be thrilled by the sight of the Grand National course as On The anticipation of seeing four grade one races Fringe completed leg two of the Foxhunter 1.40pm Manifesto Novices Chase 4.05pm Crabbie’s Foxhunters Chase where locked horns with Don Festival trebles. He did it last season and you 1. Arzal 4/1 1. On The Fringe 15/8 Poli and Djakadan, while the likes of Annie wouldn’t bet against him doing it again this 2. L’Ami Serge 9/2 2. Dineur 50/1 Power and Apple’s Jade provided jaw year. Enda Bolger doesn’t do hyperbole and 3. 11/4F 3. Mendip Express 11/1 dropping performances. merely suggested he’s a brave horse who Jockey G Sheehan Jockey Mr JJ Codd measures his jumps well. Of the 22 runners, only Trainer H Whittington Trainer E Bolger The back story to the Festival was the arrival of eight completed, but the winner appears in a the Mullins yard in big numbers in an effort to league of his own in this division. An interesting 2.15pm Betfred Juvenile Hurdle 4.40pm Betfred Handicap Chase claim the UK Trainers Championship for the first footnote to this race was that Pacha Du Polder 1. Apple’s Jade 3/1 1. Katachenko 9/1 time. We only needed to wait for the second finished 60 lengths down the field in sixth, 2. Ivanovich Gorbatov 7/4F 2. Dandridge 11/2 race to get the essence of this challenge as giving credence to the argument that Victoria 3. Azzuri 20/1 3. Viconte Du Noyer 8/1 Apple’s Jade won the grade one juvenile hurdle Pendleton’s ride at Cheltenham was the perfect Jockey B Cooper Jockey W Hutchinson by a staggering 41 lengths. hold up ride. Trainer W Mullins Trainer D McCain

Cue Card then brought a measure of consolation Of the remainder of the card Harry Whittington 2.50pm Betfred Bowl Chase for his fall in the Gold Cup by taking the took his biggest prize to date as a trainer when 1. Cue Card 6/5F 5.15pm Goff’s National Hunt Flat Race Betfred Bowl. gave Cue Card a Arzal comfortably won the grade one Manifesto 2. Don Poli 4/1 1. Kayf Grace 14/1 similarly patient ride, producing his mount for a Chase. challenge from two out. This time he was foot 3. 5/2 2. Augusta Kate 15/8F perfect and strode away for a comfortable nine We then saw the famous Trevor Hemmings Jockey P Brennan 3. Shattered Love 8/1 length victory. may have missed colours carried to victory, which must have been Trainer C Tizzard Jockey N de Boinville out on the £1million bonus, but he has won especially sweet for Donald McCain who trained Trainer N Henderson more than £1million this season with his four the winner Katachenko. In the finale Nicky 3.25pm Doom Bar leading horses Cue Card, , Native Henderson scored via Kayf Grace in the bumper, 1. Annie Power 4/9F Going: Good to soft River and Theatre Guide. her dam is a half- sister to so mark your 2. 9/1 Weather: Fine and breezy card when she takes up hurdling. 3. 11/2 “I hope she improves for the run at Cheltenham” Jockey R Walsh Steve Ennis pondered Willie Mullins ahead of Annie Power Trainer W Mullins tackling the Aintree Hurdle. Improve she did, as she posted an 18 length victory. The beauty of

12 AINTREE FESTIVAL REVIEW

Friday April 8th River who collected his first grade one success. Repeatedly in the final mile looked Ladies Day arrived and wave upon wave like he might be headed by the pursuing horses of visitors came in their posh frocks to and each time Dickie asked for more he got it, enjoy themselves and make the day a Eastlake, Fairy Rath and Third Intention clear the last Buveur D’Air gives chase to Petit Mouchoir on the run this was as honest a victory as you could hope in the Topham Chase in at Aintree celebration of life, regardless of whether for and a wonderful training performance by they picked a winner or not. Colin Tizzard. Having seen lots of form carry over from Buveur D’Air showed class and courage in equal Cheltenham on day one, day two provided measure in the grade one top novices hurdle as 1.40pm Alder Hey Charity Handicap Hurdle 4.05pm Crabbie’s Topham Chase seven winners, none of them were favourites he and Petit Mouchoir produced an almighty 1. Party Rock 33/1 1. Eastlake 22/1 and none had won at Cheltenham. A placepot battle on the run in, the horse 2. Champagne At Tara 14/1 2. Fairy Rath 25/1 of £9,946 pinpointed the difficulty of finding prevailing by a neck as they came clear of the 3. Starchitect 7/1C 3. Third Intention 33/1 a winner, yet none of this took away from the highly regarded Limini. The first two home 4. Sky Khan 25/1 4. Distime 50/1 spectacle provided by the Topham Chase with should be competing at the top table of novice Jockey S Quinlan Jockey B Geraghty drama at nearly every fence. chasers next season. Trainer J Candlish Trainer JJ O’Neill Eastlake had been pulled up on three of his last Fans were treated to another thriller in the 2.15pm Top Novices Hurdle 4.40pm Doom Bar Sefton Novices Hurdle five rides but under Barry Geraghty returned the Sefton novices hurdle as Ballyoptic was headed winner at 22/1 for his first victory beyond two 1. Buveur D’Air 11/4 1. Ballyoptic 9/1 by Bellshill only to show real guts and get back 2. Petit Mouchoir 40/1 2. Bellshill 11/2F miles. This was a race where the commentators up on the line to also win by a neck. Willie earned their corn as the field of 29 runners were 3. Limini 11/10F 3. Potters Legend 16/1 Mullins won the bumper and took second, the Jockey N Fehily Jockey R Hatch falling, unseating or pulling up left, right and prize money for which took the Irish Champion centre. Trainer N Henderson Trainer N Twiston-Davies to the head of the UK Championship. The loudest gasp of the day came in the Melling Steve Ennis 2.50pm Mildmay Novices Chase 5.15pm NH Flat Race Chase when the 1/5F Vautour crashed out 1. Native River 11/2 1. Bacardys 15/2 when leading at the ninth. It was an ugly fall 2. Henri Parry Morgan 10/1 2. Battleford 7/2 and mercifully Vautour climbed quickly to his 3. Blaklion 3/1 3. The Minch 100/1 feet then proceeded to jump each fence and Jockey R Johnson Jockey Mr PW Mullins complete without . Ruby followed Trainer C Tizzard Trainer W Mullins up by falling in the next race on Blood Cotil which ended his Festival as he suffered a broken 3.25pm JLT Melling Chase Weather: Fine and sunny wrist. He’s reported to be looking to return at 1. God’s Own 10/1 Going: Good to soft Punchestown …..apparently nature has different 2. Al Ferof 15/2 healing speeds in the world of the National Hunt 3. Clarcam 28/1 jockey. Jockey P Brennan In the Mildmay Novices, Champion elect Richard Anna Gilderoy wins a car and other goodies worth Trainer T George Johnson gave a masterclass ride on Native £43,000 on Ladies day

14 15 AINTREE FESTIVAL REVIEW Saturday April 9th and Thistlecrack by contrast were extraordinarily good once again. Douvan When Ivan Grozny crossed the line in the jumped a little carelessly but Paul Townend’s closing race of the Aintree Festival it took beaming smile said it all. Willie Mullins’ win count to six from a suggested Thistlecrack “is the best I’ve ever possible 21 races. ridden and that performance was as good as A further six second placed efforts was in anything I’ve seen”. Colin Tizzard felt the same 19 year old David Mullins is on cloud nine after an emotional win on Rule The World, while Gilgamboa the did best among those with 11 stone plus to shoulder contrast to no winners at all for Paul Nicholls and next stop will be Punchestown. As for next over the three days. Incredibly, Mullins will likely year the possibilities remain tantalising for these be crowned Champion at the end of the month, prodigious horses. yet at the time of writing has only 23 UK winners Gary Moore enjoyed a reversal in fortune with 1.45pm Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle 4.20pm Betfred Handicap Chase on the board for the season to date. the win of Ubak in the opener and Maggio 1. Ubak 16/1 1. Maggio 50/1 We know what happened in the Grand National, provided the biggest shock of the week with a 2. If In Doubt 9/2F 2. Virak 12/1 but maybe the pivotal moment in this years’ 50/1 success for Patrick Griffin. 3. Silsol 20/1 3. Al Co 14/1 4. Murrayana 20/1 Jockey J Reveley race occurred around mid-afternoon. Showers The Aintree Festival continues to grow in Jockey Joshua Moore Trainer P Griffin had come and gone during the day but at stature, the quality of the racing bettered by Trainer G Moore 3.20pm the heavens opened and a sustained the patronage of the Willie Mullins powerhouse 5.15pm Crabbie’s Grand National Chase deluge of hailstone deposited sufficient yard. Gigginstown Stud have also contributed 2.25pm Mersey Novices Hurdle 1. Rule The World 33/1 amounts of water on the racecourse to cause enormously to the quality of racing and Michael 1. Yorkhill 30/100F 2. The Last Samuri 8/1J the words “heavy in places” to feature in the O’Leary declared himself in dreamland saying “I 2. Le Prezien 8/1 3. Vics Canvas 100/1 going bulletin. think I’m officially going to give up ownership 3. Flying Angel 17/2 4. Gilgamboa 28/1 because it doesn’t get any better” having Only one horse, Gilgamboa (4th), finished Jockey P Townend Jockey David Mullins secured two Nationals and a Gold Cup in a anywhere near the lead carrying over 11 stone. Trainer W Mullins Trainer M Morris magical three weeks. That said, for a horse who had never won a chase Rule The World finished like a horse who Steve Ennis 3.00pm Maghull Novices Chase 6.10pm Conditionals Handicap Hurdle had just jumped in at the third last. You always 1. Douvan 2/13F 1. Ivan Grozny 16/1 hear it said that the jockey gave the winning 2. The Game Changer 8/1 2. Automated 7/1 horse a great ride, but watch the race again if 3. Fox Norton 14/1 3. Bigmartre 10/1 you will and see the beautiful economic rhythm Jockey P Townend 4. Boite 12/1 that David Mullins got Rule The World into, it Trainer W Mullins Jockey David Mullins was a masterclass. Trainer W Mullins Preliminaries don’t come much better when you 3.40pm Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle get to see Yorkhill, Douvan and Thistlecrack take 1. Thistlecrack 2/7F Weather: Heavy showers their respective grade one races. Yorkhill gave 2. Shaneshill 8/1 Going: Soft leading Festival jockey, Paul Townend a torrid 3. Prince Of Scars 10/1 ride, everything that could go wrong did and yet Jockey T Scudamore Trainer C Tizzard he still managed to pass the post in front. The David Mullins heads out on Rule The World, 15 was nominated as next seasons target. minutes later they had carved their names in history

16 17 SOPHIA DALE COLUMN

A rare day off allowed me to enjoy the racing for a change as Cue Card won the Betfred Bowl at Aintree and What an amazing Festival – or so I keep My week was a strange one, with a huge Annie Power did a Chelltenham – Aintree double in style being told. It’s hard to know how the four amount of media challenges across the week, days are going when you are so close to it topped off with the poor behaviour of the and focused on you part of the delivery of footballers on the Tuesday. There was a period right through to Solar Impulse winning the result of the day had to be Cue Card winning the the event, but everyone keeps saying that of a couple of hours on the Wednesday morning Johnny Henderson Grand Annual, there were so Betfred Bowl. I just love that horse (did you know they loved it and it’s great to have such when that story was the biggest story going many magical moments and I am sure everyone that he is otherwise known as ‘Crackle’ in the positive feedback from all the racegoers. on in the UK and the media interest was huge; has a particular favourite. Mine has to be Sprinter stable at home?) and you can’t help but wonder we were doing interviews with all the major It had been our aim to hit 250,000 people over Sacre winning the Betway Queen Mother who might have won the Timico Cheltenham TV crews, which gave us the opportunity to the four days and we Champion Chase, such a story to bring him Gold Cup if he hadn’t fallen. come out with a very back after his heart issues and an emotional one were delighted that we All three days of the Grand National Meeting strong message that too with Raymond Mould sadly no longer with certainly did that, with were hugely enjoyable and I know the team such behaviour is not us to enjoy the moment. I saw Nicky straight over 260,000 in total. I even caught Lydia up there worked incredible hard to deliver the appropriate at any afterwards before the horse returned to the event. A lot of the team from here go up and With so many people Hislop crying, which racecourse and will be not winner enclosure and help, ground staff, coming racing we are I never thought I be tolerated. there was definitely a hugely aware that we operations teams Onto the most important tear in his eye – I even I just love that horse... have to deliver on the would see! and even a few of the side of the meeting, the caught Lydia Hislop customer experience. and you can’t help but marketing team were horses themselves. What crying, which I never The redevelopment has up there this year amazing stories, heroes and of course, heroines thought I would see! wonder who might no doubt been a great success, with so much helping out. I was lucky we had over the week. With starting off additional space on offer for racegoers. We Annie Power showing have won the Timico enough to watch the proceedings in the SkyBet Supreme Novices have had a number of race meetings to get to the boys how it’s done if Foxhunters with Simon know and understand how the new grandstand in the Stan James Claisse, who is based works, the challenges it may create etc and was he hadn’t fallen in the viewing point hopefully we have ironed out any of the key another highlight for me two stories above the issues now having really tested its capacities – she is just so tough canal turn, which is a over the four days. and to be the first mare to win the race in over great vantage point. Climbing up four flights of twenty years is quite something. scaffolding wasn’t quite so fun! Of course, there are aspects that we can work on to continue to improve, but I know that I speak I went up to Aintree on Thursday – it is always a I hope that you have enjoyed two fantastic for the whole team that we were very proud of real joy to go racing and not have to work. The Festivals and we shall look forward to the last how the last two years of hard work, delivering racing up there on the opening day featured few meetings of the season, before the peace the redevelopment, came to fruition at this so many of the Cheltenham heroes, with Annie and quiet of the off season descends. Power and On The Fringe both completing year’s Festival. A recent trip to the Tizzard yard enabled me to learn Sophia Dale about Cue Card’s nickname “Crackle” Cheltenham and Aintree doubles but the best

18 19 CLUB NEWS TIPSTER COMPETITION & FORTHCOMING EVENTS APRIL UPDATE Club Trips Worcestershire. WR6 6BQ Peter Collier has a busy schedule of race trips to Point To Point Meetings look forward to. If you would like to join Peter April 24 Clifton-On-Terne, Upper Sapey, With very little activity post-Festival, there 8= STEVE TAYLOR B 190 on any of the forthcoming trips he can advise on Herefordshire was no visible change at the top end of the 8= LIAM TREADWELL A 190 travel arrangements etc. Just call 07802 228599. leaderboard to the post-Festival position 8= DIANNE WESTON A 190 April 30 Berkeley, Woodford Gloucestershire published last month. As a consequence, we Here’s what lies ahead; Punchestown April Quite a few of our older members will recognise are able to confirm Cynthia Bussey and David 26-30, May 2 Guernsey, May 15 Jersey, May 21 & May 1 Radnor and West Hereford, Cold Harbour the name of the latest overall leader of the Tipster Hart retain their overall leadership at the end 22 Paris, May Grand Chase, and repeat visits to Herefordshire Competition resulting from the action at Aintree’s Jersey on June 17,July 1 & 24 and August 14 & 29, of March with 445 points each. May 7 Wheatland, Chaddesley Corbett, Grand National Festival. Dianne Weston, with a total not even Bergerac went that many times. Our congratulations to both on securing the £10 of 529 points, managed to grasp pole position from Worcestershire. April 20 Club Night end of month leader prize. previous leader Cynthia Bussey and to enter the final phase of the competition ahead of the Scottish Featuring authors Alastair Down, Richard Austen May 16 Golden Valley Brewardine, Herefrodshire. Please note: All prizes will be paid out at the end of National and Punchestown Festival. and Jamie Reid. Signed copies will be available Follow the Club on Facebook and Twitter the competition. for sale. 8.00pm start, please bring your Also worthy of mention is the late surge by, if I recall All CTCRC members are invited to join fellow CUMULATIVE LEADERBOARD TO END MARCH membership badges. correctly, the original sponsor of this competition in members on Twitter (@CTCRaceClub) or via 1= CYNTHIA BUSSEY D 220 445 the late 1980’s, Steve Hearle. Steve, along with Steve Facebook 1= DAVID HART B 200 445 May 27 Club Night Taylor (Entry D), scored 120 points at Aintree and 3= ALAN WELLSTEED H 194 439 Worcester races for the Richard Davis award CTCRC 2015-16 annual along with many others in the Top Ten, could yet 3= DIANNE WESTON E 194 439 presentation. As our May magazine is the last of the 2015-16 wrest the coveted first prize honours in what may 5 NEIL JAKES B 170 435 season all members can buy the 2015-16 colour well develop into a gripping finale. April 30 Henry Oliver stable visit 6 STEVE TAYLOR B 190 425 annual which has all the seasons magazines Sarah Matthews has organised another club 7 ALAN WELLSTEED F 164 424 Good Luck to everyone in the final three weeks, may stable visit this month to the yard of Henry from September to May bound in one souvenir 8= ALAN WELLSTEED E 140 420 the best competitor win! Oliver on April 30. Anyone wishing to go should hardback colour copy. Anybody wishing to have 8= DIANNE WESTON B 170 420 CUMULATIVE LEADERBOARD TO APRIL email Sarah at the following address by April 23. one should email [email protected] 8= MARTIN WITHINSHAW F 180 420 [email protected] or call Steve on 07767 228866. Copies cost £8. 1 DIANNE WESTON E 90 529 On the other hand, competitors queued up to grasp 2= CYNTHIA BUSSEY D 80 525 The location is Worsley Racing Stables, Abberley, the highest scorer in the month prize, culminating 2= DAVID HART B 80 525 with a three-way tie for that honour. Naturally, 4 ALAN WELLSTEED E 100 520 scoring was expected to be high, with the Festival 5 NEIL JAKES B 80 515 bonus points coming into play and the following 6 ALAN WELLSTEED H 70 509 table shows how close the final scores were. 7 STEVE TAYLOR B 80 505 RICHARD DAVIS AWARD 8 ALAN WELLSTEED B 110 504 Our congratulations, therefore, to Cynthia Bussey, 9= STEVE HEARLE A 120 500 Brian Lacey and Terry Poulson who each will receive For the Top Conditional Jockey riding at 1st Ciaran Gethings 172 pts 9= DIANNE WESTON B 80 500 the £10 prize for securing 220 points during March. Cheltenham, Chepstow, Ludlow, Stratford, 2nd Jamie Bargary 157 pts Please don’t forget that you can track the status of MONTHLY SCORES - MARCH Towcester, Warwick and Worcester during 3rd Tom Bellamy 112 pts your entries on-line by accessing www.ctcrc.co.uk, 1= CYNTHIA BUSSEY D 220 the period 30th April 2015 – 23rd April 2016 4th Kieron Edgar 108 pts selecting Events and then Tipsters Competition. 1= BRIAN LACEY B 220 (Sponsored by the Cheltenham and Three 5th Bridget Andrews 104 pts 1= TERRY POULSON A 220 If you have any questions about your entry, or its Counties Race Club) Scoring: a Winner 10 points, Latest placings up to and including 14th April 4= CYNTHIA BUSSEY A 200 status, please contact Tony Coleman either on 07795 a Second 7 points, a Third 4 points, a Fourth 2 2016. Richard Davis was a talented jump jockey 4= DAVID HART B 200 146242 or by e-mail at [email protected]. points. 6= ALAN WELLSTEED H 194 tragically killed in a fall over fences in 1996. This 6= DIANNE WESTON E 194 award is named in his memory.

20 21 JO COLLINSON COLUMN

On 19th March, Midland Grand National and left, I gave the horse the praise he deserved. day might have been grey but Uttoxeter Spookydooky finished fourth in the big race, Jack Savage enjoyed a memorable win on was still heaving. It is the course’s biggest running really well. He is a lovely horse owned Eastlake delighted us by winning the Topham Chase day and they put on a big show. Derek by the Piranha Partnership. By coincidence the Mission Complete at Warwick ‘Tommo’ Thompson was giving amusing winner was Spooky's full brother, Firebird Flyer. commentary and entertaining pre-race The following week, round muddy Warwick on musings, plus an interview with Bob third two years ago and unplaced last year. Josh a Tuesday, conditional jockey Jack Savage was Grand National Meeting 2016 Champion. I had to battle with the colour Amor looks after him and rides him at home. riding Mission Complete in the three and a half With Gray Hessian being a non-runner on Friday, bag to get through the main entrance Eastlake was sent off at 22-1, which I thought mile chase. “He won this two years ago,” Jack I drove three up with Michelle taking the other and squeeze past hordes to get into the was crazy as he had past form over the ‘big said quietly. “But we won’t mention who was two. It was an early start with no lots and we weighing room in order to declare. fences’ and the ground was perfect. riding him” He meant AP McCoy. were leaving the yard by 6.30am. Marius Barbu The Midland’s National is always seen as the final We were leaping about as Eastlake crept closer, Yet, after a strong ride and positive jumping, was my companion and it was to be a day to instalment to the Festival. head getting lower and lower. He won by Jack got Mission to the remember for us all. On entering the course, The Nigel Twiston-Davies approximately a length and is a hero of a horse front and they won easily. the lorries were checked for bombs and again team were there, voices – beautiful as he is brave and a full brother to Once the sombre It was brilliant, running more thoroughly later. The lorry park was hoarse and croaky, . Marius had a wonderful time up to them along the not that big so the attendants had to park us suffering from ‘festival flu’ jockey had parading him in front of the stands, smiling wood chip track and meticulously parallel. After declaring, Michelle from having a wild party hugely. He had never had a big winner before unsaddled and left, seeing Jack’s grin as big and I got plaiting whilst Marius brushed the after their double. Men and what a brilliant one to have. as a watermelon slice. runners and cleaned tack. The first race was were back leading up in I gave the horse the Mission is a yard legend, incredibly busy as we had three in it. Time was Utility was outclassed in the bumper but Dickie normal racing trousers praise he deserved most notably for his lovely running out so we had to change quickly and Johnston did not give him a hard race. He will and coats, rather than character. then get the horses shining and hooves oiled. be one for the future. Despite the winner, the suits and the girls had on Mad Jack Mytton unseated Richie McLernon; drive home was arduous; four hours regulated a lot less make up than at Cheltenham. During lunch, Jack had he just stepped at the hurdle. Box Office was so at 56mph, broken by a fuel stop. The time was ridden out and schooled Mission in his own I led up Champagne At Tara in the handicap hyperactive to lead up that I needed AJ O’Neill so late when we returned that all the lads had time. Back in December, Jack paid to take him hurdle and he finished second, beaten just a (Jonjo’s youngest son) to help on the off-side. finished celebrating and were tucked up in bed, on a local fun ride, with lots of rustic jumps and head. There is always an irony when running ‘Boxy’ was especially bouncy going under the including Josh. I pushed a cash present under cantering across fields. No lad deserved to ride a up to collect a placed horse, wanting to give it stands, when he was cantering on the spot. his bedroom door and left the winner’s rug and winner more – not purely during work, Jack is also a hearty pat and knowing better than to say a Marius had a second with Champagne At Tara, rosette outside it. dedicated with his fitness and diet, and he is often word to the jockey. To be beaten eight lengths following up on his second last time out. Mad seen out running in the evenings, pounding At 6.30am the next morning, we were once is a lot more preferable than half a length, or Jack returned with a broken bridle and Box the ground with ease. There have been lots of again leaving the yard. Only one lorry this time worse a short head or a nose. I just kept quiet Office was a lot calmer after the race. races this season when AP has been missed, but and three runners, we arrived at Aintree to and, once the sombre jockey had unsaddled definitely not on this occasion at Warwick. Eastlake ran in the Topham in which he was another bomb check and television cameras

22 23 recording National runners coming off the chance of a decent run was all over. Holywell Alan Berry and our farrier lorries. Every drop of rain, and they had been a likes sunshine and blue skies and warmth on his John Ward had been lot, had softened the ground and dampened my back. Still, I felt so proud of him; small in stature on a jolly. Every National expectations of Holywell running well. However, with big eyes and an adorable face. I was also day, Alan leads up Don’t I was still very excited to be there and be a part chuffed with my plaits – his mane twined into Push It in the parade of of it. perfect little balls up his neck and his tail very champions. He looked neat. I oiled his hooves as he fidgeted, sensing after ‘Victor’ when he After declaring, by chance I bumped into Jonjo, the excitement pulsating the air. Michelle and won in 2010. Victor and asked for help in collecting the Topham's Shutthefrontdoor (Rupert) were only a few then travelled home via owner's trophy. I had gone to pick it up the moments behind. He is a larger, more handsome transport, leaving Alan and previous day but security had not been able to horse, so well and shiny in his coat. John to have a day out. sign it over to me, as it was indeed JP McManus’. I’m proud to say I’ve now led up on a Gold Cup and a Grand National They came back with us Yet, I had successfully collected Jonjo's boxed On getting the relevant number cloths, every in the lorry, bringing small plate and two magnums off Crabbie’s! An groom got a huge rosette – a lovely memento for my sheets that had dropped off Holywell's Moet bottles for Michelle and Bara Ponická, and eager army cadet complete with camouflage of the day. The small pre-parade was packed hindquarters. Thus, and trying not to walk in Aintree teddy bears for their kids. uniform, beret and very shiny boots, had carried out with horses and people, press and television front of the mass of photographers, I ended up both back to the lorry. This time, the huge cameras. Holywell was saddled first and he in the wrong part when the race began. One All was very rambunctious and crude and trophy encased, two handsome soldiers were stood as people had their photo taken with official let me stand there before another one comical, until Alan climbed up onto the bunk summoned, clad in the him. I vaguely remember yelled at me to move. “I’m only trying to watch and fell asleep. John covered himself with a most beautiful uniform, Claire Balding being my horse” I answered helplessly. I could not see horse rug and also passed out. At our refuelling silver swords and fluffy there behind me, but I - the big screens were too far away, the crowds pit stop at Keelel services, both got up and plumed helmets. Both A completion in the kept looking at Holywell. thirty-deep at the rails. Watching Rupert run staggered over to the main building. They carried the heavy case, National must feel Then we were off into really well before dropping back, I did not have reappeared with a KFC bucket and a bit more chatting all the way back the paddock; it gradually a clue where Holywell was, whereabouts or if he raucous behaviour, until falling back to sleep. to the lorry and gallantly as good as a winner filled up with runners had fallen. Not before Alan stated, “I can assure you that we hoisted it up the shaky in any other normal and connections until Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Mrs have been a lot more drunk in the past.” With metal pull-out steps. They race it became unbearable. Smith’s white and lilac colours; Richie was a hiccup, he clambered back up into the bunk. waved away my sincere Stopping and starting, leading Holywell into the tented unsaddling At this point, I asked Michelle to read aloud the thanks – I guess it was all only being able to walk area. I felt so relieved and fought my way National result. I still had no idea Holywell fell at in a day’s work for them as on for a few strides. Being through the crowds and through a little gate. the second, just that he had fallen and a quick- well as me. intelligent, Holywell got the idea, listening to me I took the reins from Richie as he pulled the witted Richie had caught him instantly. pulling him back. He only shifted round in an Most of the time we are required to wear saddle off. “He hated it, he wasn’t going to Accompanied by John’s soft snores, I continued impatient circle when standing for an extra long our Jewson-blue uniform, which is smart but continue” Richie said. As the winner passed the driving the long slog home, very relieved that time. However slowly, I tried to keep him walking the Grand National holds a sole sponsorship post, the cheers exploded into a deafening roar our National runners had both come home as much as possible. Rupert gave Michelle a deal, meaning we have to wear the zesty lime and Holywell freaked. I took him back to the safely. It was the first time I had led up in the much harder time, yanking at her every time she Crabbie’s coats. This added to the excitement, quiet of the stable yard. Holywell stayed revved Grand National; eighteen seasons of waiting to tried to slow him down. pulling on the coat and putting the paddock for a while but he had a bath and calmed down. do so. Plus, on a personal level, I felt, having led sheet, complete with his name, on Holywell. I Holywell was first out of the paddock for the The mud was black and so difficult to hose off. up in the Gold Cup and Grand National, I had kept the Jewson sheet on underneath to keep parade and he loved being able to suddenly The stable yard soon became busy – a lot of little else to achieve as a groom. him cosy. stride out, ears pinged forwards. He loved relieved grooms with brave blowing horses. Jo Collinson the crowd, cheers, noise and commotion. We Michelle and Rupert walked past; “Yay, he got Then, it hailed. Hail replaced rain from the walked past The Chair and there has only been round,” she said, clearly delighted. A completion blackest clouds ever. However Holywell might a few times before that I have felt prouder. All in the National must feel as good as a winner in have run prior to the deluge, I knew that any the other runners cantered past as I was looking any other normal race.

24 25 ADAM HURLEY COLUMN

The Grand National meeting at Aintree version, for the second straight season no less. is often a chance for bookmakers to pull A smart performance once again, and you back some losses from Cheltenham, and wonder how he would have got on in the Grand boy did we need some good results. National itself. Although not as expensive as the Ballyoptic provided Ryan Hatch with another feature day Take That fans enjoyed a profitable Grand ‘Thursday treble’ (Vautour, Thistlecrack, Limini) at Day One however just felt like a continuation winner for his boss Nigel Twiston-Davies National success Cheltenham, these three names graced many a of the Festival, with three winning favourites betting slip on day one. Throw in Apple’s Jade and a well backed second favourite doing the 3/1 who was incredibly strong in the market business. The first of the market leaders to for us bookies. Also crucially for the shops in way at 50/1 in the morning was as bad as it got, versus her conqueror Ivanovich oblige was of course Cue Card at 6/5 in the Bowl Cheltenham, the two Festival winners of Nigel but it’s worth pointing out that a favourable Gorbatov, and it was a painful start. At this rate and wasn’t it wonderful to see? The way he Twiston-Davies both failed to follow up, Blaklion Grand National result only got us around 10% of we were going to need a Foinavon like result in won you’d have to seriously suggest he would and Ballyandy. Nigel’s’ horses are always popular our Festival losses back. Cue the violins. the big one. in my shops, and many fancied these two to have gone very close to winning the Gold Cup Victories for odds on shots Yorkhill 30/100, double up, but we didn’t escape completely as at Cheltenham. I was a Don Cossack man at Day two was much more like it though if you’re Douvan 2/13 and Thistlecrack 2/7 did minimal Ballyoptic was a brave winner of the Grade One the Festival, and wasn’t convinced about the taking the money rather than investing it, no damage, as they were simply too short for the Sefton Novices Hurdle. You can’t keep a good arguments that Cue Card was unlucky, but I’m winning favourites and the stunning failure of majority of the customers we see National day. It man down. not so sure of that view Vautour in the Melling was lovely to see these Festival winners double now. Chase to justify odds On to National day itself then, one of the best up though, and they’re all exciting for next I’ll sheepishly report of 1/5. I’m sure the fall Let’s hope for a decider days of the year to work in a betting shop. season in their own way. of Vautour was just a Working in Cheltenham we’re in the unusual at Punchestown, and one (no booing please) As ever a wonderful story surrounded the Grand momentary blip in his position of this probably only being our sixth where they both have their National winner, two broken pelvises, a maiden that the win of Rule career, he’d jumped busiest day of the year, but it’s still a special jumping boots on. over fences and a recent family bereavement impeccably up to that occasion. The customers we see this day are The World at 33/1 were all chapters in this particular page turner. The next jolly to go in point, and it will be so different to those we see Festival week, and Take That fans were even catered for too. The was the wonderful Annie was a storming result fascinating to see if he that just makes it all the more fun. It’s a lot less Grand National remains an inspiring spectacle, Power at 4/9 in the Aintree takes on the big two pressurized for my team and that allows us to and one where the form book has no relevance. Hurdle, who increased at Punchestown. One enjoy the occasion for what it is. her superiority over the vanquished three from reported bet of £80k on course bit the dust, A two-time King George winner pulled up Cheltenham. I’m not sure what else can be but nothing to compare with that in any of So in the punting war it was 1-1 going into the before halfway, 2015 Gold Cup fourth falls at said about the mare, but perhaps the biggest my shops. Plenty of multiples were wiped out final day, and I’ll sheepishly report (no booing the second, 2014 & 2013 Gold Cup runners up compliment we could pay is that we just haven’t though. please) that the win of Rule The World at 33/1 both fall at The Chair. This is a race that places missed have we? was a storming result. 100/1 and 28/1 placed no importance on your back catalogue. Not dis- Add to this result a 33/1 winner of the first race, horses that weren’t particularly popular either similar to how I feel about Take That actually… The third and final nail in the coffin for bookies and SPs of 22/1, 25/1, 33/1 and 50/1 making ensured a profitable race for all bookmakers I Adam Hurley was On The Fringe 15/8 following up his up the first four in the Topham Chase over would think, and for once we managed to keep Cheltenham Foxhunter win in the Aintree the big fences, and it was emphatically a day a few quid in Cheltenham. A few tenners each

26 27 anything that will encourage race-goers to return MEMBERS JURY to the track. Phil Whitehouse I think the Ricci’s and the After a successful inaugural members jury Rosemarie Davies Second and fifth. I had bet Gigginstown's of this world are doing quite well at last month I’m delighted to present four on The last Samuri some time ago, but Goonyella the moment so lower levels at smaller courses, the more club members on this month’s “Jury”. was a last minute dash, due to my perceived places where good horses learn their trade. Stable If you would like to feature next month change in the ground. I lost out on my original bet staff too. just email Steve Ennis at steve.ennis1@ - Shutthefrontdoor, which I had backed months Ian Scovell It’d be nice to see them put more btinternet.com and we can include you in the before. into promoting the sport to the next generation A day to remember: The CTCRC stable visit to Paul next issue. Phil Whitehouse As good as any of my betting of racing fans trying to engage and attract new Nicholls yard in 2010 to see 1. What’s on your bucket list of races you in last month or so - not good, Holywell and Saint younger people. would like to see in the world of National Are. 4. Which is the best stable visit you’ve ever hills too. I’d love to visit Gordon Elliott’s yard in Hunt racing? Ireland I’m a massive fan of his and he has a great Ian Scovell Badly as usual! Ucello Conti was had and which yard would you most like to Angela Applegate The Pardubice Cross Country up and coming string of horses, oh and of course a my main bet and ran well enough in 6th. visit that you haven’t yet seen? Steeplechase in the Czech Republic. Gold Cup winner too. Shutthefrontdoor & Holywell were my AP Angela Applegate The CTCRC stable visit to Rosemarie Davies I'd love to visit the Galway selections sadly both weren’t favoured by the Paul Nicholls in his glory days, just before the start 5. Where and when did you fall in love with festival, just for the craic. If I could be there for the ground on the day, had high hopes for Gallant of the 2010/11 Season. Equine superstars were National Hunt racing? - that would be a bonus. Oscar, alas he unseated Mark Walsh. everywhere, with Kauto Star, Denman and Master Angela Applegate I'm a late-comer to racing. I Minded for starters. The horses and humans were only started to take an interest in the late 1990’s Phil Whitehouse A race won by a horse owned 3. Where would you direct the possible all so relaxed, and we were encouraged to wander after I was widowed. My sister has always been by Phil Whitehouse - seems a long time ago since £30million the BHA may get from the around the yard. I will never forget Kauto first very keen and knowledgeable, and she introduced that happened. Very happy memories though. Authorised Betting Partners levy? posing knowingly for his audience, and then Paul me to the experience of racing as a good day out. Angela Applegate I would like to see more Ian Scovell I really should have made it to the dropping the lead rein and leaving him completely She then bought me an 'Owner for a Day' birthday prize money injected lower down into the owner Velka Pardubice by now, having family in the Czech free just to enjoy a pick of grass. I would love to present with the Roger Curtis yard...... I've been pyramid, supporting Class 4 and 5 racing, rather Republic, been to Pardubice to watch Ice Hockey visit the Tizzards. hooked ever since. than concentrated at the top level. I’d ensure there before but not the racing… yet. was more recognition and reward for the day in, Rosemarie Davies Of late, the club visit to Rosemarie Davies As a child I went to point 2. How did your fancies do in the Grand day out work of stable ' yard. We were made to feel to points and it was a natural progression to get National? very welcome and I have never seen such happy involved in the NH scene. It has given me great Rosemarie Davies I like the idea of supporting Angela Applegate I came fifth with Goonyella. horses. I'll get the chance to visit Gordon Elliott's, memories and great friends. the grass roots and increasing the prize money in My thinking was: a 9 year old, with proven stamina; hopefully, while he still has Don Cossack. Oh and lower divisions - but I wouldn't want to encourage Phil Whitehouse In my early teens in the mid he'd already handled the National fences in the if I'm in Ireland, how could I not visit Willy Mullins' the over production of below quality horses. I’m 1960’s I made selections before I went to school, ; and I felt the overnight rain would hall of fame? glad I don't have to decide. I also like the idea of kept my own form books of local horses, which of favour him. league tables or championships at regional levels - Phil Whitehouse After 30 years of fabulous course I still have, following the likes of stable visits this is very difficult. My memory has and Jack Yeoman’s. Anyone rem ember Jack and gone and I’ve not examined all the back copies his raids on the Scottish courses both Flat and of Newsletter - yes I have them all! I recall being National Hunt? made very welcome at Philip Hobbs and Cobhall Stud still sticks in the memory too - going into the Ian Scovell My first racing memory is watching paddock and the mares and foals coming to greet the Grand National with my family as a kid, having us. Colin Tizzard, would be on my dad put a bet on from my pocket money for my wish list. me on 50p EW that won, got the bug then and its never really gone away. Was always a Ian Scovell Phillip Hobbs was a superb host on his casual/occasional fan for a long time until my first stable tour, nothing too much trouble answering visit to the Festival, that was it then, totally hooked all questions from us inquisitive racing fans about and been back every year since. his string, an amazing location on the quantock Angela Applegate Rosemarie Davies Phil Whitehouse Ian Scovell

28 29 Publication No. 305 - April 2016 INJURED JOCKEYS FUND Vice President: Alastair Down www.ctcrc.co.uk Our Chairman, Doug Miles writes; annual basis and this year we are able to donate [email protected] £2000 to the IJF. Jockeys get injured, it happens, all part Regular club meetings held at: The New Victory Club, Burlington House, Lypiatt of the game. So what do they need? They Cheltenham very kindly gave us an opportunity Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. 01242 690351 need expert medical care, rehabilitation to present a cheque to Lisa Hancock, IJF Chief The next magazine will be online and posted to members in mid-May. and all things similar. What else do these Executive in the winner’s enclosure just before incredibly brave boys and girls require? racing on Thursday April 14. Committee A fund. The angels who administer the members assembled in the Spring sunshine to treatment deserve to be paid handsomely. pose behind a very large cheque in front of the The rehabilitation centres need equipment paparazzi as cameras clicked and ‘phones did which has to be replaced intermittently. whatever mobiles do. All of this was witnessed Club officers – Names & addresses: by a small but selective audience on the steps So, in 1964, The Injured Jockeys Fund was Doug Miles Steve Ennis of the paddock some of whom even broke founded - the brainchild of founding Trustee Chairman Magazine Editor spontaneously into what could almost be and past President . Since then the [email protected] 07767 228866 described as rapturous applause. Lisa expressed Fund has helped over 1000 jockeys 07515 703058 [email protected] and their families and has paid [email protected] out more than £18m in charitable Peter Collier assistance. Vice Chairman Russell Neale [email protected] [email protected] The Fund’s mission is to provide 07802 228599 appropriate support, financial David Bishop or otherwise, in a prompt and Judith Woolliams Membership Secretary sympathetic manner to those Secretary [email protected] jockeys past or present who are 7, St Mary’s Road, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 1AW 01451 821216 injured, unable to ride or generally [email protected] in need. Without the generosity of 01285 659023 Rosemarie Davies their enthusiastic supporters, the [email protected] Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the IJF, receives a cheque for £2000 Colin Nelson IJF would be unable to continue its Antonia Lord commitment to assisting injured from Doug Miles and fellow club members Treasurer 87, Avenue, 01386 833385 jockeys. Each year they pay out [email protected] around £1.5m in medical fees, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4ST [email protected] grants and other charitable expenses. her gratitude and promised to research the level Mike Lawrence of donations from CTCRC over the years as we 01242 578634 Consequent to the aforementioned, it is 07739 223248 dispersed to various outposts of the course to enshrined in the CTCRC constitution to “aid Sarah Matthews [email protected] enjoy racing before the torrential thunderstorms recognised racing and other charities”. We take Stable visit organiser set in. Magazine designed by Ian Scovell every opportunity to raise money for the IJF [email protected] and other related causes via raffles, auctions and Doug Miles CTCRC Chairman 07729 847724 other events. The Festival Preview at provides this opportunity on an

30 31 YOUR POUND STAYS THE DISTANCE AT PUNCHESTOWN!

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FESTIVAL 2016 26TH – 30TH APRIL

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