Latest from Horse & Hound in Cheltenham-racecourse

Cheltenham cancels rest of season’s fixtures to allow ground work on the course

Lucy Elder — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:14:37 +0000

Cheltenham racecourse has cancelled its remaining three racedays of the 2025/6 season owing to on-course drainage work.

The two-day April Meeting (15 to 16 April) will not go ahead and the four key races will be staged elsewhere. The card for the hunter chase evening (1 May) has been rescheduled to take place at Warwick on the same day.

Jon Pullin, Cheltenham’s head of racing and clerk of the course, said the racecourse’s priority is “always to provide the best possible racing surface for top-class jump racing”.

“Throughout the very wet winter, we have experienced a number of issues on the track and working with drainage experts, we have identified an area that would benefit from being upgraded,” he said.

“This will allow us to address the issues we believe contributed to the hole appearing on Festival Trials Day and subsequently created challenges in other areas of the track. As a result of this we moved rail and hurdle positions to ensure we were providing the best surface for both the Old and New courses.”

He added: “While some sections of drains across the track are newer than others and drainage improvements like this are typically carried out at the end of each season, given the scale of this project and the last two particularly dry summers we have decided to bring this work forward.

“This will mean that there is still sufficient moisture in the ground allowing more time for the course to recover ahead of next season.”

Mr Pullin said that the racecourse looked at contingency plans to allow the April and May fixtures to go ahead, while also prioritising the ground works, but it “was not feasible to continue racing”.

“Although it is disappointing not to stage our final three racedays of the season, we are confident this is the right decision to give the course the opportunity to be in optimal condition for the start of the 2026-27 season in October,” he said, also thanking the British Horseracing Authority for its support.

Cheltenham racecourse chief executive Guy Lavender added: “Cheltenham is the home of jump racing and our focus will always be on providing the best facilities, on and off the track, which is why we are investing in this work.

“This was a decision that we gave a great deal of consideration to and, while we appreciate that racegoers will share in our disappointment at not being able to stage our last three fixtures of the season, it is vital to give the racing surface time to recover and allow our grounds team to prepare the track for October and next season’s jumps programme.”

A Jockey Club spokesperson said all general admission ticket holders will be automatically refunded and the racecourse team will contact hospitality bookers, members and annual box-holders.

The four key races from the cancelled April fixture have been rescheduled as follows:

The Mares Novices Handicap Chase at Market Rasen (14 April)
The Challenger Mares’ Chase Series Final Handicap Chase and the Challenger Mares’ Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle Race at Warwick (23 April)
Fillies’ Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park (25 April)
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‘The family horse of a lifetime’: homebred star who made Aintree dreams come true retired sound and happy

Lucy Elder — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:14:37 +0000

Latenightpass, the family horse “in every sense” who made dreams come true, has retired sound and happy aged 13 following a final spin at the Cheltenham Festival.

The gelding, known at home as Bobby, was bred and owned by Pippa Ellis, trained by her son, Tom, and ridden predominantly by her daughter-in-law, record-breaking amateur jockey Gina Andrews.

His 2022 Aintree Foxhunters win was the crowning moment in his lengthy racing career. Two years later, he gave Gina her first spin in the Randox Grand National itself, cruising up among the leaders to the final fence and finishing 12th.

In total, he jumped 120 fences on the Grand National course during his six starts in various races at Aintree, ran at the Cheltenham Festival three times, and won 13 of his 38 races.

“The horse of a lifetime. Bob has run his final race and what a story he’s given us,” said Tom.

“A true family horse in every sense. A career defined by courage and consistency. 120 fences jumped on the Grand National course. A Randox Foxhunters’ Chase and a Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Chase [at Cheltenham]. Toughness personified.

“Thank you Bob, for the memories and all at Heath Barn who have been part of your story.”

After success pointing and hunter chasing, Latenightpass spent time with Dan Skelton in the 2023/24 season to run under Rules. His cross-country win at Cheltenham in December opened up the possibility of contending the Grand National that season, so champion point-to-point handler Tom then brought forward plans to take out a professional training licence to saddle the little horse in the world’s most famous race.

“If he were human, he would be very eccentric, quite hyperactive, very happy to be out and would want to say ‘hi’ to everyone. He is just a lovely person. My niece is six years old and she can lead him round the yard after he has schooled, he’s a legend,” said Tom at the time.

Latenightpass, pictured closest to the left (red and white silks), in the 2024 Randox Grand National. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Gina rode him in 35 of his races, her sister Bridget won a hunter chase on him at Warwick and finished fourth in the 2021 Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham during Covid rules and their brother Jack also rode him in the Topham Chase at Aintree last year.

Gina said Latenightpass trained for eight consecutive seasons “without a single lame step”.

“He gave me the best day of my career winning the Aintree Foxhunters’. Made my dreams come true in the Grand National itself. Never failed to complete around Aintree or Cheltenham and only twice came home without me,” she said.

“No words will ever describe what this horse has done for me in my career. A truly special horse. He gave me moments I will cherish for ever. Retired most importantly safe and sound. Thank you Pippa Ellis for breeding him. Thank you my husband Tom for training him so perfectly. Most importantly thank you Bob.”

Latenightpass finished fifth in his final race, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (11 March) at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

From the archives: ’A dream come true’

An extract from H&H’s interview with Gina Andrews in summer 2022, following her Foxhunters’ win with Latenightpass…

“The highlight of this season has been the highlight of my entire career, and that was Latenightpass winning the Foxhunters’ at Aintree. That was a dream come true. I used to think I’d rather win at the Cheltenham Festival,” says Gina, who rode Domesday Book to victory in the 2017 Kim Muir.

“But Dad always said to me, ‘Riding a winner at Aintree is better than Cheltenham’. I always thought that’s because he hadn’t ridden a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, and I had.

“If I’d had a Cheltenham Festival win on Latenightpass or one of our own horses, maybe it would have been even more special, but I think the fact that my mother-in-law bred him and we’ve trained him at home, it was just such a family affair.”

Family is the golden thread that weaves through both the horses and humans’ lives at Heath Barn. Gina’s dad, Simon Andrews, won the 1988 Foxhunters’ on Newnham, and Latenightpass was the result of falling into breeding almost “by accident”.

His dam, Latenightdip, won three times with Tom in the saddle. In 2011, she sustained a career-ending injury, so the family decided to put her in foal to Passing Glance. The result was Bobby.

“He’s hilarious – he is very vocal and he likes to go out first. He shouts until he is ridden in the morning,” says Gina, adding that he has a particularly special relationship with Kim Hopley, who does everything with him.

“We keep saying, ‘When did he get so good?’ because he took ages to win a maiden. I think when you’ve bred them, you just sort of don’t let yourself believe that they are going to be as good as he is.”

Bobby was more a Harry Kane – famously released from Arsenal for lack of height and pace – than a youth academy star; and it took six attempts before he finally crossed the line in front.

“Once he started winning, he got his confidence up and he’s turned out to be such a good little horse. I say little, because he is – there isn’t a lot of him. I rode him out the morning of the Foxhunters’ and managed to get an interview on ITV with Luke Harvey, he nearly got me off in the process – he was absolutely wild. I had a good feeling from then on,” said Gina.

“I walked the course quietly with my best friend Charity, she came with me the first year I ever rode there. The race itself just all went to plan. I like to have a bit of daylight on him as he is only little, so you wouldn’t want to get bumped by anything bigger. As soon as we got to the Melling Road, I thought ‘I’m probably going to win now’. It was so surreal. You spend your whole career dreaming of winning a race like that. I don’t think it’s even sunk in now, really.

“An hour after the race I couldn’t even remember my interview with Alice Plunkett on TV. I had no idea what I’d said as there were just so many emotions.”

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Remaining Cheltenham Festival 2026 ticket options now that Gold Cup Day has sold out

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:56:16 +0000

The “early bird” and “advanced sale” windows for 2026 Cheltenham Festival tickets have now closed, but you can still save money against the on-the-gate prices by booking online before you go (up until 23:59 the night before the raceday).

Tickets for Gold Cup Day (Friday, 13 March) have completely sold out, but there are still tickets available for the preceding days.

If you want to be at the Cheltenham Festival when “the greatest show on turf” gets underway next year, then don’t leave it a moment longer – get your Cheltenham Festival tickets now. Keep reading for more information about what’s on and the different enclosures, so that you can watch Cheltenham live with your own eyes.

When is Cheltenham Festival?

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival spans four days over 10–13 March.

Day 1 (Tuesday 10 March) is Champion Day, with the prestigious Unibet Champion Hurdle (a Grade One race over two miles) as the highlight.

Day 2 (Wednesday 11 March) is Ladies Day, where the style awards add extra excitement. Feature races include the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Day 3 (Thursday 12 March) is St Patrick’s Thursday, which is a celebration of all things Irish. Don’t miss two of the festival’s most anticipated events on this day – the Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.

Day 4 (Friday 13 March) is Gold Cup Day, which is a big day of top-class action for those looking for the ultimate Cheltenham experience, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, of course.

Ticket prices are the same for each enclosure for the first three days, and are slightly more expensive on the final day – although Gold Cup Day is now sold out.

Cheltenham Festival tickets

Best Mate Enclosure

Though you don’t have access to the Parade Ring or views of the preliminaries, the Best Mate Enclosure provides a decent view of proceedings from opposite the main grandstand. What’s more, on the Thursday and Friday, the New Course (where the racing taking place) is closer to the Best Mate Enclosure than to the Tattersalls or Club Enclosures.

Gate price from £70
General sale tickets from £54

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tattersalls Enclosure

Marketed as the perfect middle ground, Tattersalls gives you a great view of the racing up the famous Cheltenham hill. Access is afforded to much of the grandstand, the parade and pre-parade ring as well as facilities such as the Guinness Village.

Gate price from £91
Advance sale tickets from £73.80

Club Enclosure

The best seat in the house without splashing the cash on hospitality, the Club Enclosure gets racing fans as close to the finishing post as possible. You have access to all the areas available to Tattersalls ticket holders, plus prime position in the main grandstand.

Gate price from £126
Advance sale tickets from £103.50

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Premium area tickets

All premium areas are now sold out for 2026.

Guinness Grandstand

The Guinness Village is opposite the last fence, so you get an excellent view with a reserved seat. It extends from the Tattersalls Enclosure, and has extra viewing steps, bars, bands and other entertainment.

This area is now sold out.

Racecourse View

Enjoy one of the best views in the racing world with a reserved seat in the Grandstand with view across the finish line.

This area is now sold out.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cheltenham Festival Hospitality tickets

A range of hospitality packages are available direct from Cheltenham.

Specialist hospitality provider Seat Unique also offer various official hospitality packages if you’re looking for a premium way to experience The Festival.

Cheltenham Festival Annual Memberships

Those wishing to attend multiple days might want to consider an annual membership, which grants access 16 racedays at Cheltenham, including Cheltenham Festival.

Full membership: From £500
12–28 membership: From £290
Senior membership (65+): From £215
Garrison Savannah Business Club: From £600
Cheltenham and Southwest Racing Club: From £1,800
National Stud Bloodstock Club: From £1,700

Once you’ve got your tickets, check out hotels near Cheltenham Festival and how to get to Cheltenham racecourse.

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‘An outstanding all-round equestrian’: Cheltenham names amateurs’ gold cup after the Princess Royal

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:47:30 +0000

The race known as the “amateurs’ Gold Cup” has been renamed after the Princess Royal, an “outstanding all-round equestrian”.

Cheltenham racecourse has announced that the hunters’ chase, which runs at the Festival immediately after the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, will now be The Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase.

The race is run over the same course as the Gold Cup on the last day of the Festival, which runs from Tuesday to Friday next week (10-13 March). It is not the first race at the meeting to be named in honour of a member of the royal family; the Queen Mother Champion Chase was renamed in 1980, the year of the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday.

The National Hunt Chase, on the opening day of the Festival, will no longer carry the Princess Royal’s name; it returns to being run as the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The Princess Royal is a frequent visitor to Cheltenham; she opened the Princess Royal Stand at the racecourse in November 2015, and her daughter Zara Tindall has been a member of the racecourse committee since 2019.

Cheltenham chief executive Guy Lavender said: “The Hunters’ Chase at the Festival is a contest that recognises and celebrates the very origins of our great sport. We therefore feel it is very appropriate to stage it under the name of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal – an outstanding all-round equestrian who has excelled in a wide range of disciplines.”

Princess Anne won individual European eventing gold with Doublet in 1971 and team and individual silver in 1975 with Goodwill, with whom she became the first member of the royal family to compete at the Olympics, a year later.

She also rode as an amateur jockey, winning on the Flat and over jumps.

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to get to Cheltenham Racecourse –by road, rail or air

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:10:35 +0000

If you’re planning ahead and looking at how to get to Cheltenham Racecourse, we’ve covered the conventional methods of transport as well as those that will get you there in style and make you feel like a VIP.

During Cheltenham’s major racing events – the Cheltenham Festival and the November Meeting – there are more options to accommodate the number of racegoers heading to Prestbury Park and we’ve rounded up all the options by road, rail and air below.

How to get to Cheltenham Racecourse by car

If you’re using sat nav, follow directions to GL50 4SH. Cheltenham Racecourse is located just off J11 on the M5 in Gloucestershire. During the racing season, AA signs will mark all major approach routes.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cheltenham Racecourse parking

Car parking is available at the racecourse and is free at all of Cheltenham’s meetings except the Friday and Saturday of The November Meeting and all four days of the Cheltenham Festival.

If you’re attending on a paid parking day, you must book parking in advance. For Cheltenham Festival 2026, no parking passes will be available to purchase on the day – cars without a valid ticket will be turned away.

Parking costs £20 per day, or £25 for large vehicles, which includes minibuses up to 15 seats, coaches of 16 seats or more and limousines.

Book parking at thejockeyclub.co.uk

Cheltenham Racecourse pick up/drop off

If you’re planning to be dropped off or picked up from the racecourse at The November Meeting or The Festival, follow directions for drop-off areas on approach to the Racecourse. It is then a short walk to the entrances.

The Hackney Carriage taxi drop off and collection point is located on the main drive of the racecourse, while private taxis will follow the signage for the general pick up and drop off areas.

Cheltenham Racecourse park and ride

Located directly off J11 of the M5, the park and ride service runs from Arle Court to the transport hub at Cheltenham Racecourse.

The service runs from 9.15–14.30 to the racecourse, with return journeys to Arle Court leaving between 16.00–19.30, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes.

Racecourse bus

There is a dedicated shuttle bus service for The Cheltenham Festival that operates between:

Cheltenham Spa Railway Station
Cheltenham town centre
The racecourse transport hub

For more information, visit stagecoachbus.com

Travelling by coach

National Express coaches are available from more than 20 different pick-up locations during the Festival. This cost-effective way of getting to the the racecourse drops you off just a couple of minutes from the entry gates.

For more information, visit nationalexpress.com

Getting to the racecourse on foot

The racecourse is approximately 1.5 miles from the centre of Cheltenham town centre, and would take around 30mins to walk.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nearest train station to Cheltenham Racecourse

The nearest train station to Cheltenham Racecourse is Cheltenham Spa. There is a shuttle bus service to the racecourse from Cheltenham Spa station on racedays.

There is also a special steam train service that runs from Toddington station. The 35 minute journey through the beautiful countryside of the Cotwolds, Malverns and Vale of Evesham allows you to avoid all the traffic and takes you directly to the back of the main grandstand at the racecourse.

For more information, visit classichospitality.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to get to Cheltenham Racecourse by helicopter

On racedays, Cheltenham welcomes arrivals by helicopter, and operates the busiest temporary airfield in the UK, receiving 400 flights over The Festival week alone.

If arriving via helicopter, a shuttle service is available between the heliport and the racecourse. All visiting aircraft must pre-book landings with Cheltenham Racecourse’s partners. They will provide full pilot briefings on confirmation of booking.

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‘There’s every chance he could make a good recovery’: star hurdler Sir Gino receiving top-class care after injury

Carol Phillips — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:53:45 +0000

Top hurdler Sir Gino has a fractured pelvis, it has been confirmed after he was pulled up by his jockey Nico de Boinville in the Unibet Hurdle during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham racecourse on Saturday (24 January).

The star six-year-old, who was previously unbeaten in seven hurdle races, walked into the horse ambulance and was taken to Three Counties Veterinary Clinic for scans.

His trainer Nicky Henderson described Sir Gino as “comfortable and stable” on Saturday evening.

He said: “Sir Gino was transferred from Cheltenham to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic and following scans and X-rays he does have a fractured pelvis but having spoken to the great team that are caring for him, they are hopeful that although this is obviously significant they have reported that he is comfortable and stable. This is great news to us all.

“The prognosis is guarded and further examinations over the next few days while he is there will be able to determine the extent of the injury and any prognosis for the future.

“Thank you to everyone for their messages and concerns which are much appreciated and we will keep everyone up to date with any further news but the fact that he’s comfortable tonight is the most important thing. Thank you.”

He added that Sir Gino has been ruled out for the rest of this season.

Mr Henderson told the Racing Post: “There are two fractured lines, but he’s comfortable and he’ll stay [at Three Counties Veterinary Clinic] for a few days, then he’ll come back to Lambourn.

“There’s every chance he could make a good recovery, but the poor boy spent most of last year in hospital, and he’s going to spend most of it there this year as well. Everyone is doing everything they possibly can.”

Sir Gino had been a key contender for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The Seven Barrows star had only recently returned after a long lay-off from an infection, which cut short last season’s campaign.

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Hotels and holiday homes near Cheltenham Racecourse for all budgets

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:45:11 +0000

I’ve put together a list of hotels near Cheltenham Racecourse, including nearby guesthouses and B&Bs at a range of price points to help you make the most of your visit. Known as the home of jump racing, Cheltenham holds a number of racedays and meetings throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Cheltenham Festival.

Accommodation is likely to fill up quickly with racing fans travelling from across the country, so we suggest booking as soon as possible once you’ve found somewhere. These hotels and holiday lets near Cheltenham Racecourse are listed in order of distance from the venue (GL50 4SH).

Hotels near Cheltenham Racecourse

No38 The Park
Distance: <1 mile | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
Described as “exceptional”, this hotel offers a range of room types in a great location.View Deal

Ellenborough Park
Distance: <1 mile | Tripadvisor rating: 4.3/5
This hotel has an outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre and free parking.View Deal

Clarence Court Hotel
Distance: 1 mile | Tripadvisor rating: 4.3/5
This hotel has free parking, a restaurant and an indoor pool.View Deal

Cotswold Grange
Distance : 1 mile | Tripadvisor rating: 4.3/5
This hotel offers family rooms and free parking.View Deal

Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham Town Centre
Distance: 1.1 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.2/5
This hotel stay includes breakfast, and has a bar and restaurant on site for ease.View Deal

Premier Inn Cheltenham Town Centre
Distance: 1.2 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.3/5
This could be a good option for you if you’re looking for a hotel on a budget.View Deal

Cleeve Hill Hotel
Distance: 1.9 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5
A short drive from Cheltenham, this B&B is out of the busy centre.View Deal

DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham
Distance: 3.3 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 3.6/5
This hotel has two restaurants, free parking and a spa centre.View Deal

The Rising Sun
Distance: 3.7 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 3.8/5
Despite being located outside Cheltenham, this hotel is less than 10 minutes from the racecourse.View Deal

Travelodge Cheltenham
Distance: 4.2 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 4/5
Slightly further away than other options listed, but this is a great budget option.View Deal

Other places to stay near Cheltenham Racecourse

The Lily Pad
Distance: 1.3 miles
This two-bed house with terrace sleeps up to four people.View Deal

Alice Guest House
Distance: 1.1 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 3.5/5
This guesthouse offers a range of rooms for different budgets.View Deal

Applegate
Distance: 2.5 miles
This holiday home is perfect for group trips as it comfortably sleeps 10 adults.View Deal

Suncroft
Distance: 2.9 miles
This spacious and well-decorated holiday home sleeps up to seven guests.View Deal

Hillside
Distance: 3.7 miles
This two-bed holiday home has a fully equipped kitchen, walk-in shower, cosy seating area and private garden.View Deal

Pardon Hill Farm B&B
Distance: 4.9 miles | Tripadvisor rating: 5/5
If you’re looking for something a bit different, this farmstay could be just the ticket.View Deal

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

How to watch the Cheltenham November Meeting live from wherever you are

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:30:49 +0000

Watch the Cheltenham November Meeting on TV and don’t miss out on the weekend’s electric atmosphere.

This meeting at Cheltenham racecourse features the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.

At a glance

Cheltenham November Meeting dates: 14–16 November 2025
Cheltenham November Meeting on TV: ITV and Racing TV
Watch the Cheltenham November Meeting from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal

How to watch the Cheltenham November Meeting

ITV will screen all the action live and for free, while Racing TV will broadcast their subscription based service on Sky channel 424.

ITV Racing Cheltenham November meeting coverage

Ed Chamberlin presents the coverage with analysis from AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Ruby Walsh, reporting from Oli Bell, Alice Plunkett and Luke Harvey, and commentary by Richard Hoiles.

Friday 14 November | 13:30–16:00 ITV4

Saturday 15 November | 13:30–16:00 ITV

Sunday 16 November | 13:05–16:00 ITV

How to watch the Cheltenham November meeting live from anywhere

A VPN is your ultimate companion to watching horse racing safely online, wherever you are in the world.

A Virtual Private Network will unblock the geo-restrictions you find on most streaming platforms, so you can get your usual coverage even while abroad. A VPN will also keep you secure while online, using encrypted connections to ensure your data remains private.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service, such as NordVPN, which our colleagues at TechRadar rate as the best VPN service in the business. You can try 100% risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support and, right now, a big discount.

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How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to your chosen provider on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

Cheltenham November Meeting post times

Time is provided in local time (GMT).

Friday 14 November – Countryside Day

13:10 | Race 1: Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

13:45 | Race 2: Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase

14:20 | Race 3: Novices’ Chase

14:55 | Race 4: Shloer Chase

15:30 | Race 5: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle

16:00 | Race 6: Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Saturday 15 November – Super Saturday

12:35 | Race 1: JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle

13:10 | Race 2: Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

13:45 | Race 3: Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase

14:20 | Race 4: Paddy Power Gold Cup

14:55 | Race 5: Handicap Hurdle

15:30 | Race 6: Intermediate Handicap Hurdle

16:00 | Race 7: Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Sunday 16 November – Carnival Sunday

13:15 | Race 1: Maiden Hurdle13:45 | Race 2: Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase14:20 | Race 3: Talking Sense Handicap Chase14:55 | Race 4: Oddschecker Handicap Chase15:30 | Race 5: Greatwood Handicap Hurdle16:00 | Race 6: Open National Hunt Flat Race

‘Something you dream of when you’re a kid’: changing of the guard as Galopin Des Champs is defeated in Cheltenham Gold Cup

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:15:55 +0000

Inothewayurthinkin put Galopin Des Champs’ chances of winning a third consecutive Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup to an end when taking the feature race on day four of the Cheltenham Festival for trainer Gavin Cromwell, owner JP McManus and jockey Mark Walsh.

Supplemented for the race by his owner, the seven-year-old by Walk In The Park who last won when taking the Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree last April, challenged Galopin Des Champs at the final fence and powered up the hill to win.

“It’s brilliant – it’s something you dream of when you’re a kid wanting to be a jockey, so it’s a dream come true,” said Mark. “I had a great trip round. They went a proper good gallop; I had a lovely position.

“Paul Townend was on the outside on Galopin Des Champs and I noticed early on he wasn’t happy – I noticed by his body language that he wasn’t just happy with how Galopin Des Champs was jumping, so I thought that if I had a clear round I could have a little squeak.

“My lad just carried me there. Gavin has done a savage job with him, and Keith Donoghue has done a brilliant job with him at home too – he’s done all the work on him, so I’m just lucky to be able to ride him.”

Inothewayurthinkin went off as third favourite at odds of 13/2 and Gavin admitted that he thought he had “a chance of being a Gold Cup horse”.

“Galopin Des Champs is a dual Gold Cup winner, but we were coming here to try and win the race – we weren’t coming to pick up the pieces and get place money. We thought we’d have a good chance if everything was right.

“To have a runner in the Gold Cup is fantastic, but to win it is unbelievable – I’m so grateful to JP and Noreen [JP’s wife] for sending horses like this to me. I’m just delighted to be able to repay them by winning the Gold Cup.”

Gavin was a farrier for more than 20 years before getting into training racehorses.

“Eventually I had to give up the farrier job when the training got busier. It’s well publicised I was Gordon Elliott’s farrier and I shod Don Cossack [who won the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup in 2016].”

8/13 favourite Galopin Des Champs finished a gallant second for trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Paul Townend and owner Audrey Turley.

“Everything seemed to be a bit of an effort,” said Paul. “He came half alive the top of the hill the last time and I was hoping it would be game on from there – and it was.

“He’s run a blinder, he’s finished second, he’s gone down on his sword. It’s disappointing to get beaten, but he’s back, he’s fine and gave [people] something to shout about for a long time.”

Asked whether the ground was a bit faster than Galopin Des Champs would like, Paul said: “That’s the first thing I was thinking going round, that this [the ground] is livelier than he appreciates. But no excuses – he wasn’t good enough on the day, but he is still our favourite.”

Mouse Morris, trainer of the third Gentlemansgame – who went off at 40/1 – and was ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe and is owned by Robcour, said: “He ran his heart out and jumped super. He just lacks a gear, but he will stay all day. He is as honest as the day comes.”

In a sad post-script to this race, Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins, was fatally injured when falling at the second last.

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Galopin Des Champs: everything you need to know about this two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup victor

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Galopin Des Champs: everything you need to know about this two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup victor

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:00:23 +0000

Ireland’s champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins is hoping star chaser Galopin Des Champs can become just the fifth horse in history, behind Golden Miller, Arkle, Best Mate and Cottage Rate, to win three Gold Cups at the forthcoming Cheltenham Festival (11-14 March).

Willie is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history with 103 wins to his name and he’ll be hoping to boost that number further over the four days of action at Prestbury Park for jump racing’s Olympics.

Willie Mullins: “It’ll be a tip-top Gold Cup, I think”

Nine-year-old Galopin Des Champs, who runs in the colours of Audrey Turley, justified favouritism to win last year’s race and again heads for Friday’s feature race at the top of the betting market. His key rivals include the Joseph O’Brien-trained Banbridge, and the Willie Mullins-trained Fact To File.

“Galopin Des Champs is a tremendous horse and he has his own piece of history already, but hopefully there will be more to come,” says Willie. “He has tremendous owners, Greg and Audrey Turley, who really appreciate it; they’re living it and enjoying it. It’s unbelievable that we have a horse that’s going for a third Gold Cup win and could be in the Best Mate and Arkle category.

“It’s a huge honour to be just involved with a horse like this and we just hope the dream stays alive. I’m living the dream every morning I get up.

Galopin Des Champs: a red football goes everywhere with him

Closutton barn manager Adam Connolly has the enviable job of riding the highest rated horse every day.

“You can really feel the engine under you,” he says. “I’ve been riding him since before he was a Gold Cup winner, so he feels no different to me, but I realise when everyone comes over to see him that he’s special.

“At the races, he probably calms me down now – he used to jump around like a mad hooligan. He has a football in his stable with him, which I just gave him for the craic. He doesn’t play with it much now, but I’m superstitious so the red ball goes everywhere with him now.”

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Cheltenham Festival is next stop for Gredley family’s home-bred star East India Dock

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 08:30:40 +0000

With the 2025 Cheltenham Festival – the Olympics of jump racing – now just weeks away, a host of this year’s runners have been enjoying a final racecourse spin.

One Cheltenham Festival entry to catch the eye during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham racecourse last Saturday (25 January) was the Gredley family’s hugely exciting home-bred East India Dock.

The slick-jumping four-year-old son of Derby winner Golden Horn, trained in Newmarket by James Owen, has been invincible in all three starts since switching from the Flat in October.

His latest 10-length success came in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, the pair having made virtually all the running. Leading showjumper Tim Gredley – who was competing at the World Cup show in Amsterdam over the weekend – and his family have a very exciting prospect to look forward to at this year’s four-day Cheltenham Festival.

“He has a great attitude, so we’re looking forward to March now,” said jockey Sam Twiston-Davies of this gritty little gelding’s next appointment at Cheltenham. He admitted that the youngster doesn’t show much at home and even tried to buck him off coming home from the gallops last week.

“I met the last hurdle on no stride, but he was very clever and away from it very quick, so hopefully he has all the attributes for Cheltenham.”

Next stop Cheltenham Festival: “I wouldn’t swap him for any other horse”

Trainer James Owen, who is enjoying a stellar season, describes the gutsy East India Dock as: “A lovely horse with a huge future.”

“Roll on March! East India Dock had a busy campaign on the Flat and we have learnt from having Burdett Road last year,” said the trainer of the gelding’s half-brother, a Royal Ascot winner who has gone on to great success over hurdles. “We set our stall out when he won at Cheltenham last time [in November].

“He jumps so economically and quickly. He doesn’t really need to lead but Sam wanted to control the race today. He has handled that tacky ground fine. God, he is exciting. He is uncomplicated and I wouldn’t swap him for any other horse.”

East India Dock is entered at the Cheltenham Festival for Friday’s JCB Triumph Hurdle, where he will be pitted against the Nicky Henderson favourite Lulamba, who triumphed at Ascot last week. East India Dock is currently second favourite in the ante-post betting.

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‘A tragedy for all connections’ as three horses die at Cheltenham’s November Meeting

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:09:24 +0000

The deaths of three horses at Cheltenham yesterday (Sunday, 17 November) were a “tragedy for all connections”, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said.

Abuffalosldier died just after he had won the fourth race; he collapsed while his jockey Sean Bowen was being interviewed.

The Warren Greatrex stable star will be remembered for his front-running victory but could not get the hero’s welcome he deserved in the winner’s enclosure.

The Ben Pauling-trained Bangers And Cash suffered a fatal injury in the same race, and the Matthew J Smith-trained Napper Tandy suffered a fatal fall in the following race.

“The winner of our fourth race Abuffalosoldier collapsed after the line and was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals, but sadly could not be saved,” a Cheltenham racecourse spokesperson said. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.

“Bangers And Cash was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”

Liam Kearns, lead vet for Jockey Club Racecourses, told Racing TV: “Both cases we call them cardio-vascular collapse, as you can’t say at this stage whether it is a true heart attack or whether it is a major blood vessel that has ruptured. But it is of that nature and therefore it is a sudden death situation.

“The vets are deployed all around the racecourse, so both horses were attended within seconds and in those situations of acute collapse there are some drugs we can administer, but if it is a true cardio-vascular collapse, not a lot can be done.

“It’s a high-intensity racing situation, we have similar when marathon runners run or long-distance races are run, there is always a concern that athletes at a high level of exertion can without any previous symptoms present this situation. It’s a huge coincidence that it happened twice in the same race.

“All horses are thoroughly checked at home before they leave to go to the races, they are monitored carefully when they arrive at the races and trainers and connections love them to bits – no horse would go to the races with any prior knowledge of a situation like this. It is one of those sudden things that can strike.”

A BHA spokesperson said: “The losses of Abuffalosoldier, Bangers And Cash and Napper Tandy at Cheltenham today are a tragedy for all connections and the thoughts of all of us at the BHA are with them. All three were provided with outstanding care and attention throughout their lives by those who cared for them and nobody will be more heartbroken tonight than those individuals.

“As with all fatalities, we will seek to understand the circumstances behind each incident as we strive to continue to reduce avoidable risk in our sport.”

The spokesperson added that data on fatal injuries in British racing can be found online; the rate of fatal injuries is 0.42% of runners.

UPDATE: On 21 November, the BHA confirmed that all three horses were sent for post-mortem examination and the results confirmed that Bangers And Cash and Abuffalosoldier suffered from separate varieties of cardiovascular collapse, a form of exercise associated sudden death (EASD).

Napper Tandy fractured a vertebra in his neck following a fall, with no other abnormalities identified.

“No causal link could be identified and as it stands, none of the fatalities could have been predicted or prevented prior to the race,” the BHA said.

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Cheltenham hero Annacotty loving life aged 16: ‘I want people to see that racehorses can be beautifully trained and cope with technical courses’

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:28:31 +0000

Popular racehorse and Cheltenham Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Annacotty is absolutely excelling in his second career after racing.

The 16-year-old gelding and Hannah Bishop are having the time of their lives, enjoying hunting, side saddle, RoR showing classes, beach rides and plenty of hacking, proving the true versatility of retrained racehorses. But it is in showjumping that this “naturally careful” thoroughbred excels and he became the first Cheltenham winning-racehorse to go on to win a showjumping class at Hickstead.

Buckinghamshire-based rider Hannah is rightfully proud of all that the much-loved “Gerry” has achieved.

“I think because I haven’t overdone things with him, he’s still going strong and in the best form of his life,” she says. “He feels even better now than he did two years ago. He’s more advanced in his schooling now, but he’s just a joy to ride; it’s an absolute privilege to have him.”

Annacotty: “The best racehorse they ever owned”

Hannah has been racing manager for National Hunt owner Liz Prowting for the past 20 years and she picked out the four-year-old point-to-point winner Annacotty (Beneficial x Ardross) at the sales for Mrs Prowting to buy. The youngster was nicknamed Gerry after bloodstock agent Gerry Hogan, who helped with the purchase.

“We bought the first horse that I saw – which you’re not supposed to do! But he came in under budget and he’s been the best racehorse that they’ve ever owned,” says Hannah.

Annacotty was trained by Martin Keighley in his early years, winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase under jockey Ian Popham before going on to triumph in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham – a first Grade One success for his owner – on his first run for trainer Alan King in 2015. His love for Cheltenham was cemented when he went on to become a dual winner of the Grade Three freebets.com Trophy Chase at the same track.

“He loved racing there and they only really ran him at Cheltenham in the end,” says Hannah.

The hugely popular racehorse Annacotty and jockey Ian Popham lead all the way to win at Kempton. Photo by Bill Selwyn. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He retired sound and at the top of his game”

Annacotty was retired from racing after running in the 2017 Cheltenham Festival and Hannah says “I certainly wasn’t letting anyone else get their hands on him when he finished racing!” So she set about retraining her beloved and quirky Gerry for a life beyond the track.

“He retired sound from racing and that’s probably one of the strongest points – we took him out of racing when he was at the very top of his game,” she explains. “A lot of people would have kept racing him, but we didn’t want to keep pushing him.

“He’s very much a sulky character – he has to be looked after and he’s quite high maintenance in terms of the amount of attention and TLC he needs, and in terms of the person who’s looking after him. So he needs to be at home and requires cuddles, time, attention and effort, but it’s absolutely worth it.”

While he was racing, Annacotty used to enjoy some hunting “to keep him sweet” although Hannah says, “I can’t hold one side of him hunting now!”

Annacotty enjoying a day’s hunting in 2017. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

They’ve taken part in everything from RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) racecourse parades to some side saddle, but finding his forte in showjumping has come as something of a surprise.

“He’s always had that X-factor about him and if we’d taken him out of racing at the age of five, I can say with complete confidence that he’d have gone to Badminton – he could have been anything or done anything,” says Hannah. “We were really torn at the time – did we want a world class competition horse or did we want to see how far he’d go racing? But he was bought and bred to be a racehorse – you can have pipe dreams along the way, though!

“So we thought he’d be much happier going cross-country after he retired, but it’s not often he has a pole down showjumping – he gets upset if he does, he’s just naturally very careful. I don’t know what it is, but he just loves it – it’s like he can read the numbers on the fences.

“But I try to ride respectfully rather than turn up horribly tight. I’m competitive, but his welfare comes above any turn.”

Retrained racehorse Annacotty: “We don’t ask too much of him”

Hannah and Annacotty have racked up some good showjumping wins in recent years, also competing in the RoR final at the British Showjumping National Championships, but Hannah’s stand-out success was winning at Hickstead’s All England Jumping Championships in 2021.

“He’s the only racehorse who has won at Cheltenham and gone on to win a showjumping class at Hickstead – he’s phenomenal,” says Hannah. “He’s like riding a pony.

“But we don’t go out and jump six classes across two days, we just jump one class and come home. He’s well looked after and kept sweet and managed nicely. We don’t go to the well too often.

Hannah Bishop and retrained racehorse Annacotty enjoying the showjumping at Hickstead. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He could do a lot more, but the beauty of the fact is he’s still fit, competing and doing things because we haven’t stretched him beyond his limits and don’t ask for too much,” she continues. “He very rarely comes home without having paid for the outing. He’s very consistent.

“He’s the same in his racing mannerisms when he goes to shows, but he’s better at some venues than others – he has places that are in his comfort zone and he’s a complete poppet, then there are other places that if he doesn’t particularly like the venue or the atmosphere he’s quite tricky. But on the whole, he’s really good. He’s always been supremely talented but quite quirky!”

“I want people to see that racehorses can cope with a technical course”

In a full circle moment, the pair will next month (25 October) be competing in the Sportjumping Final at Bury Farm, an annual showjumping competition that combines a racing-style handicap format with the chance to have a flutter on the runners and riders. A field of 15 will line up for each of the three height classes and this is the first time that former racehorses will be taking part.

As well as Hannah Bishop with Annacotty, Rachel Vicary will be in action on the former Gary Moore-trained Shantou Master, and Clair Lewis riding Master Wickham will be bidding for glory during the gala evening.

“I just want people to see that racehorses can be beautifully well trained and cope with a technical course,” says Hannah.

“I don’t really know what to expect on the evening, but I’m looking forward to it. I know it will be a different type of showjumping track to what we’re used to, but I think he’s at that point in his life that he should be able to cope with being asked a different question.

“I can’t really afford to think about people betting on us though! I’ve done enough charity races over the years and that’s part of going racing. I’m more nervous about how he’s going to cope with the evening atmosphere – he can get a bit lit up by rowdy crowds, but hopefully he’ll just enjoy it.”

Hannah Bishop and beloved retrained racehorse Annacotty at the beach. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Singing the praises of the versatility of retrained racehorses, Hannah describes Annacotty as “a very smart horse to ride”.

“There’s nothing he doesn’t like, he doesn’t turn a hair and he’s just a joy to be around,” she says.

“Liz Prowting is a big National Hunt owner, she’s 85 now and we have never sold on a horse – every single racehorse stays with us for life – so there are loads out there with other people competing, doing Pony Club activities, hunting, eventing and still actively in work. They come home when they’re field-retired or they go down to Devon where friends keep them for us.

“So they’re all over the place – but you have to try to match them with the right people, and we don’t always get it right, but you try your best.

“A lot of people might have taken Gerry a lot higher, but equally you have to remember that he’s done his job and it’s now about enjoying his life which is why we keep it fun and easy,” she says of her true family horse.

“He’s such a gem, a gentleman, he’s just really, really lovely.”

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‘He’s in great order’: could State Man take the Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival?

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 13:00:40 +0000

With confirmation this week from trainer Nicky Henderson that his Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill will miss this year’s Cheltenham Festival, all eyes have turned to the Willie Mullins-trained State Man, who is the new favourite for Tuesday’s feature race.

Joe and Marie Donnelly’s French-bred seven-year-old son of Doctor Dino won the County Hurdle at the Festival in 2021 and he and jockey Paul Townend came home nine lengths behind the all-conquering Constitution Hill in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

But State Man returns for this year’s race at the Cheltenham Festival with a further four Grade Ones under his belt and a wealth of experience, and his old rival’s defection hands the Closutton training maestro a golden opportunity to make amends in this year’s Champion Hurdle.

“He’s in great order,” says Willie Mullins of State Man. “I thought his performance at Christmas [in Leopardstown’s Matheson Hurdle] was huge, beating Impaire Et Passe.

“I don’t know if State Man wasn’t at his best behind Constitution Hill last year. But he’s a lot more experienced now and he’ll be very race fit. We’re just happy to have the horse in as good order as he is.”

State Man: “He jumps well and he’s so consistent at home”

Willie Mullins is a four-time winner of the Champion Hurdle, lifting the silverware with Hurricane Fly in 2011 and 2013, Faugheen in 2015 and Annie Power in 2016.

State Man has won 10 of his past 11 races, all with Paul Townend in the saddle.

“State Man certainly isn’t in the league of the pizazz of Faugheen or the speed of Hurricane Fly, but he has other things, like he jumps well and he’s so consistent at home,” says the trainer. “I don’t know if he’s better, but he’s stronger. State Man hasn’t won a Champion Hurdle yet, but he’ll have a crack this year and maybe next year.”

Could stable-mate Lossiemouth line up too?

State Man heads the Unibet Champion Hurdle betting ahead of stable-mate Lossiemouth, who is more likely to be routed to the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

“I know a lot of people would like Lossiemouth to go down the Champion Hurdle route but I’m not even sure if there wasn’t a mares hurdle there that we’d go down that route with a five-year-old,” says Willie of the grey mare.

“Five-year-olds only win once every 35 years, and usually in a bad year. Other people say, ‘Well, very few five year-olds go for it, but I’ve seen them all over the years and the ones that matter go for it and they just can’t line up – they’re physically not strong enough. Lossiemouth will have her chance in future years to have a go at the Champion Hurdle.”

Among the other entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, one of racing’s Blue Riband races, are Irish Point for Gordon Elliott, Luccia for Seven Barrows and Not So Sleepy for Hughie Morrison.

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L’Homme Presse carries British hopes in Cheltenham Gold Cup after triumphant return

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:30:49 +0000

After 13 months on the sidelines, the most welcome sight of Lingfield Park’s Winter Million Festival (19-21 January) was the triumphant return of the Venetia Williams-trained L’Homme Presse.

The French-bred son of Diamond Boy was last seen parting company with jockey Charlie Deutsch at the last fence in the 2022 King George at Kempton Park and it’s been a lengthy recovery since, involving careful rehab and plenty of patience from the owners.

However, sent off favourite for Sunday’s (21 January) Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield, L’Homme Presse brushed off any ring rustiness to win impressively, cementing his place among the entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Herefordshire-based Venetia Williams of her 2022 Brown Advisory winner at the Festival.

She plans to give the nine-year-old L’Homme Presse one more run before they head to the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a leading British fancy against the might of the Irish. The Gold Cup market is currently headed by the Willie Mullins-trained defending champion Galopin Des Champs.

L’Homme Presse: “He’s got some gears”

L’Homme Presse missed his final schooling session due to last week’s frozen ground and jockey Charlie Deutsch described him as “rusty” in the early stages of Lingfield’s 2m6f race, even “headbutting” the first fence. But the gelding’s class showed as they fended off the challenge of dual Gold Cup-contender Protektorat for Harry and Dan Skelton, with former Welsh National winner Iwilldoit third for trainer Sam Thomas with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle.

L’Homme Presse’s co-owner Andy Edwards described the horse’s winning comeback as “Christmas Day”, while the jockey punched the air on his way back to the winner’s enclosure.

“It took some time to wind him up, but he’s shown his class and he’s got some gears at the end,” said Charlie Deutsch of his seventh chasing success aboard L’Homme Presse, having also won the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown and Ascot’s Graduation Chase since they first teamed up together at the end of 2021.

Lingfield Park was the sole jumps survivor of the recent Arctic blast, so hats off to Lingfield Park’s clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered and her team for salvaging Sunday’s card. You can read the full report in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops on Thursday 25 January.

Meet top showjumper’s home-bred Royal Ascot-winning racehorse, who is a Cheltenham Festival contender

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:32:05 +0000

British showjumper Tim Gredley has enjoyed a tremendous year in the saddle after making a welcome return to the top tier of the sport, including helping Great Britain win the Nations Cup at Hickstead for the first time in 13 years in July. But away from the showjumping ring, Tim and his family have long been making waves on the racecourse, too.

Their successful Stetchworth breeding operation resulted in 2017 Royal Ascot Gold Cup-winning Big Orange (by Duke Of Marmalade out of Fasliyev mare Miss Brown To You), while Allmankind (Sea The Moon out of Sadler’s Wells mare Wemyss Bay) was also a winner on the Flat for the same trainer, Michael Bell, before causing a sensation over hurdles in the hands of Dan Skelton and his brother Harry. He finished third in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival at the end of his first season before proving to be a winning chaser, too, claiming the Grade One Henry VIII novices’ chase at Sandown Park and the Monet’s Garden Old Roan chase at Aintree. Tim’s father Bill Gredley has also owned several other top class racehorses.

From the Gredley family’s latest crops of home-breds, it is now three-year-old Burdett Road who has got everyone talking. The son of Royal Ascot and Qipco British Champion Sprint Stakes winner Muhaarar is out of an unraced Galileo mare, Diamond Bangle, a half-sister to the great Rip Van Winkle from the mighty Aidan O’Brien stable.

“We actually bought the mare in a mare sale a few years ago and she’s always bred very nice stock, although up until Burdett Road she hadn’t really had a load of winners. But we stuck with her and we’re glad we did,” says Tim.

Burdett Road showed smart form on the Flat for trainers Roger Varian, followed by Michael Bell, with whom his greatest triumph came in the 1m2f Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot at odds of 20/1.

Tim Gredley: ‘We thought he might be top of his class if we went hurdling’

Having successfully taken the route from Flat racing to jumps racing with Allmankind (pictured below), Tim says they were keen to do it again and Burdett Road seemed the perfect type to do so.

“It sounds strange, but I was watching the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last year and the horse who won it, A Dream To Share, was almost exactly the same breeding as Burdett Road – by Muhaarar from a Galileo mother – so that put the idea in my head,” says Tim. “Obviously every time you take a horse off the Flat and send it jumping, it’s a bit of an experiment, but we had a bit more of an idea having had Allmankind take a similar route a few years ago.

“Burdett Road ran to a very high standard on the Flat, but he was never going to be a Group horse, and probably wasn’t rated high enough to go to any of those big money events in Saudi and so on. So we took the view that actually he might be top of his class if we went hurdling.”

The Gredley family’s Allmankind, ridden by Harry Skelton, en route to victory in the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow Racecourse. (Image credit: PA)

Burdett Road was switched to Newmarket jumps trainer James Owen and the talented gelding made an eye-catching winning debut over hurdles at Huntingdon earlier this month under Harry Cobden. A fortnight later, they followed up with an emphatic win in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at the Cheltenham November Meeting and that race at the Cheltenham Festival is now a very exciting target, with Burdett Road heading the ante-post market as 6/1 favourite.

“I need to speak to James, but following the Allmankind route, we’re going to look at the Grade One Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow just after Christmas [won by Allmankind in 2019 en route to the Festival] and see how he comes out of that,” explains Tim. “We’d like to go to Cheltenham with a fresh horse.”

Burdett Road: ‘For a Flat horse, he has plenty of guts’

Trainer James Owen said after Burdett Road’s Cheltenham win, “He is a fair animal. On good ground he is going to be exciting come March.

“He was a bit more amenable today as he settled and jumped better. He has got some engine and he is tough. For a Flat horse, he has got plenty of guts about him. I knew he would keep coming. Harry Cobden is a lot cooler than me as I’ve been so nervous, but I love it.”

Newmarket-based showjumper Tim Gredley says they always had a feeling “he was going to be pretty good”.

“After Royal Ascot, he ran in a Group Three at Goodwood and it was really soft, but at that point we thought we’d run him just to see how he handled that ground,” explains Tim. “He ended up finishing fifth [to Desert Hero] and ran a really good race but more importantly the jockey [Neil Callan] said he enjoyed it and could really handle that kind of ground.

“I think he’ll be even better on better ground, but we were hopeful that he’d give us a big run anyway.”

Tim is going to be based in Wellington, Florida, competing there with his string of showjumping horses for the early part of Olympic year, hoping to get his horses in great shape outdoors ahead of selection, but there’s a week in March he certainly won’t miss.

“Everybody hates to say it, but jump racing is all about the Cheltenham Festival, so as long as we can get him there in the best shape, that’s what it’s all about really,” he says.

Who won which race? Your one-stop shop for Cheltenham Festival 2023 results

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:44:08 +0000

Throughout the week of great sporting action, you will be able to view the top three past the post Cheltenham Festival results right here.

This page will be updated after the conclusion of each race at Cheltenham Racecourse, so keep checking back.

Cheltenham Festival 2023 results

Tuesday 14 March

1.30pm: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Marine Nationale | Jockey: Michael O’Sullivan | Trainer: Barry Connell | Owner: Barry Connell2nd: Facile Vega | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Hammer & Trowel Syndicate3rd: Diverge | Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: C Jones

2.10pm: Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade One)

1st: El Fabiolo | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede2nd: Jonbon | Jockey: Aidan Coleman | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: JP McManus3rd: Saint Roi | Jockey: Mark Walsh | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: JP McManus

2.50pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade Three)

1st: Coach Rambler | Jockey: Derek Fox | Trainer: Lucinda Russell | Owner: The Ramblers2nd: Fastorslow | Jockey: J J Slevin | Trainer: Martin Brassil | Owner: Sean & Bernardine Mulryan3rd: Monbeg Genius | Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr | Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill | Owner: Barrowman Racing Limited

3.30pm: Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade One)

1st: Constitution Hill | Jockey: Nico de Boinville | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: Michael Buckley2nd: State Man | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs J Donnelly3rd: Zanahiyr | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Bective Stud

4.10pm: The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Honeysuckle | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore | Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Owner: Kenneth Alexander2nd: Love Envoi | Jockey: Jonathan Burke | Trainer: Harry Fry | Owner: Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate’s Love Envoi3rd: Queens Brook | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Bective Stud

4.50pm: The Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)

1st: Jazzy Matty | Jockey: Michael O’Sullivan | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Caldwell Construction2nd: Byker | Jockey: Philip Byrnes | Trainer: Charles Byrnes | Owner: Relicpride Co Ltd Partnership3rd: Risk Belle | Jockey: L P Dempsey | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: JP McManus

5.30pm: National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase (Grade Two)

1st: Gaillard Du Mesnil | Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs J Donnelly2nd: Chemical Energy | Jockey: Mr J J Codd | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Caldwell Construction Ltd3rd: Mister Coffey | Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford

Wednesday 15 March

1.30pm: The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Impaire Et Passe | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede2nd: Gaelic Warrior | Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs S Ricci3rd: Champ Kiely | Jockey: Danny Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Miss M A Masterson

2.10pm: The Broadway Novices’ Chase (Grade One)

1st: The Real Whacker | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies | Trainer: Patrick Neville | Owner: Neville, Mann, Duffus & Dennis2nd: Gerri Colombe | Jockey: Jordan Gainford | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Rocour3rd: Bronn | Jockey: Daryl Jacob | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede

2.50pm: Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)

1st: Langer Dan | Jockey: Harry Skelton | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Owner: Colm Donlon2nd: An Epic Song | Jockey: J J Slevin | Trainer: Martin Brassil | Owner: Sean & Bernadine Mulryan3rd: Camprond | Jockey: Aidan Coleman | Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | Owner: JP McManus

3.30pm: Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade One)

1st: Energumene | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Tony Bloom2nd: Captain Guinness | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore | Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Owner: Declan Landy3rd: Greaneteen | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: Chris Giles

4.10pm: Glenfarclas Cross-country Chase (Class Two)

1st: Delta Work | Jockey: Keith Donoghue | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Gigginstown House Stud2nd: Galvin | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: R A Bartlett3rd: Franco De Port | Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Bruton Street V

4.50pm: Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Grade Three)

1st: Maskada | Jockey: Darragh O’Keefe | Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Owner: M K Mariga2nd: Dinoblue | Jockey: L P Dempsey | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: J P McManus3rd: Global Citizen | Jockey: Luca Morgan | Trainer: Ben Pauling | Owner: The Megsons

5.30pm: Champion Bumper (Grade One)

Thursday 16 March

1.30pm: The Golden Miller Novices’ Chase (Grade One)

1st: Stage Star | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: Owners Group 0442nd: Notlongtillmay | Jockey: Adam Wedge | Trainer: Laura Morgan | Owner: Alan Rogers3rd: Mighty Potter | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Caldwell Construction Ltd

2.10pm: Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)

1st: Good Time Jonny | Jockey: Liam McKenna | Trainer: A J Martin | Owner: A Shiels, Donal Gavigan & Niall Reilly2nd: Salvador Ziggy | Jockey: Adam Kelly | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: William Hurley & Mrs Aisling Hurley3rd: Mill Green | Jockey: Daryl Jacob | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: Mrs Rita Brown

2.50pm: The Festival Trophy (Ryanair Chase) (Grade One)

1st: Envoi Allen | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore | Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Owner: Cheveley Park Stud2nd: Shishkin | Jockey: Nico de Boinville | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: Mrs J Donnelly3rd: Hitman | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: Mason, Hogarth, Ferguson & Done

3.30pm: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Sire Du Berlais | Jockey: Mark Walsh | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: JP McManus2nd: Teahupoo | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Mrs B Tully & R Lock3rd: Dashel Drasher | Jockey: Rex Dingle | Trainer: Jeremy Scott | Owner: Robcour

4.10: Plate Handicap Chase (Grade Three)

1st: Seddon | Jockey: Ben Harvey | Trainer: John C McConnell | Owner: Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate2nd: Fugitif | Jockey: Sean Bowen | Trainer: Richard Hobson | Owner: Carl Hinchy & Dr Emad Hussain3rd: Shaken Up’Arry | Jockey: Luca Morgan | Trainer: Ben Pauling | Owner: Harry Redknapp

4.50pm: The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two)

1st: You Wear It Well | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan | Trainer: Jamie Snowden | Owner: Sir Chips Keswick2nd: Magical Zoe | Jockey: A P Heskin | Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Owner: Patrick & Scott Bryceland3rd: Halka De Tabert | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Kenneth Alexander

5.30pm: Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (Class Two)

1st: Angels Down | Jockey: Mr P A King | Trainer: S Curling | Owner: Alfred Sweetnam2nd: Stumptown | Jockey: Mr B O’Neill | Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Owner: Furze Bush Syndicate3rd: Mr Incredible | Jockey: Mr P W Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Paul Byrne & J Carthy

Friday 17 March

1.30pm: Triumph Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Lossiemouth | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs S Ricci2nd: Gala Marceau | Jockey: Danny Mullins | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Kenneth Alexander3rd: Zenta | Jockey: Mark Walsh | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: JP McManus

2.10pm: County Handicap Hurdle (Grade Three)

1st: Faivoir | Jockey: Bridget Andrews | Trainer: Dan Skelton | Owner: Mrs Suzanne Lawrence2nd: Pied Piper | Jockey: Davy Russell | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Caldwell Construction Ltd3rd: Filey Boy | Jockey: Mark Walsh | Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Owner: JP McManus

2.50pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st: Stay Away Fay | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: Chris Giles & Dave Staddon2nd: Affordable Fury | Jockey: Sam Ewing | Trainer: Noel Meade | Owner: P L Polly3rd: Sandor Clegane | Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe | Trainer: Paul Nolan | Owner: Mrs K Browne & Mrs Anne Coffey

3.30pm: Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade One)

1st: Galopin Des Champs | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs Audrey Turley2nd: Bravemansgame | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: John Dance & Bryan Drew3rd: Conflated | Jockey: Sam Ewing | Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Owner: Gigginstown House Stud

4.10pm: Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase (Class Two)

1st: Premier Harlem | Jockey: Mr Bradley Gibbs | Trainer: Bradley Gibbs | Owner: Julian Sherriff2nd: Its On The Line | Jockey: Mr Derek O’Connor | Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Owner: Emmet Mullins3rd: Shantou Flyer | Jockey: Olive Nicholls | Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Owner: Worldwide Hospitality Ltd

4.50pm: Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade Two)

1st: Impervious | Jockey: Brian Hayes | Trainer: C A Murphy | Owner: JP McManus2nd: Allegorie De Vassy | Jockey: Paul Townend | Trainer: Willie Mullins | Owner: Mrs S Ricci3rd: Pink Legend | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch | Trainer: Venetia Williams | Owner: Francis Mahon

5.30pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class Two)

1st: Iroko | Jockey: Aidan Kelly | Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Owner: JP McManus2nd: No Ordinary Joe | Jockey: Luca Morgan | Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Owner: JP McManus3rd: Buddy One | Jockey: Jack G Gilligan | Trainer: Paul John Gilligan | Owner: E Lynch, T C Quinn & John J McGrath

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(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

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Trainer Gordon Elliott fined £1,000 in ‘mystery’ Cheltenham Festival contamination case

Lucy Elder — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:08:45 +0000

Trainer Gordon Elliott was fined £1,000 in a “mystery” contamination case involving the horse who finished third in the 2022 Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Zanahiyr, who crossed the line four and a half lengths behind winner Honeysuckle, tested positive for 3-hydroxylidocaine – a metabolite of lidocaine – in a post-race urine sample at last year’s Festival. Mr Elliott opted to have the B-sample tested, which confirmed the finding.

Lidocaine is a prescription-only veterinary medicine, predominately used as a local anaesthetic. It is also available in over the counter products without a prescription for humans. Its use is not banned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), but it cannot be present in a horse’s system on raceday and has a 72-hour detection time.

The case was heard this afternoon (8 February) by the BHA’s independent disciplinary panel, made up of chairman David Fish KC, Lyn Griffiths and Ian Stark.

Mr Elliott accepted the breach and the disqualification, which meant the hearing hinged on culpability in deciding what penalty he should receive. But how the substance came to be in the horse’s system remains a mystery. The BHA claimed that the lack of training for Mr Elliott’s staff on how to prevent contamination meant that he could not be considered to have “low culpability”.

But Rory Mac Neice, representing Mr Elliott, disagreed. He argued that the BHA’s thorough investigation found no trace of lidocaine at Mr Elliott’s yard, and that the drug was not present in any medication taken by the 27 staff involved with the horses at the Festival. He added that the “BHA’s own investigation” found nothing to suggest the cause was linked to anything at Mr Elliott’s yard or his staff at Cheltenham. With that in mind, he argued that as the horse was most likely to have come into contact with lidocaine at Cheltenham stables, that the people the horse may have come into contact with there were outside of Mr Elliott’s control.

Charlotte Davison, who presented the BHA’s case, told the hearing that Mr Elliott “co-operated fully” with the investigation and promptly admitted the breach.

The hearing was told how as part of the BHA’s investigation, officials from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board made an unannounced visit to Mr Elliott’s yard. No traces of lidocaine were found in any of the medicines, records of past treatment, feed or supplements.

Mr Elliott also provided medication records of the 27 people involved in travelling with and caring for his horses at the Cheltenham Festival, and none of these substances contained lidocaine.

“This is what has been termed in the past a ‘mystery case’,” said Miss Davison.

She added that although Mr Elliott submits that he falls within the low culpability range, the BHA disagrees.

“Mr Elliott, the BHA submits, has failed to ensure that any real, let alone sufficient precautions, were in place on his yard – by that we obviously include travelling procedures when racing away – to prevent potential contamination from staff taking medication,” she said.

“During his interview, Mr Elliott described security at Cheltenham as ‘second to none’. And in any event, the rules of racing make it clear that it is Mr Elliott, and Mr Elliott alone, who is responsible for the security of his horses.

“The BHA submits that Mr Elliott has no proper procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination taking place by members of staff taking medication.”

Part of an interview with Mr Elliott was read out, where he was asked about any staff training around preventing cross-contamination. He said staff were regularly spoken to about not urinating in stables “and that sort of stuff”, and added he’ll “have to be tightening up on it”.

Miss Davison added that although this is Mr Elliott’s first breach of anti-doping rules in Britain, he has had a previous case, in Ireland in 2018, in dissimilar circumstances, so she said this case cannot be considered a first offence.

Mr Mac Neice disagreed, pointing out that British rules make no reference to other jurisdictions.

“It is clear from the investigating officer’s report that Mr Elliott and his staff have fully and wholeheartedly cooperated with the BHA,” he said, adding that they were “as anxious to find the cause” as the BHA.

“What emerges from the BHA’s comprehensive investigation is this: the BHA concluded in its own words that there was ‘little to no risk’ of contamination from the feed, supplements or additives stored or used at Mr Elliott’s yard, nor from any medication kept at the yard. In other words, the BHA’s investigation has to all intents and purposes discounted the possibility of any cross-contamination from those sources.”

The hearing heard the horse travelled from Mr Elliott’s yard in Ireland to Cheltenham on 12 March and was stabled there until returning home on 15 March.“There is a significant difference in terms of the horse’s security while in his stable at home at Mr Elliott’s yard and while stabled in any racecourse stables – that isn’t a criticism, it’s a fact,” said Mr Mac Neice.

“When at home, the horse is under the complete control of Mr Elliott in terms of who can come into contact with him. If you or I were to wander into Mr Elliott’s yard in Ireland one afternoon, we would be stopped, asked what we were doing and asked to leave.”

He added that Mr Elliott has no control who enters the racecourse stabling area, adding that this is the “unavoidable nature” of racecourse stabling and during the Festival, it is busy.

“Other horses and humans from unconnected yards and places could entirely innocently come into contact with, or be in very close proximity to, the horse,” he said.

“We say that is the overwhelmingly most likely cause of the adverse finding. Entirely unintentional, accidental, cross-contamination during the period the horse was stabled at the racecourse stables during last year’s Cheltenham Festival.”

Addressing the BHA’s submission that Mr Elliott did not have procedures to prevent contamination in place, Mr Mac Neice pointed out that there is no requirement to do so, and that the BHA also does not require anyone entering racecourse stables to provide lists of medication.

Summing up, Mr Fish said the panel was of the position that Mr Elliott’s culpability “falls into the low category”.

“Balancing the mitigating and aggravating features, the panel takes the view that a fine of £1,000 is appropriate,” he said.

Zanahiyr was disqualified, with prize money returned, and the placings will be amended.

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Fans offered final resting place at Cheltenham racecourse

Lucy Elder — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 19:28:35 +0000

Racing fans can now choose Cheltenham as their final resting place.

The Cheltenham Columbarium Wall will contain the ashes of those who wish to be laid to rest at the home of jump racing.

The wall is a partnership with Spirit of Sport UK, which specialises in installing columbarium walls in famous sporting venues. Cheltenham is the first major British racecourse to be included.

“Dating back to Roman times, a columbarium is a wall made up of individual spaces known as ‘niches’, into which urns are inserted containing the cremated ashes of loved ones,” said a Jockey Club spokesman.

“The niche is closed off with a granite piece bearing the occupant’s name and age and the date of their passing.

“Anyone can reserve their niche before their own death, while the service will also be available to those who already have the ashes of their loved ones safely stored. Niches are offered on a 30-year lease.

“At the end of the lease, ashes will be buried underneath the racecourse. Cheltenham annual members will be handed a priority window of six weeks through to the end of the Festival, before opening it up to the wider racing community.”

A total of 800 niches are available and “offered on a first-come, first-served basis”.

“An inurnment ceremony will take place to insert the urn into its own niche, while an inurnment day – a separate dedicated occasion – will give friends and family the opportunity to visit the Cheltenham Columbarium Wall and raise a glass in their memory,” added the spokesman.

“With a stylish design created specifically for Cheltenham, the wall is situated by the Centaur Bridge at the entrance to the racecourse and provides a resting place which can be visited all year round.”

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(Image credit: The Jockey Club)

Davy Russell: ‘It would be very hard to spoil the Cheltenham Festival’

Davy Russell — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:53:17 +0000

Top jumps jockey Davy Russell on the four-day meeting, new jumps and winning in the USA

The jumps season is really starting to get going and it was marvellous to be back at Cheltenham for their Showcase meeting and to get a winner out of it, too. The rain came at just the right time, which meant the ground was perfect – the whole track was in great condition.

There was good racing over the two days and we were provided with a few hints for the Festival there in March, such as Saturday’s bumper winner, Encanto Bruno, trained in Ireland by John McConnell, and Charles Byrnes’ winning hurdler Shoot First – and even my winner in the novices’ chase, Chemical Energy. All three are likely to have engagements at the Cheltenham Festival, so having been there and seen it all can only be an advantage.

Talking of the Festival, the decision was announced last week that the event would be sticking to its four-day format, rather than extending to five days as had been proposed. The people who make these decisions know what they’re talking about, so if they say four days is best, I’m happy to go with that. But if they said five, or even let’s go back to three, I’d be fine with that, too.

Cheltenham is such a super Festival that stands out on its own and always keeps reinventing itself anyway – there’s always something new going on, but done very naturally. It’s like the fella who can play cricket then turn around and play rugby equally well. It would be very hard to spoil the Cheltenham Festival, it’s just one of those places.

This was the first time that all Cheltenham’s hurdles and fences featured the new white guard rails and take-off boards. I don’t think they’re really necessary and we still have the orange-style jumps in Ireland, but it’s no big deal. Some horses certainly look twice at them, but that can be solved with schooling over them at home.

There were also two pony races on the card on Saturday and the future looks bright judging by some of the performances from the young jockeys in action there.

A winning double in the USA

Before Cheltenham, I was racing in America. Gordon Elliott sent out three runners for the Far Hills race meeting in New Jersey and two of them won and the other was third, so it was a super couple of days and well worth the journey! The Insider was very impressive, winning the juvenile hurdle by 17 lengths, then we also won their champion hurdle with a horse called Ted Hastings, who narrowly beat an American-trained horse.

Jumps racing is very different over there – the ground is usually quite quick, although there was a bit of rain about this year, the style of racing is unique and the jumps are plastic and spongy, a bit bigger than French hurdles. Our horses had a lot to adapt to, but they did so very well, thankfully. The meeting is run similar to a point-to-point in that it’s only set up for the day, with the racecourse only used once a year for this meeting, and the weighing room is a tent.

We try to go over for this meeting at Far Hills as well as Nashville every year and we’ve had some success there before, so it was great to be back.

It’s still early days, but…

The next big meeting in the calendar is the Ladbrokes Festival at Down Royal at the start of November where a few English horses will be entered, so that will be interesting. Then we’re back to Cheltenham, before Fairyhouse, and that’s us in full swing for the season.

It’s still early days, but all the horses from last year seem to have started the process well, with the likes of last year’s star bumper American Mike in great shape, and Cheltenham winner Galvin came out and won at Punchestown recently.

It’s a long season, but it’s all looking really good at the moment – if it keeps raining we’ll all be happy!

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, publication date Thursday 27 October 2022

Kim Bailey: ‘The stuff of legends’ – Paisley Park lit up Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day

Kim Bailey — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:51:52 +0000

Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National-winning jumps trainer Kim Bailey on peak performances, adoring crowds and new weight rules...

PAISLEY PARK lit up Cheltenham when winning the prestigious Cleeve Hurdle at the weekend, but it was not so much the winning that took the mood, but the way in which he did it.

The 10-year-old didn’t seem to fancy being at the races when almost refusing to jump off, leaving the start several lengths behind his illustrious opponents. And it wasn’t until turning into the home straight, when those in front started to tire, you could see the Emma Lavelle-trained gelding thinking, “I could beat this lot.” And so he did, with a great ride from Aidan Coleman.

It really was the stuff of legends and, in years to come, Emma Lavelle will replay Saturday’s race until the tape runs out.

Saturday’s meeting at Cheltenham was billed as Festival Trials Day and Gordon Elliott brought over Pied Piper, an expensive purchase from The Queen, to win the JCB Triumph Trial in a common canter. He certainly has options in all the major hurdle races on the face of that impressive victory.

Less impressive was Chantry House, who struggled to win the Cotswold Chase, or Champ who was second to Paisley Park. But their trainer Nicky Henderson, unlike many, uses the Trials Day for what it is and you will probably see two very different horses return in March. The man is a genius at producing horses cherry ripe for the Cheltenham Festival, not Trials Day.

Saturday was also a golden day for Fergal O’Brien, with Imperial Alcazar bringing up his century of winners for the season, a number that only Donald McCain and Paul Nicholls have hit faster this season.

Racing is a hard business at times, so spare a thought for my former assistant Henry Daly, who went to Cheltenham hoping that his best horse, the unbeaten hurdler Hillcrest, would win the Ballymore Novice Hurdle. But his jockey Richard Patrick was unseated when his horse swerved to avoid a falling jockey. We have all been there, but it is not a good moment.

Shishkin vs Energumene

TALKING of geniuses, we saw two trainers at the top send the two best two-mile chasers, Shishkin and Energumene, to Ascot to produce what was the best race of its type I have watched for 20 years.

Even at the last, you would not have guessed that Shishkin would win as Energumene jumped it three lengths clear, but he did. The reception all the runners in the race received from the adoring crowd when they returned to the unsaddling area was hair-raising. I was just so proud to have been involved with our own glory boy First Flow, who won last year’s race and was third this time, running by far the best race of his life.

It was good to see the ever-youthful Michael Dickinson over from the USA for Trials Day – not his usual trip, as he is always here for the Festival, but Michael was here to say goodbye to one of his favourite owners in Jane Lane.

Jane, who owned the chaser The Mighty Mac, sadly died a couple of weeks ago. She adored Michael and he always stayed with her for the Festival week.

A weighty controversy

THERE has been a great deal of controversy over the new British Horseracing Authority weight rules for Flat and jump jockeys. The new 2lb weight rise comes into force in April because of the banning of racecourse saunas and it has not gone down well with either codes of jockeys.

During the pandemic, jockeys were allowed a 3lb extra weight allowance when saunas were banned and they feel that being taken away and replaced with a 2lb minimum weight rise is not the answer.

My stable jockey David Bass described the change this way: “Weights go up 2lb and we get 3lb equipment allowance. This looks like the difference from now is only 1lb, but the weight going up 2lb in the racecard is irrelevant in a handicap.

“Yes, the minimum weight in the racecard is 10st 2lb but I could get asked to ride a horse with 10st 5lb in the card and I still have to get down 2lb below that. So if I am trying to get down to 10st 3lb, I will have to use short-term weight loss methods when with the current system I’m getting down to 10st 6lb, which is comfortable, without changing my routine.”

On that confusing note, I’ll leave you for another week or so. Hopefully spring is in the air at least.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 3 February

Cheltenham to turn yellow for launch of Tiggy’s Trust in young rider’s memory

Lucy Elder — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:05:02 +0000

Tiggy’s Trust, the charitable foundation launched in memory of young rider Tiggy Hancock, will launch in a “sea of yellow” at Cheltenham’s International meeting (10 December).

Rising eventing star Tiggy died in a riding accident in June aged 15. The trust was formed in her memory by her family this summer.

Funds raised will help young people reach mental health support, through recognised organisations, and provide training and education to help aspiring equestrians achieve their goals. It will have particular emphasis on individuals who do not currently have access to these services.

“We are delighted to be welcomed to Cheltenham racecourse to launch Tiggy’s Trust in memory of our beloved daughter and sister,” said Tiggy’s family in a statement.

“Tiggy touched the lives of so many in her short life – her golden heart, infectious fun personality and cheeky smile was extended to all who knew her.

“Despite her young age she had the capacity to reach out and offer positivity to those around her, both young and old, and through the trust we hope to continue that legacy.”

The launch takes place on the first of the two-day meeting and will include The Tiggy’s Trust Novices’ Steeple Chase at 12.40pm.There will also be a fundraising effort, including a champagne lunch and a “yellow ribbon” tent, where friends and the wider equestrian community will come together to celebrate her life.

Leading names are listed to attend, including 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett and multiple Irish champion jockey Ruby Walsh. The day will culminate with a band singing some of Tiggy’s favourite songs.

A proportion of the funds raised on the day will also go to the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Pony Racing Authority, two organisations close to Tiggy’s family’s heart and ethos.

Ian Renton, regional managing director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said the organisation is “honoured and delighted” to welcome Tiggy’s family and friends to Cheltenham.

“[We] will do everything we can to support the launch of this wonderful new trust in her memory,” he said.

Two auctions form part of the launch’s fundraising effort – an online auction will open on 1 December and close on 10 December; plus a live auction on the day consisting of “money can’t buy” items, conducted by Tattersalls’ auctioneer Alastair Pim.

“With the support of Tiggy’s Trust we will be able to help young equestrians to cope with the pressures they face and help them achieve the same high standards of sportsmanship and positivity that Tiggy lived by,” said Pony Racing Authority chief executive, Clarissa Daly.

Lisa Hancock, chief executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, added that the charity feels “very privileged” to play a small part and hopes it can support Tiggy’s Trust as it launches.

“We know that involvement with horses and ponies at a young age can foster a life-long passion and increasing the support available and improving accessibility is so important to us,” she said.

A limited number of tables, tickets and flight packages are still available. For information, visit: https://tiggystrust.com/#cheltenham

‘Nothing like that has ever happened to me before’: bizarre incident leads to shock race result

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:02:58 +0000

Some people couldn’t believe their eyes at the November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse on 12 November, when a two-horse race came to a dramatic end. Find out about the Rachael Blackmore Cheltenham fall that wasn’t technically a fall – a bizarre incident that occurred with two horses but one went on to win.

Odds-on favourite, My Drogo, who was ridden by Harry Skelton and is trained by Harry’s brother Dan, went head-to-head with Gin On Lime, a Henry de Bromhead-trained mare, ridden by Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, in the SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase.

My Drogo, who is a six-year-old owned by Mr and Mrs Kelvin-Hughes, was the eye-catcher through the race, taking a lead from Gin On Lime, a six-year-old owned by Robcour, until just after the third last fence, when Harry picked up the lead and went for home.

But then a bizarre incident ensued when both horses jumped the second last and buckled on landing. Their falls were completely independent from each other, but almost identical.

Harry Skelton stood very little chance of staying on board My Drogo and both were none the worse for wear for their tumble. However, Gin On Lime remained central underneath Rachael and the mare scrambled back to her feet. As the soles of Rachael’s feet didn’t touch the ground, the incident wasn’t deemed to be a fall and after Rachael quickly assessed whether Gin On Lime was ok, the pair continued the race and jumped the final fence to win.

Rachael said to Racing TV after the race: “Nothing like that has ever happened to me before and it was an incredible how the race worked out – she’s just such an honest mare to get up and to gallop over the line. She was happy to go forward when I asked her and so it didn’t cross my mind to pull her up.”

Dan Skelton was very philosophical while also talking about the incident to Racing TV.

“My Drogo jumped the fence fine and then knuckled on landing and slid. I was delighted with him the whole way round and he would have won, but at least he is alright,” he explained. “I’m totally relaxed about it and the incident doesn’t mean he is any less of a horse. Fair play to Rachael for staying on – that’s racing for you.”

Both horses were reported unhurt after the race.

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Veteran celebrates 100th birthday at Cheltenham racecourse: ‘My regiment was stationed here during the war – I was training people on this very spot on my 18th!’

Lucy Elder — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:33:13 +0000

A World War II veteran returned to Cheltenham racecourse to enjoy “a wonderful day” as a guest of honour to celebrate his 100th birthday – 82 years after he was stationed at Prestbury Park as a soldier.

Lionel Jordan joined Barry Geraghty to choose the best turned out in the 888Sport Handicap Chase on the eve of his 100th birthday, at day two of the Showcase meeting (23 October).

Lionel, who served with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, recalled both “many happy” and “many tough” days based at the racecourse, including sleeping in the stables when the unit first arrived.

“I was a member of B, which was a cavalry regiment. We’ve got a long history of horses and fought many wars with horses, but of course now they’re rather mechanised! The interest is still very much there though and horses are very much in my blood,” he said.

“My father brought me here when I was quite a young lad and I’ve been keen on racing ever since. My regiment was stationed here during the war and 82 years ago on Sunday (24 October) I was actually training people here on this very spot on my 18th birthday! At that time the war was on and I was an instructor and it’s fitting that I should be here today on another birthday.”

He added that his hearing was damaged during the war and that apart from his knees, he is “relatively fit – certainly mentally!”.

“I’ve had many happy days at this place and many tough days as well. It was very tough during the war; when we were first stationed here, they had to move the horses out of the stables and we had to use them ourselves as sleeping accommodation,” he said. “They were essentially sheds and it was very draughty, to be honest.”

“The town and the racecourse have changed beyond recognition since then. I have so many memories of great horses and people, I can certainly remember Dorothy Paget and I can remember Arkle – he was such a lovely horse and I’ve seen so many nice horses and talented jockeys.”

The Ian Williams-trained 11-year-old gelding Solar Impulse was given the nod by Lionel as best turned out.

Barry, who rode 43 winners at the Cheltenham Festival before his retirement in March 2020, expressed his pleasure at meeting Lionel before the race.

“It’s amazing to have people like Lionel still following racing. I heard him earlier talking about the war and there’s not many who can say that in this time,” he said.

“The fact he still has the interest is brilliant and he’s still so fresh in body and in mind – it was a pleasure to choose the best turned out horse with him.”

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Kim Bailey on the new National Hunt season: ‘Champions will be crowned, hearts will be broken’

Kim Bailey — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:42:15 +0000

Kim Bailey welcomes the return of crowds to the home of jump racing and champions a brilliant initiative

IT was so great to be back at Cheltenham last weekend. The home of jump racing opened its doors to the public for the first time in 18 months showcasing good racing in front of enthusiastic, race loving crowds. Our runner did not disappoint, Does He Know returned to Cheltenham after winning two hurdle races there last season, this time over fences; he put up a stellar performance for the Yes He Does syndicate, who were able to attend and celebrate his success.

Jump racing has certainly held its appeal after a year without crowds, the excitement of being back at Cheltenham was huge, the atmosphere throughout the course was electric and it really brought the adrenaline back into racing.

Promoting our sport

THE racing industry has been coming together to promote our much-loved sport. This summer we opened our doors for National Racehorse Week, a brilliant initiative which enabled us to welcome people behind the scenes to see first-hand the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them. In an experience like no other, 132 racing training yards up and down the country opened their doors in September 2021 to showcase the fantastic lives that these magnificent animals lead.

This was followed by a celebration of Racing Staff Week, which turned the spotlight onto our hard-working team, highlighting the roles across the industry that often go unseen.

Like every National Hunt racing stable, we are so excited about the future. Last season’s champions will have to improve, future stars will emerge, and I just hope that we have the odd one that we will be able to make the limelight.

The highs and lows of last season saw a welcomed Grade One winner for us with First Flow’s win at Ascot – he again should have a good winter if the rain keeps coming as he loves the mud. Espoir De Romay was probably the unluckiest loser, so close to a second Grade One victory when he landed too steeply and fell two from home at Aintree. To try to make sure we don’t have the same fate this season, we have had Olympic eventer Laura Collett in for some schooling lessons; fingers crossed he has learnt a great deal from this champion rider.

We will welcome back last season’s champions, both four and two legged. Rachael Blackmore stole the hearts and minds of every race goer last winter and she did more for the sport that we can ever believe. She is such an amazing ambassador for the sport of jump racing and a worthy champion after all those huge wins at Cheltenham and Aintree which obviously included the Grand National. Last winter was all about the Irish winning all the big races and time will tell if that is repeated this season. It will be hard to beat them, but I have a feeling we will do far better this year.

So we embark on a winter of jump racing and all it will give us, champions will be crowned, hearts will be broken but it will be great to be back on the racecourse to experience the thrill.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 28 October

‘Tea with a pony’ sessions have power to help those with dementia

Becky Murray — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:03:36 +0000

A Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group that launched afternoon tea with ponies for people living with dementia are rolling out the programme UK-wide after seeing the “power” of the moving sessions.

Cotswold RDA launched the Tea with a Pony sessions in 2018 and had delivered almost 400 sessions before the pandemic. The sessions involve residents from care homes or individuals, who are living with dementia, attending the centre’s base at Cheltenham racecourse with family members to enjoy tea and cake with some of the charity’s ponies, while watching a riding lesson and spending time in the group’s sensory walk.

Claire Jenkins, Cotswold RDA general manager, told H&H the sessions have been a way to give family members an opportunity to share special memories with their loved ones.

“The very first session took place while a childrens’ group lesson was taking place so the care home residents and the children were waving to each other and you had that intergenerational activity, they really connected,” she said.

“The stories that have come from these sessions have been incredible, we had one resident whose father and grandfather had raced at Cheltenham as amateur jockeys; the resident went straight back to the excitement of that day. It’s using that pony connection – it’s so sensory; it’s the smell, the touch, the leather, all of it.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Claire said she had been moved to tears many times from some of the stories and memories that have come out of the sessions.

“We had a 103-year-old who had lived in London during World War II. After meeting the pony she started sharing stories from her childhood about living through the Blitz, having to relocate to Gloucestershire and meeting ponies for the first time,” she said.

“Dementia for family members is so hard. Someone described dementia to me as, ‘it’s like a rhino hitting a bookcase – all of your experiences are on that bookcase and sometimes things fall off so you lose that memory’, but because ponies are so deeply entrenched it gives the opportunity to reach that person. That’s the power of it.”

Claire added research has been conducted by Hartpury University to measure the impacts of the sessions and a working party that has been formed by RDA UK to roll out the Tea with a Pony to other RDA groups this summer.

“We are preparing a guide that will be ready in April based on our experience and hopefully it will help other RDA groups round the country to learn from our experience and start it. We are very hopeful that a lot of RDA groups will pick this up. It doesn’t have to be with dementia, it could be translated for other disabilities as we come out of Covid,” she said.

“I believe very strongly that RDA has an opportunity to support so many people. I know from my riders, some who have been shielding, they’re nervous about going back out into the world after Covid, and this is an opportunity for people to spend time outside with a pony, with a cup of tea and a piece of cake. It’s a very gentle way of getting back out into the community.”

Claire said it had been a “privilege” to facilitate the sessions and added the group could not offer what it does if it without the support of Cheltenham racecourse, where the group has been based for more than 40 years.

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(Image credit: Cotswold RDA)

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“Cheltenham racecourse is incredible,” she said. “We are gutted the Festival is behind closed doors because the racecourse allows us to have bucket collections on Gold Cup day, and also New Year’s Day, these days can generate close to £20,000 for us. Racegoers really support RDA, they recognise it is a different way to use horses and are incredibly generous.

“The Cheltenham team also fix things for us and support us so well. We work with 225 disabled adults and children, with more than 200 volunteers, and without the support of the racecourse we couldn’t afford to do what we do.”

For more information on the sessions email Claire at claire@cotswoldrda.org.uk or Lucy Stoke, RDA UK, at lstokes@rda.org.uk.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Get the inside scoop: three virtual Cheltenham Festival preview nights not to be missed

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:24:52 +0000

What’s the perfect aperitif to the Cheltenham Festival itself? A virtual Cheltenham Festival preview night, of course!

In any normal year, pubs and racecourses up and down the country would be hosting various preview nights ahead of the four-day meeting at Cheltenham, but of course things are slightly different this year. Despite only just a handful running this time around, the good news is that they’re all virtual which means you’re all invited — and you don’t have to worry about getting home at the end of the evening.

These events always offer some great insight as the excitement builds towards the Cheltenham Festival and, with a wealth of knowledge appearing on your laptop or mobile, you could come away armed with some great tips and ones to watch so make sure you register for one of these…

Cheltenham Festival preview evenings

WHAT: The official Cheltenham Festival 2021 Preview Evening

WHEN: Sunday 14 March at 8pm

WHO: join host Alice Plunkett, who will be joined by three previous Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockeys in Sir Anthony McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Festival ambassador Barry Geraghty as they share their top tips and ones to watch at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The topics of the night will include all the big races and there will also be some other special guests discussing Festival races throughout the evening.

HOW TO JOIN: you can watch live on Cheltenham’s website or via the racecourse’s Facebook or Youtube channel on the night.

WHAT: Arena Racing Company and Coral’s virtual Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening in aid of Prostate Cancer UK

WHEN: Friday 12 March at 7pm

WHO: host Simon Clare, PR Director of the Gala Coral Group, will chair a panel that will consist of some of the top names in the horse racing industry including Davy Russell, Evan Williams, Brian Hughes, Dan Skelton and special guests who will be dialling in for a unique video call. They will run through the runners and riders set to compete at The Cheltenham Festival.

HOW TO JOIN: the virtual preview night will be streamed across Arena Racing Company’s 16 racecourse websites (including Doncaster, Lingfield Park, Uttoxeter and Chepstow). Although completely free to view, viewers are being encouraged to make a donation to Prostate Cancer UK. ARC and Coral will match fund donations from racing fans, with text-to-donate details available throughout the event.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Future)

WHAT: Betfair Cheltenham Preview Night — an evening with Paul Nicholls

WHEN: Tuesday 9 March at 8pm (the first of three preview nights with the others running on Thursday 11 March and Friday 12 March)

WHO: Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls and his assistant trainer Harry Derham will discuss their plans for Cheltenham with Dave Orton of the Racing Post.

HOW TO JOIN: all three events will be live streamed across Betfair’s social channels and on Betting.Betfair.com

The Cheltenham Festival runs from 16-19 March 2021.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Cheltenham Festival’s history – how the prestigious meeting came to be

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:54:10 +0000

Each March, most of the world’s best National Hunt horses gather at Cheltenham Racecourse to line-up and take their place at the historic Cheltenham Festival.

But where does this jewel in the racing calendar crown originate? Read on to find out…

Cheltenham Festival history

W A Baring Bingham purchased the Prestbury Park area where the racecourse sits, in 1881, with the intention of turning it into a stud farm, before realising there was an appetite for horseracing in the area.

As a result, he decided to host a race meeting in 1898 — it proved popular enough to host more racing there the following year, and it continued to grow in popularity until, in 1902, it played host to a National Hunt Festival in mid-April. Two years later and the National Hunt Chase was moved to Prestbury Park for successive years, having first run at Market Harborough in 1860, and in 1911 Cheltenham Racecourse became the race’s permanent home.

The 1911 running of this fixture was classed as the first Cheltenham Festival as we think of it today.

In 1908, Frederick Cathcart became Chairman of Cheltenham Racecourse and his appointment proved influential in the decision to move the Chase to the venue from 1911. Cathcart was a senior partner at the racecourse management company Messrs Pratt & Co, which had been appointed to help in the development of Cheltenham as a national racecourse, and it was under his guidance that the venue saw a number of important races arrive.

One of those was the Gold Cup, which Cathcart introduced to the venue in 1924, following it up quickly with the Champion Hurdle three years later. Described as ‘indefatigable’ after his death, the Cathcart Challenge Cup was named in his honour before it was later replaced in the Festival schedule by the Ryanair Chase.

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(Image credit: Helen Revington & Stephen Sparkes)

Former Cheltenham chairman and royal master of horse Lord Vestey dies aged 79

Sarah Radford — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:59:59 +0000

Racehorse owner and former chairman of Cheltenham racecourse Lord Vestey has died at the age of 79.

Lord Vestey held the position of master of the horse for the royal household from 1999 to 2018 and was a close personal friend of both The Queen and the Prince of Wales.

He was at the helm at Cheltenham from 1990 until 2011 and under his guidance the Cheltenham Festival grew from a three-day meet to a four-day highlight of the racing calendar.

Ian Renton, regional managing director for Jockey Club Racecourses which runs Cheltenham, said: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of friend and former Cheltenham chairman, Lord Vestey.

“He was a true gentleman and genuinely lovely man who did so much for our sport, and played a huge role in creating the Cheltenham racecourse that we know today. He will be sorely missed by us all at the Jockey Club and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

On the track, one of Lord Vestey’s most memorable successes came with Karhshi, whom he also bred, in the 1997 Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival. He was one of a few owners to have both owned and bred winners at Cheltenham and Newmarket.

Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe trained Karshi on the flat and also saddled Vestey’s winners Radwell, Unblest and Macadamia, who won at Royal Ascot and Newmarket.

“He was a great supporter throughout and was one of three remaining owners who were with me since I started training,” James said.

“As a person he set very high standards and during his chairmanship at Cheltenham, alongside Edward Gillespie, he achieved some amazing things — but his impact wasn’t just what he achieved with the racecourse itself, he was a real hands-on chairman who was familiar with all the ground staff and the gatemen. Everything he did was meticulous and with concern for everyone involved.”

“When he came to the yard he was brilliant with the people working there, he knew all their names and was interested in what they were doing,” he added.

“He was an owner who got a lot of enjoyment out of racing but also put a lot back in. He was a great team with Lady Vestey and we will really miss them.”

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Lord Vestey’s death comes soon after that of his wife Celia, who died suddenly last November at the age of 71. Lady Vestey also had a long association with racing both as an owner and as the younger sister of retired trainer Henriett Knight.

The Vesteys were also keen eventing supporters, hosting a British Eventing horse trials for several years at their home Stowell Park in Gloucestershire.

Born Samuel George Armstrong Vestey on 19 March, 1941, he became the third Baron Vestey on the death of his grandfather in 1954. His father the Captain Hon William Howarth Vestey had been killed in action in 1944 during the Second World War.

He took over as chairman of the family-run multi-national corporation Vestey Holdings, which has interests in the food and farming industry, in 1995.

Lord Vestey leaves five children, Saffron and Flora from his marriage to his first wife Kathryn Eccles and William, Arthur and Mary from his marriage to Celia, as well as grandchildren.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

When dreams come true and 10 other stunning other shots from an action-packed Cheltenham last weekend

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:24:09 +0000

Crowds recently returned to the home of jumps racing for the first time at Cheltenham (11-12 December) since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, and what a couple of days of action it was.

Here are some great shots, taken by Bill Selwyn, which capture runners and riders in full flight, peppered with some winners for good measure…

Fusil Raffles (left, in green colours) and Daryl Jacob on their way to winning the Jockey Club Cheltenham And SW Syndicate Novices’ Chase for trainer Nicky Henderson and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Song For Someone and Aidan Coleman walk back in after their win in the Grade 2 Unibet International Hurdle — which they clinched by just a nose over Silver Streak — for owners Sir Peter and Lady Gibbings and trainer Tom Symonds. Song For Someone is on something of a roll and an exciting prospect for his connections, as this marked his third consectutive win and third consecutive Grade 2 victory too.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Irish raiders Chatham Street Lad and up-and-coming Darragh O’Keeffe fly the last to win the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at 16/1 for trainer Michael Winters (who said he would “roll around in the mud” if his horse won — and then duly did!) and the Healymacs Pubs Syndicate.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Runners and riders cross the bank in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase. Some Neck, (the grey, jockey with red cap) was the eventual winner for Irish connections. The 18/1 shot, owned by the Some Neck Partnership, was ridden by 7lb claimer Ben Harvey, who enjoys plenty of hunting at home in Ireland, said it was a “dream” to win the race aboard the John C McConnell-trained grey.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Madiera Mist jumps the last en-route to providing jockey Alan Johns with his first Cheltenham winner. Owned by Paul and Louise Bowtell, the six-year-old Stowaway mare romped home in the CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Mares’ Handicap Chase for trainer Tim Vaughan. There were smiles all-round (well, underneath face masks, see second picture below) on returning to the winners’ enclosure.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Storm Control jumped like a bunny under Richard Patrick on his way to winning the Grade 3 Unibet Handicap Chase for trainer Kerry Lee and owner Will Roseff.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Continued below…

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Come On Teddy and Sam Twiston Davies (centre) fly away from the back of the last in the Citipost Handicap Hurdle to win for the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate and trainer Tom George.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mister Fisher (right) jumps two out under Nico De Boinville en-route to winning the Fitzdares Peterborough Chase, which was rescheduled from the abandoned Huntingdon meeting the week previously. The eye-catching son of Jeremy clinched victory for trainer Nicky Henderson and owners James and Jean Potter.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Breffniboy and Tom Buckley (far right) win the Catesby Handicap Hurdle for trainer Johnny Farrelly and owner F A Clegg in front of the socially-distanced Cheltenham crowd.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Adagio and Tom Scudamore (left) at the last in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. The son of Wiener Walzer won for trainer David Pipe and owners Professor C Tisdall, Bryan Drew and friends. This victory meant that Tom Scudamore moved above Noel Fehily to ninth on the list of most successful National Hunt riders.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Are you ready for the roar? Watch what it is like at the Cheltenham Festival for a jockey

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:24:25 +0000

Today is the day that we will get to hear that famous first day Cheltenham Festival roar (10-13 March).

But what is it like for the people in the thick of the action, away from the crowds and television cameras? To find out, Betway ambassador and three-time Festival winner, Katie Walsh, takes racing broadcaster Nick Luck on a guided tour of the spots the public don’t get to see. From the weighing room to the winners’ enclosure, this is what really goes on behind the scenes for the jockeys competing in the ‘greatest show on turf’.

Katie rode a number of winners during her career as a jockey. She was third in the 2012 Grand National aboard Seabass and won the 2015 Irish National riding Thunder And Roses. She rode three winners at the Cheltenham Festival, the last coming shortly before her retirement in 2018.

“As soon as you see the Cheltenham sign, you start to get a feeling like no other. To be able to walk in those front front doors as a jockey, with your bag over your back and your saddle under your arm, it’s just a great place to be — you feel very lucky,” says Katie, sister of Ruby Walsh.

Talking about walking back into the winners’ enclosure, Katie says: “Those gates open up and you come in, and you feel like you’re on stage. This is it, this is when the roar happens and that is your moment.”

Article continues below…

All in a day’s work: Cheltenham racecourse doctor Lee Humphreys H&H Plus

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 15:00:55 +0000

Lee Humphreys on dealing with tough and wary jockeys and vaulting in a bowler hat on TV

My “day job” is as a consultant surgeon based in Plymouth, where I primarily work on bariatrics, or weight-loss surgery. I also do emergency surgery in the trauma unit.

I started out as a junior doctor in Cheltenham, where the racecourse’s senior doctor, Sue Smith, was a consultant in intensive care. She would often take one of us junior doctors up to the racecourse for the day to experience how things were done there. I went on to become a doctor at the racecourse in 2005.

My background is not horsey, so I have found my work at Cheltenham fascinating — I’ve learnt a lot about horses and their unpredictable nature. I enjoy working in a big team of medics, but the role is very different to anything else I have done. I used to work across six racecourses but now solely focus on Cheltenham.

At my first Festival, back when doctors still had to wear bowler hats, I got a bit carried away when someone fell just after the final fence and I vaulted the rail. The incident was caught on camera and broadcast on TV and the big screens. I got a lot of stick for that.

On a raceday, there are three of us who can act as the senior doctor. If that is me, I arrive as soon as the gates open and go straight to the medical room, where I’ll have a meeting with the medical coordinator, Tony Twiggs. Then I go through the racecard and each race individually, deciding where each doctor will be positioned for the day.

On “small” racedays, we have four doctors, while on “premium” days we will have five doctors on the course. We then rotate our positions throughout the day. There will always be a doctor by the final fence and three doctors mobile in vehicles — with another based in the medical room, along with two nurses and a physiotherapist. One hour before first race, I will brief the whole medical team, which is standard procedure on raceday.

British Horseracing Authority rules state that a faller must be attended to within a minute. Cheltenham is a large, complex racecourse and during the Festival there will be four ambulances just for the jockeys. There will also be two doctors, a team from St John Ambulance and two ambulances for the 70,000-plus crowd and racecourse staff.

Looking after professional sportspeople is very different to treating the general public. I have learnt to understand a jockey’s mentality — most of the time they are not too pleased to see you! Jockeys can be rude when injured and you learn not to take it personally. They can be wary of doctors. After all, if I step them down from riding it can affect their livelihood.

The language they direct at you can be colourful, but you get to know the jockeys over the years and they do begin to trust you. You learn how best to communicate with each jockey. They are some of the toughest athletes out there and don’t like to let on that they are in pain — if they say something hurts, you know they must really mean it.

It’s a hugely rewarding but challenging role. I’m proud to be part of a big team, who play a vital part in offering high-quality care to jockeys during a great sporting spectacle. The trauma I see in racing is unique. The principles are the same but the environment, and being on a racecourse, is very different to anything else you can experience. Common injuries include broken collarbones and wrists, soft-tissue injuries and concussion, while others can be more life-threatening.

I enjoy photography as a hobby. I began taking landscape pictures, before snapping away at the races — mostly of people working behind the scenes. Then I created a book of my pictures and displayed the images at Cheltenham in November in aid of Racing Welfare. I love the backstories of people working at the racecourse — it’s a part of the day that spectators don’t get to see. I will usually have a camera on me during racedays. I am interested in people and I love capturing the different characters at the races, from the ground staff to the valets.

Ref Horse & Hound; 5 March 2020

What will the weather be like for the 2020 Cheltenham Festival?

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 08:24:56 +0000

Getting our head around the weather forecast for this week’s Cheltenham Festival (10-13 March) might not be quite as important for us as it is for the trainers and jockeys responsible for trying to get their horses to pass the finish line first, but as you’ll be spending most of your time in the great outdoors, soaking up the amazing Festival atmosphere, knowing whether it’s going to rain or shine is necessary (and to know how many layers to put on too). So here’s a summary of what you can expect…

Tuesday 10 March — Champion day

11am

Weather: thick cloud and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 13°C

Chance of rain: 18%

Wind speed: 18mph

1pm

Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 14°C

Chance of rain: 10%

Wind speed: 18mph

4pm

Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 13°C

Chance of rain: 8%

Wind speed: 17mph

Wednesday 11 March: Ladies’ day

11am

Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 11°C

Chance of rain: 4%

Wind speed: 15mph

1pm

Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 11°C

Chance of rain: 5%

Wind speed: 16mph

4pm

Weather: sunny intervals and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 11°C

Chance of rain: 6%

Wind speed: 15mph

Thursday 12 March: St. Patrick’s Thursday

11am

Weather: sunny intervals and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 8°C

Chance of rain: 16%

Wind speed: 17mph

1pm

Weather: light rain showers and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 9°C

Chance of rain: 15%

Wind speed: 17mph

4pm

Weather: light rain showers and a moderate breeze

Temperature: 9°C

Chance of rain: 15%

Wind speed: 17mph

Continued below…

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Friday 13 March: Gold Cup day

11am

Weather: sunny intervals and a gentle breeze

Temperature: 9°C

Chance of rain: 5%

Wind speed: 12mph

1pm

Weather: sunny intervals and a gentle breeze

Temperature: 10°C

Chance of rain: 7%

Wind speed: 12mph

4pm

Weather: sunny intervals and a gentle breeze

Temperature: 9°C

Chance of rain: 7%

Wind speed: 10mph

Weather data from BBC weather. Information correct at the time of publication.

Don’t miss our Cheltenham Festival preview in 5 March issue, and read our full report from the big meeting in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday, 19 March.

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Racecourse medical officer to ‘tell story of small army who work behind the scenes’ in pictures

Lucy Elder — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 07:29:18 +0000

Photos taken by Cheltenham’s chief medical officer will give the racegoers a peek into life behind the scenes at the racecourse.

Lee Humphreys, a surgeon at Derriford Hospital, has been caring for jockeys on racedays for more than 10 years at the course.

An exhibition of his work, showing the “small army” who make racedays happen at Cheltenham, will go on display at next week’s November meeting (15 to 17 November).

“Over the past 14 seasons at Cheltenham I have had the pleasure of working with some fascinating people who go largely unnoticed by the public,” said Mr Humphreys.

“I wanted to combine my love of photography and my ability to ‘access all areas’ to tell the story of the small army that work behind the scenes to help make the racing at Cheltenham the best in the world.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The photos were taken across the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons and donations will be taken in aid of Racing Welfare.

“None of these images are posed and nearly all have been taken while performing my medical duties, they are snapshots in time as seen from my perspective,” he said.

“I want to thank Racing Welfare and Cheltenham racecourse for giving me the opportunity to indulge my passion, but I also want to thank the many people I have photographed as part of this project for providing me with such a wealth of material. I hope I have done you all justice. If I haven’t, you know where to find me!”

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(Image credit: Lee Humphreys)

Dressage for AP McCoy while Big Star and Valegro join parade of heroes at Cheltenham

(Image credit: Lee Humphreys)

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Racing Welfare’s chief executive, Dawn Goodfellow, thanked Mr Humphreys and Cheltenham for their support.

“Lee has produced a wonderful collection of photos which depict so many of the people who are involved in delivering racing at Cheltenham over the course of a season,”she said.

“He has captured everyone involved so beautifully and we hope that the exhibition gives an insight into all of the very many people who come together to make racing happy at every meeting.

“Although focused on Cheltenham, the pictures mirror racecourse teams around the country, all of whom who work incredibly hard to bring racing to the public every year.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Cheltenham to Aintree fundraiser in memory of talented young rider

Lucy Elder — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 06:03:13 +0000

A team of cyclists will undertake the 150-mile journey from Cheltenham to Aintree to raise money to fund mental health support training in memory of a talented young rider.

Tim Jones was 17 years old when he took his own life earlier this year. The teenager held his amateur jockey licence and worked for trainer Micky Hammond. He also competed in eventing, including riding at Badminton’s Mitsubishi Motors Cup championships earlier this year.

His father, Simon, launched an appeal to raise money for Racing Welfare to spend on training those working in the industry in mental health first aid (news, 26 September).

Mental Health First Aid England’s training gives people practical skills, knowledge and confidence to help them spot signs of mental ill health in those around them and to offer support as a first point of contact.

“The response to our campaign, launched in memory of Tim has been overwhelming,” said Mr Jones.

“With the money raised, we now start the job of delivering the training that will help us realise our initial ambition of a trained mental health first aider in each yard.

“It is wonderful that our generous donors can now see how their money is being used and how the welfare of our racing colleagues is being supported.”

Mr Jones is part of the team taking on the sponsored bike ride include will pedal from Cheltenham racecourse in Gloucestershire to Aintree racecourse in Merseyside on 2 April, the first day of the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival.

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The Liverpool venue will also host a fundraising event in Tim’s memory on the day, where a painting of the young rider will be auctioned.

The painting (pictured top), by artist Diane Marshall, is of Tim riding on Middleham’s gallops through the snow and was presented to Mr Jones on Saturday (19 October) at Market Rasen.

Around £15,000 has already been raised in Tim’s memory and some of this money has already gone towards running a training course by Mental Health First Aid England for racing staff in Middleham.

For more information, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/s-jones38

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Dressage for AP McCoy while Big Star and Valegro join parade of heroes at Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 10:02:55 +0000

Big Star, Valegro and Chilli Morning are set to make guest appearances at Cheltenham’s Countryside Day next month (15 November).

Sir AP McCoy will also be trying his hand at dressage in a lesson with London 2012 Olympic team gold and individual bronze medallist Laura Tomlinson.

The day is a fundraiser for the Countryside Alliance and also this year for Equestrian Team GBR, to raise money towards the expenses of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“I am very excited about giving AP a lesson on one of our homebred grand prix horses,” said Laura. “It should be very entertaining seeing how he handles a very different type of power to what he is used to!”

The demonstration will take place at 11.45am in the parade ring, ahead of the racing.

This is not Sir AP’s first foray into dressage at Cheltenham — in 2015, the 20-time champion jockey returned to the paddock for a lesson aboard Barolo with Charlotte Dujardin.

“I don’t think AP has cantered this slowly in his life before,” said Yogi Breisner at the time.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

AP McCoy turns his hand to dressage at Cheltenham

AP McCoy performed a dressage demo with Charlotte Dujardin at Cheltenham

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Big Star back in the ring — with John Whitaker on board

I‘ thought I could show them all how it’s done!’

Multiple Olympic gold medal-winners Big Star and Valegro and 2015 Badminton victor Chilli Morning will be parading for fans.

They will be joined by dual Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, one of the most successful and much-loved chasers of recent years, who completes the quartet of retired equine sporting heroes.

A silent auction, which will start on 26 October and run until 15 November, is expected to be one of the main fundraisers. This will include money can’t buy lots, donated by top British riders.

Gates open at 10.40am and racing starts at 12.30pm.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Racing superstar returns to Cheltenham for first time in eight years

Lucy Elder — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:35:58 +0000

Master Minded and Cue Card are among the former National Hunt stars heading a glittering line-up of crowd favourites at Cheltenham Festival’s Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade.

Lord Windermere, Balthazar King, Annacotty and Saphir Du Rheu are also among the 12 who will parade at 12.30pm on the first day of the Festival (12 March).

The dozen horses taking part have won a combined total of 29 Grade One races and more than £6 million in prize money.

RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot said they are “very much” looking forward to the parade.

“Due to the outbreak of equine influenza, it has not been straightforward organising this year’s parade and we are grateful to all those who have made it possible, in particular, the owners and riders of the horses involved,” said Ms Arbuthnot.

“It is fantastic to have horses of the calibre of Master Minded and Cue Card parading and promoting the work of RoR.

“Special thanks also to the Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust for its generous and on-going support of the RoR parades.”

Master Minded (pictured, top), dual winner of the 2008 and 2009 Queen Mother Champion Chase, will be making his first appearance on a racecourse in more than seven years and the first time he has been to Cheltenham since 2011.

The 16-year-old was retired from racing after sustaining a life-threatening injury in the 2011 King George VI at Kempton. He struck into himself, causing serious tendon damage, and was cared for at Newmarket Equine Hospital.

Equine nurse, Sophie Haylock, was one of the team caring for him and took on the responsibility of looking after and retraining him in 2013. The pair now enjoy competing in local shows and dressage competitions.

“He is a wonderful horse to be around and definitely has an aura about him,” said Sophie.

“The injuries he had were very serious and on leaving hospital we kept him to a carefully devised rehabilitation programme.

“He is now enjoying a very happy retirement. I am so grateful to Clive Smith for giving me the opportunity to have ‘Ems’ (Master Minded) at home. Clive keeps in touch and often comes to visit him. I think it is fair to say both horse and rider are excited about going to Cheltenham. I just have not told him he’s going yet!”

Cue Card, who retired in April 2018 aged 12, is in the early stages of retraining.

Cue Card on his way to winning the Ryanair Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival (Image credit: creditUnknown)

He is still based at Colin Tizzard’s yard on the Dorset/Somerset border and will be ridden in the parade by Hamir Singh, who looked after him and rode him at exercise during his racing career.

Cue Card’s owner Jean Bishop is considering the possibility of him doing some RoR showing classes in the future.

Sprinter Sacre will be parading the following day (Wednesday, 13 March) at 12.45pm.

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(Image credit: RoR/The Jockey Club)

Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack loving new career

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(Image credit: RoR/The Jockey Club)

Former racing star Saphir Du Rheu enjoys spin around Cheltenham

The retrained racehorse gave Ballycasey and Patrick Mullins a lead over Cheltenham’s cross-country fences

(Image credit: RoR/The Jockey Club)

The full line-up for Tuesday’s RoR parade is as follows:

1. Annacotty (showing and showjumping) — ridden by Hannah Bishop

11-year-old by Beneficial, formerly trained by Martin Keighley and Alan King

2. Balthazar King (hunting) — ridden by Stephen Way

15-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Philip Hobbs

3. Carruthers (showjumping and team chasing) — ridden by Lily Bradstock

16-year-old by Kayf Tara, formerly trained by Mark Bradstock

4. Cue Card (showing) — ridden by Hamir Singh

13-year-old by King’s Theatre, formerly trained by Colin Tizzard

5. Lord Windermere (showing) — ridden by Elle Greenhalgy

13-year-old by Oscar, formerly trained by Jim Culloty

6. Master Minded (dressage) — ridden by Sophie Haylock

16-year-old by Nikos, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

7. Monkerty Tunkerty (showing and showjumping) — ridden by Jess Westwood

16-year-old by Silver Patriarch, formally trained by Jess Westwood

8. My Way De Solzen (hunting) — ridden by Cate Mahon

19-year-old by Assessor, formerly trained by Alan King

9. Saphir Du Rheu (team chasing) — ridden by Charlotte Alexander

10-year-old by Al Namix, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

10. Wayward Prince (dressage and hunting) — ridden by Megan Harper

15-year-old by Alflora, formerly trained by Ian Williams and Hilary Parrott

11. What Of It (showing) — ridden by Hannah Horton

16-year-old by Tel Quel, formerly trained by Tom George and Sarah Ward

12. Zarkandar (hunting) — ridden by Olivia Sims

12-year-old by Azamour, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

One of Cheltenham’s toughest jumps moved for safety reasons

Sarah Radford — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 11:03:11 +0000

Cheltenham course officials are to move a fence on the old course ahead of next month’s Festival as an additional safety precaution.

Feedback from jockeys after the Showcase in October and the November meeting sparked the unusual move, the moving of one of the course’s most challenging jumps by 10 yards.

The second-last, which is situated just after the final bend, has already been moved once. Originally located just before the bend, it was responsible for a high proportion of fallers. Despite its relocation, the jump still caused issues, including at last year’s Festival when Ruby Walsh broke his leg in a fall on Al Boum Photo.

Jockeys informed course officials that a slightly longer distance between the third- and second-last would improve the situation “in that it will give horses more time to compose themselves after they have entered the home straight”.

A statement from the course said that “Cheltenham racecourse continually monitors all aspects of equine welfare and welcomes the feedback from jockeys that has led to making this change.”

The move comes as the course faces scrutiny following the death of six horses during last year’s four-day Festival.

The fatalities prompted a major review into safety both at the track and in jump racing as a whole. A report making 17 key recommendations was published by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in December last year.

The review encompassed every race run at the Festival between 2007 and 2018, involving a detailed analysis of some 5,451 runners and 308 fallers.

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The runners in the Champion hurdle parade in front of the stands. Annie Power, the mare (left) brings up the rear, but came home in front. 15-3-16 crowd crowds spectators (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

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(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

The runners in the Champion hurdle parade in front of the stands. Annie Power, the mare (left) brings up the rear, but came home in front. 15-3-16 crowd crowds spectators (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Double drama as two horses run out through tape at Cheltenham

Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said Cheltenham is reviewing the incidents along with the British Horseracing Authority ahead of

It included the recommendation that “Cheltenham racecourse and the BHA [British Horseracing Authority] must continue to monitor faller rates by individual obstacle, in order to identify emerging risk areas, taking remedial action where possible.”

The Old Course is used on the first two days of the Festival — Champion Day (Tuesday, March 12) and Ladies’ Day (March 13).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Paddy Brennan: Any win at Cheltenham is special H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 09:00:54 +0000

Opinion

Any time you can ride a winner at Cheltenham is great, but to have ridden three on the same day is special. I also live nearby and, although the Festival is more high-profile, The November Meeting is a big one in the jump season.

I always knew my best rides were on Friday, 16 November. I was going there hoping to have a winner, but to have three was something that I never thought was possible.

I thought that Bun Doran would run well fresh; he had been trained for the race and had done a good piece of work at home, so I was feeling the pressure on him a little bit. With the other two, I was really just hoping for a good run.

Red Hot Chilly was a 33/1 chance and Coolanly was coming into his race on the back of a bad fall in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow, where we had held high hopes for him. It all just came together. Coolanly is a very good horse — an old-fashioned type, who will be a lovely chaser one day going up in trip.

A good crowd

It was a brilliant meeting for many reasons. When it rains, as it often has in the past, it does put people off, especially the locals. But the weather was good — it brought everyone out and there was such a good crowd.

Any trainer I ride for, I always try to encourage them to have a go at Cheltenham. Yes, sometimes their horse might not be good enough, but if you’re not in it, you cannot win, and there’s such a lovely feeling about the place always.

It was great to have ridden winners for two of my big supporters, Fergal O’Brien and Tom George. It’s local for them, too, and will have given their owners a great day out.

There’s also the Irish aspect. They are getting back into a much better financial position and it’s great to see them all coming across. My mother came over for the weekend but she arrived on the Thursday — she wouldn’t have been able to get a flight on the Friday as there were so many Irish people coming over for the racing!

‘The real deal’

I was back at the track for the following two days, hoping that another win might be on the cards but it was more bits and bobs. Boyhood was having his first run for a long time in the Listed hurdle on Saturday and ran really well. Then Mrs Hyde looked as if she was going to win the mares’ bumper turning in but she didn’t quite come home and was fourth. I only had one ride on the Sunday, so I couldn’t hope for too much more.

I saw the Arkle Trial from the weighing room and I must say that watching Kayley Woollacott’s horse, Lalor, blew me away. He was really impressive and Richard Johnson gave him a beautiful ride — he nursed him everywhere and then showed him off at the end. You dream of coming across a horse like him, he looks the real deal.

Jamie Moore, who steered Baron Alco to Gold Cup glory, is probably the most-liked person in the weighing room, I would say. All the Moore family are lovely people and Jamie is a grafter — he was in Newcastle for just one ride on the Friday and he lives near Gatwick — but that’s just him. He’s such a hard worker.

Ref Horse & Hound; 22 November 2018

Double drama as two horses run out through tape at Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 17:30:39 +0000

Cheltenham is reviewing its track after two horses took the wrong course, running out through a length of tape on the racecourse’s jump season opener.

One For Billy and Oighear Dubh both ran left through the tape in the closing stages of their respective races on the first day of The Showcase meeting (26 October).

One For Billy, trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by Dan’s brother, Harry, was giving a strong challenge to the eventual winner Dikali in the novices’ chase.

But the horse followed the running rail around the bend, which was cordoned off with white tape. Harry stayed on board and managed to pull up.

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Huge drama in the https://t.co/8swXhDYMav Novices' Chase as One For Billy goes off the course behind Diakali. Both horse and jockey were OKHuge drama in the https://t.co/8swXhDYMav Novices' Chase as One For Billy goes off the course behind Diakali. Both horse and jockey were OKResults ?? https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/oMjCXamfxDResults ?? https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/oMjCXamfxD— Racing UK (@racing_uk) October 26, 2018— Racing UK (@racing_uk) October 26, 2018

Four races later, the same thing happened again.

Oighear Dubh, trained by Eugene O’Sullivan, led over the final fence in the amateur riders’ handicap chase, but followed the running rail to the left, skipping through the tape and unseating the trainer’s son, Michael, in the process.

Dan Skelton-trained Sam Red surged ahead of Presenting Julio and Fifty Shades to give Dan his 100th winner of the season.

“It has been an unbelievable day,” said Dan, adding the milestone is “great for all the team”.

“Today has shown what racing is like — it’s bloody hard! It’s weird how it goes — you win some and you lose some.”

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If you thought you'd seen it all today…wait for the extraordinary win of Sam Red @CheltenhamRacesIf you thought you'd seen it all today…wait for the extraordinary win of Sam Red @CheltenhamRacesResults ?? https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/NYf8aZUPFzResults ?? https://t.co/7iJOPsdIyZ pic.twitter.com/NYf8aZUPFz— Racing UK (@racing_uk) October 26, 2018— Racing UK (@racing_uk) October 26, 2018

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Clerk of the course Simon Claisse said changes were made following a similar incident in the 2013 Foxhunter, where Oscar Delta jinked left and unseated jockey Jane Mangan. After that, the tape directing horses down the home straight was raised and the alignment was altered.

“That seems to have worked pretty well, but clearly after the two incidents [on Friday] we have to take another look at this,” Mr Claisse told ITV Racing’s Luke Harvey on Saturday (27 October).

He added extra staff were drafted in to put a fixed section of rail on the taped-off section for the second day of the 2018 Showcase.

“That might not necessarily work for the festival because the width of that gap is about double, but we want this environment to be safe for the horses and riders,” he explained.

“With this plan comes additional risk for the staff working out there because they are in a live racing environment and there can be loose horses around. That’s the plan for today [Saturday, 27 October] and we will then review it further with the British Horseracing Authority’s senior inspector of courses prior to the November meeting in three weeks.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

12 racing stars who went home a winner at the 2018 McCoys awards

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:35:06 +0000

Nearly 500 guests from the world of National Hunt attended a star-studded awards ceremony at the home of jump racing, Cheltenham Racecourse, to celebrate the outstanding performances during the 2017/2018 season ahead of the start of an exciting new season.

These awards are named after AP McCoy, the record-breaking 20-time champion jockey, who retired from race-riding in April 2015.

The panel of judges for this year’s awards included Henrietta Knight, trainer of the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate, Steve Jones, racing correspondent of The Sun, Cheltenham’s clerk of the course Simon Claisse and AP McCoy himself. The award winners included both equine and human stars from the industry.

Here is a selection of the winners:

JP McManus (leading owner of four or more horses)

JP comfortably landed the leading owner award, with 34 winners at Jockey Club racecourses across the country — 10 winners clear of his closest pursuer, the partnership of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. He is the most successful owner at the Cheltenham Festival with 54 winners and has won the Champion Hurdle a record seven times, including the latest two renewals with Buveur D’Air.

Nicky Henderson (leading trainer of more than 40 horses)

Nicky gained the leading trainer award having saddled 68 victors across Jockey Club racecourses last season. The Lambourn handler — the most successful British trainer ever at The Festival — saw off last year’s winner Paul Nicholls by eight winners.

The McCoys awards (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Andrew Thornton (outstanding contribution award)

With a career spanning 28 years and a total of 1,007 winners, Andrew is a legend of the weighing room. He retired aged 45 at Uttoxeter in June this year when he was successful aboard Amirr. His career included three winners at The Festival, headlined by Cool Dawn in the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he partnered See More Business to King George success in 1997. Always one of the most popular members of the weighing room, he was nicknamed “Lensio” because he was one of the first jockeys to wear contact lenses.

Harry Skelton (leading professional jockey)

A very close race for leading professional jockey saw Harry — who has a successful partnership with his trainer brother Dan — take the honours with 40 winners at Jockey Club racecourses. He edged out Sam Twiston-Davies by a narrow margin, who also partnered 40 winners but had less placed mounts.

Andrew Thornton receives the Outstanding Contribution award (Image credit: creditUnknown)

James Bowen (leading conditional jockey)

James hails from a racing dynasty — his father Peter is a jumps trainer, his older brother Sean is a National Hunt jockey too and other brother Mickey is also a trainer. James was a riding sensation during the 2017/2018 season, being crowned champion conditional with 58 successes. He was the leading conditional jockey across the Jockey Club racecourses, with 15 wins — three clear of his closest rival Bryony Frost.

Lorcan Williams (leading amateur jockey)

Lorcan has turned professional over the summer but was the champion amateur last season and rode six winners at Jockey Club racecourses, one clear of Tommie O’Brien and Hugh Nugent. Attached to the powerful Paul Nicholls stable, he is sure to be a name we will hear a lot more from.

Kate Robinson (stable person of the year)

Kate has been head girl to trainer Jamie Snowden since the Lambourn handler first took out his licence in 2008. She is in sole charge of the day-to-day running of the yard, and is an invaluable member of the team. Kate grew up in Cornwall, where she spent most of her childhood with horses, and rode in point-to-points. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a BSc in Equine Science, Kate spent four seasons as head girl on a point-to-point and breaking yard in Warwickshire.

Apple’s Shakira (leading novice hurdler)

Apple’s Shakira, owned by JP McManus and trained by Nicky Henderson, enjoyed a campaign that saw her win three times at Cheltenham. She kicked off at The November Meeting when successful in the Grade Two Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle by 17 lengths, went on to score again at The International in December and in another Grade Two event on Festival Trials Day in January. She was fourth in the Grade One Triumph Hurdle at The Festival and finished the campaign by taking third in Grade One company at Aintree.

Politologue (leading chaser)

Politologue, a grey owned by John Hales and trained by Paul Nicholls, enjoyed four victories at Jockey Club racecourses. He began the campaign with three straight successes — in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park and the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park. After finishing fourth behind the mighty Altior in the Grade One Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival, he ended the campaign on a high when landing the Melling Chase at Aintree.

Native River (horse performance of the season)

Native River won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March in tremendous style. Owned by Brocade Racing and trained by Colin Tizzard, Native River was one of the leading chasers in the 2016/2017 season, when he won the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National. During the 2017/2018 campaign he was kept fresh for The Festival and was not seen out until winning the Denman Chase at Newbury in February. He then headed back to Cheltenham and made all for a gallant victory over Might Bite in the Cheltenham Gold Cup under regular jockey Richard Johnson.

Native River wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup. (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Tiger Roll (judges’ choice award)

Owner Michael O’Leary described Tiger Roll as a “a little rat of a thing, but he has the heart of a lion”. With three wins in three different races at the Festival — the 2014 Triumph Hurdle, the 2017 National Hunt Chase and the 2018 Cross-Country Chase — the son of 2007 Derby winner Authorized is one of the most versatile horses seen in recent times. In 2018, Tiger Roll added the biggest prize of all to his CV — the Grand National, holding on for a head-length success under Davy Russell.

Might Bite (horse of the season)

Trained by Nicky Henderson for the Knot Again Partnership, Might Bite enjoyed an outstanding season, winning three of his four starts and running another excellent race when runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. After an easy winning reappearance at Sandown in November, he landed the Boxing Day highlight at Kempton Park, the King George VI Chase. On the back of that performance, he was sent off the 4/1 favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup but found Native River too strong. He ended the season with a Grade One victory at Aintree.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Cheltenham race abandoned due to heat

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 11:37:45 +0000

A long-distance chase at Cheltenham was abandoned due to the heat when temperatures hit 25 degrees yesterday (19 April).

Just seven weeks after Britain was hit by thick snow and plummeting temperatures due to the “beast from the east”, the 3m2f JRL Group Mares’ Handicap Chase on Cheltenham’s all-mare card on Thursday was not run on welfare grounds.

Some of the horses running in previous races had been found to be suffering from heat stress and, following a consultation between jockeys, trainers and the veterinary staff, the decision was made, due to the length of the race.

The Richard Hobson-trained Dame Rose died from a heart attack after finishing fourth in the opening race. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed it was not known whether her death was caused by heat stress, but there will be a post mortem.

The three races that followed the abandonment were run over shorter distances and completed without incident.

The decision split opinion among trainers, with Donald McCain suggesting it set a “dangerous precedent” for summer jump racing and the sport in general.

He later added on Twitter: “For the record, what I said today at Cheltenham was that I was happy to race. But if it was too hot for one race, it was too hot for all and the rest of the meeting should be abandoned — you cannot pick and choose which horses are safe by distance.”

The Jockey Club has moved to compensate owners of horses declared to run in the abandoned race.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cooling hot horses

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“These were exceptional circumstances today and we fully support the stewards’ decision to abandon our fourth and longest distance race due to the heat,” said Ian Renton, Jockey Club regional director for Cheltenham and the southwest. “As a sport, it’s imperative we put the welfare of horses first.

“As such, we also think it is an appropriate gesture of goodwill to the owners of all declared horses in the race to receive compensation towards the travel expenses they will have incurred.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s magazine, out on Thursday 19 April 2018, don’t miss our special report from the British Dressage Winter Championships, plus full analysis from the Grand National — including expert comment, pictures and more. Read our report from the dressage and showjumping World Cup finals, and in this week’s ‘vet clinic’ we discuss the facts about fitness.

Air ambulance based at Cheltenham Festival to aid injured jockeys

Lucy Elder — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:54:10 +0000

An air ambulance will be based at Cheltenham racecourse for all four days of the festival next week.

This is the first time an air ambulance has been based at the racecourse during the Cheltenham Festival (13 to 16 March).

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s H135 helicopter will be on hand to provide prompt support for emergencies.

Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said the Jockey Club and Cheltenham racecourse have been “terrific supporters” for many years.

“As an emergency pre-hospital service, we take the welfare of jockeys and horse riders very seriously, and on average airlift a horse rider every four days,” said Mr Levy.

“The fact we will be operational from the Cheltenham Festival this year is testament to this relationship, and represents an excellent opportunity to showcase what we do to festival goers.”

A team from the charity will also be based at the north entrance, where there will be a helicopter simulator pod as well as information on the work it does.

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has three air ambulance helicopters, each of which carry two flight paramedics or a flight paramedic and a doctor, plus a pilot.

The service attends an average of six call outs a day and covers six counties: Shropshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

Simon Claisse, of the Jockey Club, said he is delighted they are able to work with the charity during this year’s festival.

“The service they provide both to us and the wider equestrian community is second to none,” he added.

“To have a dedicated helicopter position on site over the four days ensures, when necessary, that a patient can be transferred to a trauma hospital without delay.”

The charity recently took delivery of a new upgraded air ambulance helicopter.

The £7 million H145 Airbus helicopter joined the fleet on 26 February and is housed at charity’s RAF Cosford airbase in Shropshire.

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It was unveiled by the charity’s chairman Brendan Connor with the help of ambassadors multiple Paralympic medallist Sir Lee Pearson, Only Fools and Horses star John Challis and former England rugby captain Neil Back.

It can travel greater distances than the other two helicopters without needing to stop and refuel and the larger interior means more medics and supplies can be carried on board.

“Excellent pre-hospital patient care is at the heart of everything we do,” said Mr Connor.

“To support our mission, build resilience, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the charity, we made the strategic decision to invest a proportion of donations into a larger, upgraded H145 model.

“The new airframe will enable us to reduce our operating costs and complements our plans to further improve pre-hospital care in the region.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Here come the girls: Cheltenham to host first mares only race day

Rachael Turner — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:26:29 +0000

Mares and fillies will be given their chance to shine at Cheltenham’s first raceday devoted to female horses.

Taking place on day two of the April meeting (19 April) the mares’ raceday offers a seven-race programme, with £190,000 in prize money.

It will be the first time a National Hunt racecourse will stage an all-mares’ race card.

“With two mares-only races at the Festival and this card following four weeks later the mares’ programme is developing and, hopefully, owners be encouraged to run mares at the home of jump racing, especially late in the season,” said Simon Claisse, the Jockey Club’s southwest regional head of racing, and Cheltenham’s clerk of the course.

“My thanks go to British Horseracing Authority (BHA) for their help in bringing this concept together — we are very much looking forward to hosting the mares’ card in April.”

The richest races are the £40,000 mares’ novices’ handicap chase finale and the £40,000 four-year-old fillies’ juvenile handicap hurdle.

“We have been working for some time towards jump racing’s first all-mares’ card,” added BHA racing operations manager Stuart Middleton.

“Cheltenham has long since held the same ambition and, having between us, expanded their card to include four mares’ races already, it is the obvious venue to give this exciting venture a try.

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“This initiative forms yet another part of our ongoing commitment to bolstering the overall mares’ programme and providing an incentive to own and train jump mares.

“We hope that the fixture will garner positive publicity and the promise of being part of a unique event at such an iconic venue will, we hope, be yet another reason to be excited about ownership of mares at all tiers of the sport.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Cheltenham Racecourse: behind the scenes at the home of jump racing

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:25:59 +0000

Cheltenham Racecourse is the dream destination for racehorse owners and trainers alike, not to mention punters looking for a great day out. Horse & Hound spent a day at Cheltenham with National Hunt trainer Ben Pauling to find out what happens behind-the-scenes. Read the full feature in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (25 January 2018) and check out the pictures below of the home of jump racing…

Stock image

Read the full feature in the current issue of Horse & Hound magazine (25 January 2018)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: ‘this was IT — we were galloping around Cheltenham!’

Ali Dane — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 09:55:46 +0000

Thursday 20 April began with drizzle — a welcome sight for horsey folks, especially those of us destined to be galloping around Cheltenham Racecourse later that day for the Champions Willberry Charity Race (www.championswillberry.org.uk).

Upon arriving at the course, the riders were met by the race organisers and Bob Champion, who then took us on a course walk. We wandered through the empty parade ring, down the chute and onto the course. Looking right, we spotted the finish line and brimmed with excitement. Then we looked left, and saw the hill. Our mouths dropped open and we fell quiet, apart from one, alarmingly uninformed rider, who proclaimed: “Wow, bit of a pull up here, isn’t it?”, to which the rest of us replied, wide-eyed: “Um, yes — it’s actually quite a famous hill!”.

Bob was brilliant, giving us simple yet invaluable advice: settle into a rhythm and save some energy for the hill.

Standing at the bottom of that hill, I became acutely aware that my little horse, Miss Inga Sock (Inga), had never run more than a mile in a race, and today, she’d have to run 1 mile 5 furlongs, and tackle the monster hill at the end. I decided that if she felt tired, I’d just let her trot! I know, not very competitive of me, but the last thing I wanted was for her to suffer on my account.

Early on in the day I made firm friends with fellow rider and all-round superstar, Abi Dean. Abi and I laughed our way around the course walk and into the marquee for lunch. I managed to eat a little as we nervously waited for 5pm when we had to go to the weighing room to get dressed and weigh out.

All of us ready to race (Image credit: David Betteridge)

Silks on and group photos taken, the parade of equine celebrities took centre stage. We cheered as Big Star, Chilli Morning, Sprinter Sacre and Valegro calmly lapped up the applause from adoring fans. What an honour to be in the presence of those horses.

Then, the super-horses were gone and our horses were lead in. There was Inga, ears pricked, plaited up and white socks gleaming, thanks to the wonderful Nicky from Eve Johnson-Houghton’s yard. Inga was noticeably smaller than the other horses, but looked so confident and ready for action. Before I knew it, I’d been successfully legged up by my partner, Alan. Phew! A couple more times around the paddock, and then we were off down the chute and onto the course. My only instructions were to not get left at the start…

The start, however, was a muddle. The first few horses got about six lengths on us before I realised they were letting us go! But Inga looked after me. Off she went, and it was only after the first two furlongs that my brain caught up with me… This was IT! We were galloping around Cheltenham!

We hung out wide and kept out of trouble. Half way around the course I asked Inga to close up — she responded well. One mile done — surely Inga must be getting weary now? I urged her on: “I’ve still got some in the tank!” she said. We caught up with Abi, and around the final bend we went. We hugged the right hand rail, looking for fresh ground. I couldn’t believe it — Inga was still travelling. I asked her if she had any more to give… “Yes!” she said! Head down, she tried her hardest to drive up the hill. We may not have had the speed to carry us to the front, but Inga finished beautifully, bunched in the middle of the pack.

What a professional Inga is — I didn’t for one moment feel unsafe. Nicky and Alan were quickly with us, Nicky undid Inga’s noseband and lead us back up the chute, cheers ringing out all around us. In the unsaddling area Alan removed the saddle, Inga had a good drink and buckets of water were thrown over her, to get her temperature down. She recovered well and although tired, she looked happy.

I lugged my saddle and weight cloth back to the weighing room, then went to get changed and tried to take everything in. Inga and I had galloped up the famous Cheltenham hill, beaten Sir Mark Todd and ridden a finish against Tina Cook!

Then, the reality hit me. We were there because of a girl who wasn’t. Hannah Francis would have been unbelievably proud of what the Willberry team, alongside the Bob Champion Cancer Trust achieved that day, but my overwhelming feeling was regret that she wasn’t able to ride in the race. She would have loved it. I channelled Hannah’s unwavering strength last Thursday — she was my motivation when I was nervous. I’m honoured and thankful that I was chosen to ride on behalf of two such brilliant charities, who, with the help of back up teams, raised in excess of £100,000.

Abi and I celebrating after crossing the finish line (Image credit: David Betteridge)

I am so grateful to everyone who donated, to Dominic Elsworth for teaching (and torturing!) me on the Equiciser at Oakey House, and to my band of supporters who came to Cheltenham. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to trainer extraordinaire, Eve Johnson-Houghton and her team for letting me ride out so much, as well as providing a wonderful horse. A massive thank you also needs to go to Bliss of London for providing a beautiful saddle, and generously donating it to to be auctioned off for the charities. My final thanks go to my two heroes of the day: Miss Inga Sock, and Alan Daly, who both did a sterling job of looking after me.

Continued below…

(Image credit: David Betteridge)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: can you be disqualified in a horse race for going too slowly?

Ali talks us through why she has "roughly

(Image credit: David Betteridge)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: I’ve got a new psychologist, now all I need to do is ride

Ali's big race day is tomorrow — find

Although I should concentrate on dressage for a while, I’m going to continue riding out, but just a couple of times a week. This experience has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. I doubted myself and worried myself silly. I worked hard, long hours and struggled to find time to fit much else in.

Would I do it all again?

Absolutely!

Ali

Soldier wins Willberry race for young daughter with leukaemia

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:25:53 +0000

A soldier beat a host of famous faces from the equestrian world during the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Race held at Cheltenham yesterday (20 April).

Ben Moore, who partnered the David Pipe-trained Three Star General, said he was riding for his young daughter, Grace (pictured, below) who is battling leukaemia — the former conditional jockey having also fought cancer himself.

(Image credit: David Betteridge)

The 12 riders were selected from more than 600 applicants and raised approximately £110,00 for charities, The Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah Francis’ Willberry Wonder Pony charity.

“It has simply been an unbelievable day. The atmosphere has been electric and what a race those 12 riders gave us,” said Bob Champion. “We are so delighted to have raised so much and must continue to do so, as we fight this terrible disease that effects so many people indiscriminately.”

Click here to donate money to the worthwhile causes.

The 39-year-old winning rider, who is based in Melton Mowbray, said he and his daughter decided he should apply for the challenge while he was in hospital receiving treatment.

He beat Sheikh Fahad Al Thani — from the famous Qatar Racing dynasty — aboard the David Simcock-trained New World Power into the runner-up spot.

The remaining riders were closely grouped behind including Olympians Mark Todd and Tina Cook, racing presenter Alice Fox-Pitt and event rider Ben Hobday — the latter beat cancer having been diagnosed in 2015.

“It was great fun and they were a fantastic bunch of people. It was so brilliant that Ben won the race,” said Mark.

Many racegoers, plus the jockeys’ families, enjoyed the “emotional” occasion at the home of National Hunt racing in Gloucestershire.

They were also treated to a display of equine superstars with William Fox-Pitt’s Chilli Morning, dressage hero Valegro, the former Nicky Henderson-trained Sprinter Sacre and Nick Skelton’s Olympic mount Big Star parading in the paddock before the charity race.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Olympic heroes to take on Flat race — and football match

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 14:45:51 +0000

Double Olympic gold medallist and four-time Badminton winner Mark Todd may tower head and shoulders above the average jockey but the 60-year-old heads to the home of National Hunt racing, Cheltenham Racecourse, tomorrow (Thursday, 20 April) to ride in the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Race.

This contest on the Flat has attracted a world class field of riders from across the equestrian disciplines including his fellow event riders Tina Cook and Ben Hobday, racing presenter Alice Fox-Pitt and racing owner, breeder and investor Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, as well as seven members of the public who were selected to ride — Madeleine Bunbury, Ali Dane, Abigail Dean, Scott Lowther, Catherine Mills, Ben Moore and Jasean Spraggett.

All have been fundraising ahead of the race for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah Francis’s Willberry Wonder Pony charity with an overall target of £100,000. Mark’s fundraising page can be found here.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Sir Mark on board for the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Race and to help us raise money for our two charities,” said Bob Champion. “Sir Mark is a legend in equestrian sport and it is very fitting that he therefore rides in a race at Cheltenham, one of the world’s greatest equine amphitheatres.”

The tapes go up for the start of the race at 6.15pm on day two of Cheltenham’s April Meeting and racegoers can see equine superstars Valegro, Sprinter Sacre, Big Star and Chilli Morning parading in the paddock beforehand.

After racing tonight (Wednesday 19 April) a host of sporting legends takes to the football pitch in Cheltenham to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The jockey-filled squad of AP McCoy’s XI will take on the footballing pros of the Cheltenham Legends at 7.30pm and a half-time penalty shoot-out is sure to have the crowds cheering as double Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton — who was originally due to take part in the charity race — will show off his fanciest footwork alongside the likes of Carl Llewellyn, John Francome, Peter Scudamore and Paul Nicholls.

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Nick Skelton: his career in pictures

Enjoy a trip down memory lane as we

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Wobbleberry army set to raise thousands for Willberry Wonder Pony

Event rider Andrew Hoy is supporting the challenge

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So has Nick been spending his retirement perfecting his ball skills in the garden?

“Have I heck!” he told H&H. “But it’s for a great cause, the Injured Jockeys Fund, so of course I said yes.”

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: I’ve got a new psychologist, now all I need to do is ride

Ali Dane — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 09:55:21 +0000

When I wrote my last blog, I was absolutely exhausted, overly emotional and lying awake at night worrying myself silly about the race (the Champions Willberry Charity Race at Cheltenham on 20 April 2017 — www.championswillberry.org.uk).

Now we are just a day away from the race, and mentally, I am in a very different, much more positive place. Thank goodness. I’m still totally exhausted, and definitely still more emotionally fragile than usual, but now my overwhelming feeling is that I just want to get on with it! I can’t wait to be legged up and let loose onto that beautiful turf at Cheltenham with all the other riders. I get the tingles just thinking about that moment.

Inga and I doing a piece of work (Image credit: creditUnknown)

So, what’s brought about such a dramatic change in my psychological state? I haven’t had sports psychology sessions, or suddenly worked out how to combat my 2am demons. Have I upped my fitness dramatically over the past two weeks? No. I’ve just found a new friend who has systematically helped me work through my fears. She has coached me in keeping my balance when jumping off, helped me to correct my position when cantering and guided me through my first bit of ‘work’.

Continued below…

To support my fundraising efforts, please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com

To learn more about the two wonderful charities involved, please follow these links:

www.bobchampion.org.uk

www.willberrywonderpony.org

She has ginger hair, big brown eyes and the softest, pink nose. She’s Miss Inga Sock, a five-year-old chestnut mare (pictured top and above). She (Inga) has done more for my confidence in the past two weeks than any number of sports psychology sessions could and I’m so pleased to say that she’s going to be my partner for the race.

Inga usually only runs over a mile, so one mile five furlongs on quick ground is going to be a huge push for her, but she’s feeling fit and we’ll look after each other. All I want is for both of us to finish with smiles on our faces. She’s trained by Eve Johnson-Houghton and owned by the Ascot Colts and Fillies Club, which is a free-to-join club for kids under 17, to help get more youngsters involved with racing. A few times a year, Inga is paid a visit by around 30 children at once. While they watch her being groomed and tacked up ready for work, she stands like a rock as kids of all ages wander around her legs, stroke her nose and pat her neck. I suppose this is her ‘family pony’ mode. Then her work rider is legged up and Inga switches to ‘racehorse mode’. She might not be a world beater, but she really is a special girl and I am so looking froward to seeing her all spruced up and ready to race tomorrow.

My racing saddle (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Overall I’m feeling fit, despite nearly collapsing after my last Equiciser session with my jockey coach, Dominic Elsworth. I’m riding two lots a day and genuinely loving the experience. The more I learn about racing, the more I become hooked. I can see why people become addicted to it. I know quite a few of the 70-odd horses at Eve’s yard by sight and have come to understand their work routine and how they should feel while working. We are cantering on the grass every day now, which is so different to using the all-weather gallops, and I’m so pleased I’ve had a chance to feel what it’s like to work a horse on grass before the race.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: can you be disqualified in a horse race for going too slowly?

Ali talks us through why she has "roughly

Dominic, Eve, my partner Alan and the rest of the team at Woodway Stables have all helped me to prepare for this race as best they can. I have all my kit now (including a beautiful saddle from Bliss of London!) and I have my horse.

I’m ready. Now all I need to do is ride.

See you on the other side!

Ali

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: can you be disqualified in a horse race for going too slowly?

Ali Dane — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 09:55:33 +0000

Over the past six weeks, I’ve learned the true meaning of the phrase “a rollercoaster of emotion”. This race (the Champions Willberry Charity Race at Cheltenham on 20 April 2017 — www.championswillberry.org.uk) has already pushed me well out of my comfort zone, and we’re still a couple of weeks away.

Pure joy pulses through me when I’m sat on board my favourite little racehorse, Fanstasy Queen (or Fannie Annie to her friends!), and we’re making our way across the rolling hills of the Berkshire Downs to the gallops. Even on a miserable day, I can’t describe the high I get from cantering over the ancient turf on Eve Johnson-Houghton’s estate, upside another fit, keen racehorse. Feeling the horse pick up the bridle, listening to the rhythm of their breathing, the views, the power, the speed; there’s something about this combination that makes my soul soar. During my drive back from Eve’s yard, the early start, wobbly arms and aching hips are all forgotten. For the duration of that 20 minute journey, I don’t have a care in the world. Who needs alcohol or drugs when you can ride a racehorse?

But then there are the low points. These are born of anxiety and a deep-rooted fear of failure that I’m sure most competitive sportspeople experience. My worries wake me at 2am, taunting me and depriving me of much needed sleep. Most of these worries, I realise in the morning, are totally irrational but for some reason, in the wee hours, they seem like perfectly plausible scenarios. Luckily, the people around me are rather good at putting my fears into context, soothing my nerves and basically telling me to put my big girl pants back on.

Cheltenham Festival (Image credit: creditUnknown)

But I still seem to have roughly the same emotional stability as a pre-pubescent teenager. My highs are so ludicrously wonderful. I come back from riding out brimming with enthusiasm. One seriously good day, I actually found myself Googling: “how to get your amateur jockey licence” (I also Googled: “can you be disqualified in a horse race for going too slowly?” two hours later, but that’s another story…). My lows, however, are so full of self-doubt that it sometimes takes me a whole day to pull myself out of the pit of doom I’ve sunk myself into. I’m not used to experiencing this many feelings; I’m usually so sensible, driven, level-headed and logical. Being this way is positively exhausting, not just for me but also, I think, for my poor boyfriend.

Continued below…

To support my fundraising efforts, please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com

To learn more about the two wonderful charities involved, please follow these links:

www.bobchampion.org.uk

www.willberrywonderpony.org

Every year, I attend Cheltenham Festival with a group of friends. This year, I helped Candy Morris (who runs Woodlands Enterprises and is supplying all my racing gear) carry jockeys’ equipment to the weighing room. As I followed Candy up the stairs to meet the valet, she casually pointed out that the next time I’d be in there, I’d be preparing for the race. She must have seen the colour drain from my face because she said that thing that everyone says to me when I tell them that I’m nervous: “You’ll be fine! Just think of all those huge fences you’ve jumped on cross-country courses!”. It is true, of course, that eventing is statistically more dangerous than Flat racing, but as I said, my fears are generally completely irrational and not based on any form of logic.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: Will my see-through breeches survive the trip?

Meet Ali Dane and join her on her

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dressage rider to jockey in 60 days: ‘I need to start doing some cardio work. Soon. Maybe next week’

We catch up with Ali Dane as she

Anyway, I’m not actually scared of riding in the race, as such. For example, one of the recurring anxiety dreams I have is that I’m just about to be legged up onto my horse in the paddock on the big day, I get into position, offer my leg and the trainer heaves me up, but suddenly I lose all control over my limbs. I flop over my poor little horse’s back like a giant squid, and slip straight off the other side. All I can see, as I lay in a heap, is disapproving faces staring down at me from all angles.

Me with Phil Tufnell at Cheltenham, who gave me a little pep talk about performing under pressure! (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Then I wake up in a sweat and worry for the next three hours that this very situation is likely to come to fruition on the day. I get legged up daily, and thus far I have a 100% strike rate, without any squid-like tendencies. I’ve been getting legged up since I was five-years-old. There is no logical reason that I should lose control over my limbs.

See? Totally irrational.

I hope…

Ali

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L’Homme Presse: “He’s got some gears”

L’Homme Presse’s co-owner Andy Edwards described the horse’s winning comeback as “Christmas Day”, while the jockey punched the air on his way back to the winner’s enclosure.

Lingfield Park was the sole jumps survivor of the recent Arctic blast, so hats off to Lingfield Park’s clerk of the course Stephanie Wethered and her team for salvaging Sunday’s card. You can read the full report in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops on Thursday 25 January.

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Burdett Road: ‘For a Flat horse, he has plenty of guts’

Trainer James Owen said after Burdett Road’s Cheltenham win, “He is a fair animal. On good ground he is going to be exciting come March.

“He was a bit more amenable today as he settled and jumped better. He has got some engine and he is tough. For a Flat horse, he has got plenty of guts about him. I knew he would keep coming. Harry Cobden is a lot cooler than me as I’ve been so nervous, but I love it.”

“I think he’ll be even better on better ground, but we were hopeful that he’d give us a big run anyway.”

“Everybody hates to say it, but jump racing is all about the Cheltenham Festival, so as long as we can get him there in the best shape, that’s what it’s all about really,” he says.

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