The Historic Cheltenham Festival Countdown: A Look Back at 1995

Remembering some of the Great Horses of 1995

This vintage photo features some of the biggest names in horse racing at the time. The picture captures the moment when David Nicholson is pictured with some of his prized horses which included, Barton Bank, held by Gordon Clarkson. Alongside them are Viking Flagship, handled by Richard Bevan; Relkeel, with Xavier Aizpuru; and Anzum, attended by Jeremy Dance. Each horse represents the determination and athleticism that the Cheltenham Festival is known for, making them icons in the racing community.

11/3/95 Sporting Life Cheltenham Countdown

The Cheltenham Festival Significance

The Cheltenham Festival, a highly anticipated event in the horse racing calendar, draws elite competitors and enthusiastic spectators each year. It has transformed into a major celebration for racehorse trainers, owners, and fans alike. Among the notable figures at the 1995 Festival was trainer David Nicholson, who was featured in this newspaper photo announcement titled “Cheltenham Festival Countdown” in the Sporting Life newspaper.

The Excitement Leading to the Festival

The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival in 1995 was filled with anticipation and excitement. Fans eagerly awaited the performances from esteemed racehorses, each with their unique strengths and histories. As the event approached, discussions among pundits and fans heightened the atmosphere, ensuring the racing season would be memorable. Today, the nostalgic memories of iconic trainers and horses from past Festivals remind us of the joy and thrill that the Cheltenham Festival continues to bring to the world of horse racing.

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Horses I Led Up – NH Races 1994/95

Horses I Led Up – NH Races 1994/95

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1994/1995 National Hunt Season

11/11/1994

Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Wonder Man
Result
Finished 2nd / 3 ran
Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase
Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase

18/11/1994

Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Leicester Racecourse
Plunder Bay
Result
Finished 1st / 10 ran
Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle

25/11/1994

Oxfordshire Novices Chase

Newbury Racecourse
Corner Boy
Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran
Oxfordshire Novices Chase

3/12/1994

Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy Chase

Sandown Park Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran
Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy Chase
Viking Flagship

27/12/1994

Castleford Chase

Wetherby Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran
Castleford Chase
Castleford Chase

14/1/1995

Victor Chandler Handicap Chase

Ascot Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 5th / 8 ran
Victor Chandler Handicap Chase Grade 2

There’s no smoke without fire
Victor Chandler Handicap Chase Grade 2
Viking Flagship

7/2/1995

Ryton Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Warwick Racecourse
Shankar
Result
FELL / 15 ran
Ryton Juvenile Novices Hurdle

11/2/1995

Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase

Newbury Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
FELL / 3 ran
Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase Grade 2

23/2/1995

Milcars Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Huntingdon Racecourse
Shankar
Result
Finished 4th / 8 ran
Milcars Juvenile Novices Hurdle

25/2/1995

Emblem Chase

Kempton Park Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 2nd / 4 ran
Emblem Chase

15/3/1995

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 10 ran
Queen Mother Champion Chase
Queen Mother Champion Chase

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Richard Bevan Amateur Jockey Race Rides 1993/94 National Hunt Racing Season

Richard Bevan Amateur Jockey Race Rides 1993/94 National Hunt Racing Season

Richard Bevan National Hunt Race Rides 1993/94
2 rides… Average Starting Price Odds 11 to 1
Completed 2 = 100%
0 rides in the first 4 places = 0%
0x 1st 0% winners
0x 2nd 0% placed second
0x 3rd 0% placed third
0x 4th 0% placed fourth
fell 0 = 0% / ur 0 = 0% / bd 0 = 0% / co 0 = 0% / ro 0 = 0% / pu 0 = 0%

1993/1994 National Hunt Season

18/2/1994

Sandown Open National Hunt Flat

Sandown Park Racecourse
I rode Master Hope in his first ever race
Result
Finished 7th / 22 ran
Sandown Open National Hunt Flat
Sandown Open National Hunt Flat

Memories of Master Hope at Jackdaws Castle

Introduction to Master Hope

Master Hope was a horse who captured my heart during the time I spent at David Nicholson’s Jackdaws Castle Racing Stable. His unique character left a lasting impression, and the fond memories I have of him are etched in my mind. Despite facing numerous challenges, he brought immense joy to my experience at the stable.

Experiences Riding Master Hope

Throughout my time with Master Hope, I had the opportunity to ride him in two bumper races. One highlight was at Sandown Park Racecourse, where we finished 7th behind the talented Go Ballistic. Another memorable moment was at Doncaster Racecourse, where we placed 8th. These experiences were deeply rewarding, demonstrating his determination and spirit to overcome difficulties. When I applied for the Stable Lads position at Jackdaws Castle, “The Duke” emphasized that my main responsibility would not be racing, “Richard you aren’t coming here to ride in f?cking races!” but thanks to Master Hope, I was able to challenge this notion and prove myself on the racecourse.

The Heart of Jackdaws Castle

Master Hope faced obstacles throughout his life, including breathing issues and a serious injury from a fractured cannon bone sustained during training. Nevertheless, he was cherished by many, belonging to the same owners who had previous connections with successful horses like Waterloo Boy and Another Coral. Although Master Hope never won a race and his journey ended tragically, the time I spent caring for him was incredibly gratifying. His presence filled the stables with “a friendly face” for me, turning every moment spent with Master Hope into a cherished memory.

I loved this horse very much and always will! ❤️

5/3/1994

‘st Ninian’ Open National Hunt Flat

Doncaster Racecourse
Master Hope
Result
Finished 8th / 18 ran
'st Ninian' Open National Hunt Flat

Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1994

Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1994

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1994 Flat Racing Season

19/4/1994

Fryston Conditions Stakes

Pontefract Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 2nd / 8 ran
Fryston Conditions Stakes

29/4/1994

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Newmarket Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 1st / 8 ran
Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Silver Wisp

Silver Wisp

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

17/6/1994

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Royal Ascot
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 11th / 11 ran
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

13/8/1994

Tripleprint Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 2)

Newbury Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran
Tripleprint Geoffrey Freer Stakes Class A (Group 2)

A Christmas Work Experience Adventure: 1983 at The Duke’s

A Christmas Work Experience Adventure: 1983 at The Duke’s

Reflecting on the School Christmas Holidays of 1983

The school Christmas holidays of 1983 were particularly memorable for me. I had planned a unique experience at “The Duke’s” (David Nicholson), aiming for a week of “work experience” just before the festive break. Excitement filled the air as I had everything arranged; however, there was a catch – I hadn’t informed my school.

A Journey into the Unknown

In August of the same year, I already had a week-long stint at Nicholson’s, which had gone smoothly. This time, I prepared to ask my school for the last two days off to head down to Cotswold House Racing Stables. My mum wrote a letter, stating that I would not attend school for the last two days of term so I could gain some hands-on experience at The Duke’s racing stables. The setup felt promising, but I was met with reluctance from my educators.

The Unexpected Hurdle

Upon approaching Mr. Burrows, my excitement waned as he expressed his dismay. Schools had regulations for work experience, and the acquaintance I had built didn’t seem to matter. The situation escalated to Mr. Mills, who was known for his firm demeanour. After some phone calls to my mum and The Duke, my plan gradually materialized. They agreed I could leave school early, under the condition that a report be filled out by Nicholson for my return to school.

Ultimately, this adventure taught me an important lesson: sometimes, keeping things to yourself can ensure smoother sailing. I headed to The Duke’s for the Christmas holiday, and my experience was marked by the simplicity of enjoyment, capped by a report reading just one word – “Good”. Reflecting on those days, I realise how critical it is to navigate the balance between enthusiasm and communication.

The Coach and Horses Pub in Longborough were my digs while I was on work experience and I shared a room with Mark Pitman

NH Trainers Permit: Navigating the Journey of a National Hunt Permit Trainer

NH Trainers Permit: Navigating the Journey of a National Hunt Permit Trainer

Introduction to National Hunt Training

Becoming a National Hunt Permit Trainer was an exciting challenge that required dedication and knowledge of horse management. In this post, I share my experiences from holding a National Hunt Permit Trainer’s Licence for one season and the journey that led me there.

Starting with Point-to-Pointers

Initially, I trained a couple of point-to-pointers, managing to secure two places but unfortunately no wins. Although the outcomes were not as desired, the experience opened doors for me in the world of horse training. My highlight came when I trained a horse called Political Power who I purchased for just £1,000 at the Malvern Horse Sales. This horse showed some improved racecourse performances for my training, such as finishing second at 66-1 in a handicap hurdle at Towcester Racecourse.

Preparing for the Trainer’s Permit

To obtain my National Hunt Trainer’s Permit, I enrolled in the horse racing training course at the British School of Racing in Newmarket. Completing this course allowed me to earn an NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Management. I later attended an interview at the Jockey Club Licensing Department located at 42 Portman Square, London.

Even though my one season as a Permit holder didn’t produce winners, I cherished working with my horse, which also placed fourth at 50-1 in a novice chase at Fontwell Racecourse during the year of the foot and mouth epidemic.

To accompany my journey, I have included a video of Political Power schooling over fences for the first time.

Horse Racing Qualifications