Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1987

Beginning My Journey in Racing

Monday, September 10th, 1984, marks a significant turning point in my life. It was the day I started working for David Nicholson, fondly known as ‘The Duke,’ at Cotswold House Racing Stables in Condicote. My parents, eager to see me embark on this exciting venture, had me at the stables bright and early, around 6:30 am.

My First Ride and Route

The first horse I rode was Broadheath, who would later in the season move to trainer David Barons.

Our initial task that day was to embark on roadwork around a picturesque route known as the Swells Triangle. The route was about 7 miles long and filled with stunning views of Cotswold countryside.

The Swells Triangle: A Scenic Route

The journey began in Condicote taking the road towards Upper Swell / Stow-on-the-Wold

Then, passing by Waterhead Barn and ascending the hill we made a sharp right turn into a lane that ran over the River Dikler.

After heading over the river, we connected with the B4077

Taking a left, followed by a right and made our way through Upper Swell

We traversed along the country lane towards Lower Swell

Then turned right in Lower Swell (the triangular-shaped village green was on our left) and headed off along the Chalk Hill Road

Our route eventually led to a triangle in the road, where we made another right turn…

Back to Condicote

This was a route I would come to cherish during my time at the stables, offering both beauty and a sense of freedom that only the countryside can provide.

Where it says Cheltenham on the map its nowhere near Cheltenham, its the second triangle (the turning for Condicote) and its google maps which added the label.

National Hunt Rides 1990/91
40 rides… Average Starting Price Odds 19.782 to 1
Owners Prize Money £8080
Completed 35 = 87.5%
23 rides in the first 4 places = 57.5%
0x 1st 0% winners
12x 2nd 30% placed second
4x 3rd 10% placed third
7x 4th 17.5% placed fourth
fell 0 = 0% / ur 2 = 5% / bd 0 = 0% / co 0 = 0% / ro 0 = 0% / pu 3 = 7.5%

1990/1991 National Hunt Season

3/8/1990

BBC Radio Wales Novices Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 11 ran
Result

3/8/1990

Bpa Exhibitions Novices Chase

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 5 ran
Result

9/8/1990

Radford Bavarian Novices Chase

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 2 ran
Result

9/8/1990

Queensway China Novices Hurdle

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Royal Hunt
UR / 11 RAN
Result

(I needed stitches in my mouth after this)

18/8/1990

Fred Archer Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Fnished 2nd / 8 ran
Result

27/8/1990

Rose County Handicap Hurdle

Southwell Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 7 ran
Result

27/8/1990

Hopeful Novices Hurdle

Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 10 ran
Result

29/8/1990

Cooper Callas Bathroom Distributors Handicap Chase

Newton Abbot Racecourse
Ardent Spy
PU / 4 ran
Result

29/8/1990

Armitage Shanks Forum Shower Enclosure Novices Chase

Newton Abbot Racecourse
Prince Celtic
UR / 7 ran
Result

1/9/1990

Hole In Wall Novices Chase

Hereford Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 4 ran
Result

Remembering Hill Beagle: A Unique Racing Journey

Introduction to Hill Beagle

Hill Beagle was a funny little horse, whose distinctive personality set him apart from others at the stables. Although his ride at home could be quite challenging, especially with his tendency to hang to the left, he was ultimately a talented racehorse. His unique gait aside, he showcased impressive skills over hurdles and fences, becoming a cherished partner of mine for many rides.

Success on the Track

During our time together, Hill Beagle and I celebrated a series of victories, particularly at Southwell. With four wins in handicap hurdles, he proved his capability on all-weather surfaces. Despite his smaller stature, likely under 16 hands, Hill Beagle’s strong build allowed him to excel in competitions. These wins were not just milestones; they represented teamwork and the joy of racing.

A Fond Farewell

Regrettably, not every moment in racing is filled with triumph. Hill Beagle’s progress took a sombre turn when he suffered a breakdown during a novice chase at Hereford while running a promising second. It was a critical moment, and potentially, he should have clinched victory. This race marked the final time I rode him on the course, a bittersweet reminder of our journey together. Hill Beagle may not have been the easiest ride, but his spirit and courage will always be remembered.

24 rides on Hill Beagle over hurdles and fences
4x 1st
5x 2nd
5x 3rd
1x 4th
1x 5th
2x 6th
3x 7th
1x 8th
1x 10th
1x UR

15/9/1990

Redbrook Novices Handicap Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran

1/10/1990

Royal Welsh Showground In May Cond. Jockeys Novices Hurdle

Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 9 ran

6/10/1990

Staffordshire Yeomanry Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran

13/10/1990

Farnsfield Handicap Chase

Southwell Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran

20/10/1990

Ratley Conditional Jockeys Claiming Hurdle

Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 10 ran

25/10/1990

Colonel R. Thompson Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase

Southwell Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 2nd / 7 ran

Ardent Spy 2nd at Southwell Racecourse

Colonel R. Thompson Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase
1 Tartan Tempest N Doughty
2 Ardent Spy R Bevan
3 Wild Argosy J Railton
4 Border Tinker Graham Bradley
5 Oisins Castle K A Ryan
F Confident Vote Peter Niven
PU Bonnie Artist C Grant

25/10/1990
Southwell Racecourse
Roy Prince
Grasmere Handicap Chase Result
Finished 4th / 4 ran

2/11/1990

Brian Oxton Conditional Jockeys Selling Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 12 ran

6/11/1990

Lake Conditional Jockeys Selling Hurdle

Nottingham Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finshed 8th / 18 ran

6/11/1990

Radio Trent Handicap Chase

Nottingham Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 6th / 6 ran

8/11/1990

Mason Richards Handicap Chase For Tom Curran Memorial Trophy

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 6th / 11 ran

8/11/1990

Kone Lifts Selling Hurdle

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 13 ran

19/11/1990

Colwyn Bay Novices Selling Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 8th / 17 ran


Fine Warrior and myself… second left

20/11/1990

Brockton Intermediate Handicap Chase

Wolverhampton Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 3rd / 5 ran

26/11/1990

Kegworth Selling Hurdle

Nottingham Racecourse
Kings Meeting
Result
Finished 7th / 11 ran

30/11/1990

Crosemere Selling Hurdle

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Mystic Bid
Result
Finished 8th / 10 ran

1/12/1990

Ton Up Selling Hurdle

Nottingham Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 9th / 20 ran

6/12/1990

Burton Rubber Company Three Year Old Novices Hurdle

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Kings Meeting
Result
PU / 14 ran

6/12/1990

Derbyshire Property Guide Selling Handicap Hurdle

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Easy Time
Result
Finished 3rd / 9 ran

21/12/1990

Jenkinsons Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 2nd / 15 ran

27/12/1990

Stanton Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase

Wolverhampton Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 4th / 6 ran

28/12/1990

Cinderella Selling Handicap Hurdle

Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Nicolaki
Result
Finished 9th / 17 ran

1/1/1991

Parsley Novices Claiming Hurdle

Leicester Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 3rd / 15 ran

5/1/1991

EBF Stakes National Hunt Flat Race

Market Rasen Racecourse
Jan’s Blend
Result
Finished 11th / 19 ran

9/1/1991

Design Contractors Selling Hurdle

Southwell Racecourse
Nicolaki
Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran

23/1/1991

Design Contractors Selling Hurdle

Southwell Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 11th / 17 ran

29/1/1991

Marshall Handicap Chase

Leicester Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran

29/1/1991

Charnwood Claiming Hurdle

Leicester Racecourse
Trade Secret I
Result
PU / 15 ran

31/1/1991

Canons Ashby Claiming Hurdle

Towcester Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 14 ran

2/2/1991

Fillies Slay Ride Stakes National Hunt Flat

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Balmoral Drive
Result
Finished 15th / 15 ran

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

The Horses and Races I Rode in Flat Racing as an Amateur Rider
Total of 8 Rides on the Flat
0 Winners and 0 Places

1986

27/5/1986

Redcar Stakes (Amateurs)

Redcar Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 5th / 12 ran

6/6/1986

Innstock Cash and Carry Handicap (Amateurs)

Haydock Park Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 9th / 11 ran

Mtoto won his maiden race on the same card

26/6/1986

Carnarvon Challenge Cup (Handicap) (Amateurs)

Salisbury Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 9th / 15 ran

2/8/1986

Brooke Bond Coffee Cup (Stakes) (Amateurs)

Newmarket Racecourse (July)
The Berwick
Finished 15th / 15 ran

1987

27/3/1987

Haywards Pickle Handicap (Amateur Riders)

Doncaster Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 12th / 27 ran

26/8/1987

East Riding Yeomanry Challenge Trophy Amateur Riders Stakes

Beverley Racecourse
Hyperion Prince
Finished 10th / 10 ran

1988

2/7/1988

Beverley Amateur Riders Handicap

Beverley Racecourse
Boy Sandford
Finished 10th / 15 ran

24/8/1988

East Riding Challenge Trophy Amateur Riders Stakes

Beverley Racecourse
Annie Ra
Unplaced

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1985/1986 National Hunt Season

14/11/1985

Silver Buck Handicap Chase

Wincanton Racecourse
Charter Party
Silver Buck Handicap Chase
Finished 2nd / 4 ran

23/11/1985

Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Newbury Racecourse
Charter Party
Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Fell / 15 ran

4/12/1985

Long Haul Handicap Chase

Worcester Racecourse
Charter Party
Long Haul Handicap Chase
Finished 2nd / 9 ran

26/12/1985

Falklands Handicap Chase

Kempton Park Racecourse
Charter Party
Falklands Handicap Chase
Finished 1st / 7 ran

15/1/1986

Royal Windsor Handicap Chase

Windsor Racecourse
Charter Party
Royal Windsor Handicap Chase
Finished 5th / 7 ran

13/3/1986

Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Charter Party
Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap Chase
Finished 1st / 16 ran

16/4/1986

Piper Champagne Golden Miller Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Charter Party
Piper Champagne Golden Miller Handicap Chase
Finished 1st / 9 ran

Jungle Jim on the right in the photo carrying the orange/white/black colours of Salford Van Hire… being led back in from the course after the race