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.
Ludlow Racecourse
Walmer Sands Result
Finished 4th / 10 ran
3/10/1988
Newark International Antique Fair Handicap Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Rimfire Result
Finished 2nd / 5 ran
8/10/1988
Paymasters Selling Handicap Hurdle
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Walmer Sands Result
Finished 11th / 14 ran
8/10/1988
Staffordshire Yeomanry Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Rimfire Result
Finished 4th / 12 ran
15/10/1988
Cock Bank Novices Hurdle
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Self Raising Result
PU / 18 ran
15/10/1988
Sotheby’s Chester Handicap Chase
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Baluchi Result
Finished 2nd / 3 ran
15/10/1988
Willis Wrightson North Handicap Chase
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Crowecopper Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran
15/10/1988
Fenns Bank Novices Hurdle
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Arenisco Result
Finished 10th / 16 ran
15/10/1988
Marston Border Breweries Novices Chase
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Walmer Sands Result
Finished 5th / 7 ran
20/10/1988
Burton Rubber Company Handicap Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Rambling Wild Result
Finished 4th / 6 ran
20/10/1988
EBF Foston Intermediate Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Rimfire Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran
Rimfire was getting on a bit when I rode him, when we won this Uttoxeter together he was 13 years old… Rimfire was a good jumper and stayed 3 miles+ well… my dad bought Rimfire off Lord Shrewsbury for £400… I wish I’d had more horses like Rimfire to ride!
10 Rides on Rimfire all over fences
1x 1st
3x 2nd
3x 3rd
2x 4th
1x 6th
Video – Rimfire winning at Uttoxeter Racecourse
EBF Foston Intermediate Chase
1 Rimfire R Bevan
2 Oakgrove B Dowling
3 Rath Wonder S J O’Neill
PU Half A Buck M Sharratt
PU Homepath H Davies
PU Some Do J Bryan
22/10/1988
Ratley Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Snooker Table Result
Finished 14th / 19 ran
27/10/1988
Newark Storage Novices Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Rimfire Result
Finished 6th / 13 ran
3/11/1988
Hawkes Bay Trophy Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Crowecopper Result
UR / 8 ran
3/11/1988
Warrnambool Trophy Handicap Chase
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Rambling Wild Result
UR / 7 ran
18/11/1988
Stour Novices Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Stormguard Result
Finished 2nd / 3 ran
18/11/1988
Radio Trent Handicap Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Ardent Spy Result
Finished 3rd / 5 ran
26/11/1988
Market Rasen Novices Hurdle
Market Rasen Racecourse
Chico Valdez Result
Finished 12th / 20 ran
28/11/1988
Bulwell Handicap Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Aldro Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran
28/11/1988
Woodborough Novices Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Stormguard Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran
29/11/1988
Houghton Selling Hurdle
Huntingdon Racecourse
Your Office Result
PU / 18 ran
2/12/1988
Partridge Novices Handicap Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Annie Ra Result
Finished 4th / 15 ran
2/12/1988
Curlew Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Royal Cracker Result
Finished 14 / 20 ran
3/12/1988
Stan Mellor Handicap Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Covent Garden Result
Finished 4th / 5 ran
5/12/1988
Long Haul Handicap Chase
Worcester Racecourse
Ardent Spy Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran
A mid-race incident with P Scu in this 3 miles 5 furlongs Long Haul Handicap Chase at Worcester
Scu was riding the favourite Ardesee and I was on Ardent Spy
The race was a staying chase, 3 times up the home straight, Scu was out in front but his mount Ardesee kept jumping right handed (each time Scu would track back over to the rails), I was a couple of lengths behind, on the rail (2nd/3rd) and I was thinking “If he keeps jumping right-handed I’m going to jump up Scudamore’s inside” it was just deciding when
Going down the back, approaching the water jump I thought “This is it” and Ardent Spy jumped it like a stag and true to form Ardesee went right handed… for a short time we were in front which must of pissed Scudamore off a bit because he scrubbed Ardesee along, got him back in front and over his left shoulder he shouted back at me “You F?cking Crazy C?nt Richard”
Neither of us won, he was 3rd, I was 4th… nothing was said in the weighing room
At the end of the day Champion Jockey’s don’t pay your wages!
8/12/1988
Norbury Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Spartan Native Result
Finished 5th / 13 ran
10/12/1988
Sheila’s Cottage Handicap Chase
Doncaster Racecourse
Covent Garden Result
FELL / 4 ran
Warwick Racecourse
Golfers Sunrise Result
Finished 5th / 20 ran
14/12/1988
Holly And Ivy Conditional Jockeys Handicap Chase
Worcester Racecourse
Modern Music Result
PU / 11 ran
14/12/1988
Tattersalls Mares Only Novices Chase Qualifier
Worcester Racecourse
Annie Ra Result
Finished 5th / 15 ran
15/12/1988
Christmas Tree Handicap Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Aldro Result
FELL/13
I broke my collar bone in this fall and was also concussed
5/1/1989
Highland Spring/ROA Handicap Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Covent Garden Result
Finished 5th / 9 ran
7/1/1989
Horncastle Novices Chase
Market Rasen Racecourse
Annie Ra Result
Finished 1st / 10 ran
Annie Ra… I’m glad I won on her because I don’t think she was the easiest to ride… she could start slowly, would always carry her head very high and also pulled quite hard… but at least she jumped
Apart from her being a tricky ride a certain trainers son once said to me that his father thought Annie Ra would be best with me not riding her and that he was looking forward to another jockey riding her in races (a jockey who interestingly enough, also had the Christian name Richard)… It’s something which still sticks in my side but at least I had the satisfaction of this win!
16 rides on Annie Ra over hurdles and fences
1x 1st
1x 3rd
5x 4th
4x 5th
1x 6th
1x 7th
1x 8th
1x SU
1x UR
Annie Ra winning at Market Rasen Racecourse
Horncastle Novices Chase
1 Annie Ra R Bevan
2 Barn Brae Mr J Barton
3 Ringmore Derek Byrne
4 Oxford Place M Pepper
5 Super Sue P A Farrell
6 Boreham Down G ‘Old’ Martin
F Ballyshannon Run J Bryan
PU Vagabundo J McLaughlin
PU Sagart Aroon M Brennan
PU Picadilly Prince S Turner
9/1/1989
Bridgnorth Novices Hurdle (Div I)
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Golfers Sunrise Result
Finished 8th / 16 ran
9/1/1989
Cement City Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Ardent Spy Result
Finished 2nd / 7 ran
Ardent Spy finishing 2nd at Wolverhampton Racecourse
Cement City Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
1 Travel Over R J Beggan
2 Ardent Spy R Bevan
3 Crowecopper Peter Scudamore
4 Scale Model J Bryan
5 Way Under M Perrett
6 Foxbury Gee Armytage
7 Funchen View J D Doyle
12/1/1989
South Muskham Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Prince Celtic Result
Finished 3rd / 14 ran
17/1/1989
Bransford Novices Hurdle (Div II)
Worcester Racecourse
The Berwick Result
PU / 24 ran
17/1/1989
Sale Green Novices Handicap Chase
Worcester Racecourse
Annie Ra Result
Finished 5th / 16 ran
Katabatic (1991 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner) won this race
18/1/1989
Church Stretton Conditional Jockeys Selling Hurdle
Ludlow Racecourse
Resha Result
Finished 17th / 19 ran
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Roy Prince Result
Finished 2nd / 4 ran
28/3/1989
Levy Board National Hunt Flat
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Amdaja Result
Finished 9th / 12 ran
A spare ride for Herefordshire trainer Paul James. The owner was Jerry Wright who later owned a horse called Now Your Talkin who David Nicholson trained to win a few races. The interesting runner in this race was Miinnehoma trained by Owen Brennan and owned by comedian Freddie Starr. Miinnehoma was having its first race but won quite easily at 25/1. Miinnehoma went on to win the `Sun Alliance’ Chase at the 1992 Cheltenham Festival and also the 1994 Martell Grand National Chase at Aintree.
Freddie Starr was at the races and I remember seeing him before the race having a joke with some racegoers
Starr had got a Hawaiian type shirt on that was unbuttoned well down from the collar (and his chest hair was showing) and over the top of that he’d got a leather jacket with a zip
The joke was he pretended he was so cold he’d got to do his jacket up and then to play the fool he made out he’d caught his chest hair in the zip which was making several people laugh
A typical Freddie Starr trick and something I saw before getting legged up to ride Amdaja in the race
29/3/1989
Newland Handicap Chase
Worcester Racecourse
Aldro 20/1 Result
Finished 5th / 5 ran
Aldro… by the time I get on him he was an old timer who’s engine had gone
I wouldn’t have minded riding him 7 years earlier but I would have needed time off school to do that!
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
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.
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.
Richard Bevan National Hunt Rides 1986/87 Racing Season
12 rides… Average Starting Price Odds 24.25 to 1
Owners Prize Money £1847
Completed 10 = 83.3%
2 rides in the first four 16.6% 1x 1st place 8.3% 1x 4th place 8.3%
fell 0 = 0% / ur 0 = 0% / bd 0 = 0% / co 0 = 0% / ro 0 = 0% / pu 2 = 16.7% / su 0 = 0%
1986/1987 National Hunt Season
23/8/1986
Border Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle
Hereford Racecourse
Saucy Mop
Finished 9th / 17 ran
4/9/1986
Grunwick Stakes National Hunt Flat Race (4, 5 & 6-y-o)
Worcester Racecourse
Members Revenge
Finished 7th / 26 ran
3/10/1986
Grunwick Stakes National Hunt Flat Race
(4, 5 & 6-y-o)
Hereford Racecourse
Right Formula
Finished 4th / 7 ran
9/10/1986
Grunwick Stakes National Hunt Flat Race (4, 5 & 6-y-o)
Cheltenham Racecourse
Right Formula
Finished 9th / 11 ran
Sandown Park Racecourse
Dealers Dream
Finished 14th / 21 ran
A ride on Dealers Dream
The owner was getting the mare fit at home then brought it to Nicholson’s one Sunday morning to give it a gallop with one of The Duke’s with the idea of leaving at the yard if it went well enough… this was late Jan early Feb 1987.
I was working that Sunday morning, we’d been mucking out then leading a few out around The Pound in Condicote after which some were going to be ridden.
Nicholson said to me “Richard, you ride the mare that’s just arrived in a gallop with Selborne Record ridden by Dan (Jones)”… the lady owner was with The Guv’nor when he said this.
They had taken it off the horsebox and put it in one of the stables, after all the owner was intending to leave it in the yard.
I got my tack and went to saddle up… after a minute or two The Duke (now alone) had followed me up the yard and he said “Richard make sure this mare doesn’t work very well, I don’t want the f?cker in the yard” and added “you will be working up the all weather, make sure you lose a few lengths in the dip before the bend” … this was the all weather gallop at Condicote, the one that ran uphill for about 4 furlongs following the outside of the fields/edge of the woods before running into a dip before a right handed bend to continue slightly downhill along the edge of the fields/woods to the finish
It was in the dip I had to lose some ground
I thought blimey but just answered “Ok”
Anyhow, Selborne Record couldn’t have gone quick enough because even though I lost some ground the mare made it up and finished upsides her galloping partner
The Duke and the owner were at the end of the gallop and us two lads took a turn back to the trainer and he said “How was that?”
I just said “She’s done nothing wrong”
They drove off in the Daihatsu and Dan and myself walked back to the yard
There was no getting out of it, the mare was stopping in the yard… Nicholson didn’t say anything to me about the gallop but what he did say was “When that mare runs, you ride!”… while he said those words he was pointing his finger into my chest
That’s how I got the leg up on Dealers Dream and as a result got to ride in the purple colours normally carried by the decent chaser Contradeal
4/4/1987
Chivas Regal Amateur Handicap Hurdle
Aintree Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 11th / 17 ran
21/4/1987
Sir Geoffrey Congreve Cup Hunters Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Dynadee
PU / 7 ran
2/5/1987
Tom Beckett Amateur Riders Challenge Trophy Handicap Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 1st / 9 ran
Crowecopper was my first winner under National Hunt Rules and he was also my friend Roy “RF” Davies final winner
I won three races out of ten on Crowecopper, at Uttoxeter, Windsor and Bangor-on-Dee
10 rides in total on Crowecopper all over fences
3x 1st
2x 2nd
1x 3rd
1x 4th
1x 5th
1x SU
1x UR
Video – Crowecopper winning at Uttoxeter
