Richard Bevan Racing
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
29/4/1994
Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2
Newmarket Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 1st / 8 ran
17/6/1994
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
Royal Ascot
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 11th / 11 ran
13/8/1994
Tripleprint Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 2)
Newbury Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran
Horses I Led Up – NH Races 1995/96
Horses I Led Up at the Races
1995/1996 National Hunt Season
20/12/1995
Tanners Champagne Handicap Chase
Ludlow Racecourse
Nicklup
Result
Finished 1st / 7 ran
11/1/1996
Corscombe Novices Handicap Hurdle
Wincanton Racecourse
Eastern River
Result
Fell / 17 ran
17/1/1996
Aspley Conditional Jockeys Novices Handicap Hurdle
Nottingham Racecourse
Eastern River
Result
Finished 8th / 20 ran
15/4/1996
Harry Bissill Memorial Challenge Trophy Handicap Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Howgill
Result
Finished 2nd / 12 ran
26/4/1996
Bromfield Sand And Gravel Handicap Chase For The Oakly Park Challenge Cup
Ludlow Racecourse
Howgill
Result
Finished 4th / 8 ran
13/5/1996
‘bit Of A Clown’ Handicap Chase
Towcester Racecourse
Howgill
Result
Finished 5th / 9 ran
Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1987
Horses I Led Up at the Races
1987 Flat Racing Season
31/8/1987
Spinney Nursery Selling Handicap 2yo
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Shanghai Bowler
Result
Finished 1st / 11 ran
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
How I started in Horse Racing
How I started in Horse Racing
In March 1983, aged fourteen and still at school, my parents took me to Ian Balding’s Open Day
The main attraction for me was to see John Francome and Peter Scudamore school Ian Balding’s hunter-chasers (Francome on Ross Poldark … Scu’ on Paintbox) over the trainer’s steeplechase fences.
After the Schooling Session
The two National Hunt Jockeys got off the hunter chasers and came over to talk to the spectators
I informed John Francome of my desire to become a jockey and asked him whose yard I should go and stay at to gain some work experience.
Francome suggested David Nicholson or Josh Gifford and advised me to write to them and see what happens
Ian Balding Open Morning Saturday March 26th 1983
Horses working and schooling …
Shy Rambler, Special Leave, Whisky Talk, Drumalis, Crusader Castle, Diamond Shoal, Mailman, Old Dominion, Broken Habit, Flamenco, Cardigan, Ampersand, Unbridled Pleasure, Dear Emperor, Ballylummin, Careen, Elegant Air, Spey Bridge, King of Clubs, Finians Rainbow, Corinth, Spicy Story, Christendom, Albany Girl, Calypsa, Reflection, Glimmering, Vidalia, Troyanna
John Francome signature is on the back of the gallop sheet
My Letter to The Duke
I sent David Nicholson a letter and it wasn’t very long before I received a postcard in reply asking me to attend an interview at 9am the very next Saturday morning. My parents drove me down to his Cotswold House Racing Stables (in Condicote, Gloucestershire). Somewhat disappointingly, the first thing Nicholson said to me was, ‘ You’ve got big hands … you will struggle with your weight – You won’t make a jockey!’ However, The Duke added. ‘you can come down for a fortnight in the summer and have some work experience. You will live in the lads hostel – when I say a fortnight you will stay a fortnight … No going home early!’
In early August (1983), I returned to the yard and at the end of the two weeks, Nicholson said to me, ‘You can have a job with me. Go home this weekend and come back on Monday morning to start work!’
I then had to explain that I couldn’t.
‘I’ve still got another year at school.’
‘Yes . . . ‘ said the trainer. ‘Start next year – Keep in touch.’
I went back to Nicholson’s yard twice more for work experience … Christmas 1983 and Easter 1984
Meanwhile, determined not to let the grass grow under my feet, I spent some time throughout 1983 learning stable routine’s while going on work experience with Paul Felgate, Jack Berry and the Earl of Shrewsbury (point to pointers).
I started working full-time for The Duke (as Nicholson was familiarly known) on September 10, 1984. The very first horse I rode out for him on that first morning was Broadheath, who two years later won the Hennessy Gold Cup for David Barons.
The first four horses I looked after at The Dukes
1984/85 National Hunt Season
The Shiner, Golden Raider, Lawnswood Miss and Jungle Jim
Memories from Southwell Racecourse: My Parents Leading Up Winners
A Glimpse into 1961
On Thursday, February 23, 1961, Southwell Racecourse welcomed a number of competitors, including Guinea Hunter, who made a notable appearance in the Edwalton Hurdle Division II race. My mum played her role in leading up this horse, expertly handled by jockey Stan Mellor. This maiden race for four-year-olds was over 2 miles and 80 yards, with a prize pot of £170 attracting attention from racing enthusiasts.
October 15, 1962: Another Day at the Races
Fast forward to Monday, October 15, 1962, and we see my dad taking on the responsibility of leading up another contender, Gold Pride. Jockey Ivor Markham took the reins for this race, which was the Upton Selling Handicap Chase, covering a 2-mile distance. This race, with a prize fund of £186, also took place at Southwell Racecourse, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of local racing.
Training at Roy Whiston’s Yard
Both Guinea Hunter and Gold Pride were prepared at Herne Farm in Hodnet, located near Market Drayton in Shropshire, England. There, renowned trainer Roy Whiston dedicated himself to ensuring that these horses were ready to compete at the local tracks. Reflecting on these events not only brings nostalgia but also emphasizes the joy and dedication of those involved in horse racing.