Horse Racing

Jungle Jim on the right in the photo

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

Horse Racing

Rides on the Flat

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

Horse Racing

Remembering ‘The Winter Kings’ by Ivor Herbert: A Personal Reflection

Introduction to ‘The Winter Kings’

One of the most significant books from my childhood was ‘The Winter Kings’ by Ivor Herbert. It was the only book in my school bag that truly captivated me. As a young reader, I found it to be a source of inspiration and knowledge, making it stand out amid the sea of textbooks I lugged around each day.

An Unexpected Encounter

Years later, I had the opportunity to speak with Ivor Herbert himself. I was curious about a detail that fascinated me regarding the 1957 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Linwell. I asked Herbert why he was not listed as the trainer when it was, in fact, his head lad, Charlie Mallon, who held the license. He explained that as a journalist, he was unable to obtain a training license due to potential conflicts of interest. This insight not only reinforced Herbert’s journalistic integrity but also deepened my appreciation for the complexities behind horse racing.

Significance of the Book

‘The Winter Kings’ was more than just a book; it was my companion throughout my schooling years. It not only sparked my interest in horse racing but also represented a fleeting connection to the sport. Interestingly, the book cost 30 shillings at its release in 1968, the very year I was born. This connection highlights how literature can influence our lives and inform our passions, even decades later. To this day, I treasure the recollections of ‘The Winter Kings’ and its author.

Horse Racing

Lawnswood Miss

Lawnswood Miss I led her up 5 times 4x unplaced and 1x pulled up
2x Cheltenham UNPL
2x Newbury UNPL and PU
1x Liverpool UNPL

The only season I looked after her she was riddled with a virus as were most of The Duke’s horses… besides, Lawnswood Miss was not well handicapped.

The photo is from Liverpool which was her last race, after which she was sent to Lord Northampton’s Stud and got in foal by Broadsword

Lawnswood Miss was a lovely mare to look after and I used to ride her at exercise all the time… she was a little bit funny when I got legged up on her in a morning when she would always put her back up as if she was going to buck but she never did and after about 20 seconds she would settle down again… The Duke would always shout at me “Stand up in the irons, Stand up in the irons…”

Lawnswood Miss stable was near the front gate at Cotswold House, just to the right of the stone steps that went up to the tack room.

She was good to look after and good to lead up… she had a white star on the front of her face and I loved her.

Horse Racing

Point to Point Rides

Early Days in Point-to-Point Racing

Between 1986 and 2000, I had the privilege of riding in the thrilling world of Point-To-Point Racing. Being a part of this competitive niche of horse racing has been both exciting and rewarding. My journey began in the picturesque fields of Staffordshire, where I rode my first point-to-point race on a horse named Rimfire.

Aynsley Challenge Cup
Courtesy of Sandon Races

Memorable Wins and Achievements

Throughout my time in point-to-pointing, I experienced several triumphs that stand out in my memory. One notable achievement was securing wins in various point-to-point events, including the 1987 North West Area Novice Riders Title. Winning this award marked a significant milestone in my career, elevating my confidence and encouraging me to strive for more.

In total I had 53 point to point rides
Completed 30 = 56.6%
23 rides in the first 4 places = 43.4%
5 1st 9.4% winners
6 2nd 11.3% placed second
8 3rd 15.1% placed third
4 4th 7.5% placed fourth
fell 5 = 9.4% / ur 0 = 0% / bd 1 = 1.9% / co 1 = 1.9% / ro 1 = 1.9% / pu 15 = 28.3%

1986

Date Venue Horse Position/Runners

15/3/1986 Eaton Hall
Rimfire 2nd/16
Master of Mickley PU/16

Introduction to My Racing Journey

Every passionate rider remembers their very first experience in a competitive race; it becomes a defining moment in their career. For me, that unforgettable day occurred at Eaton Hall during the Wynnstay Point to Point event. I proudly mounted Rimfire and achieved a respectable second place out of 16 runners. This initial success filled me with excitement and motivation.

Competing on Master of Mickley

On the same day, I also had the opportunity to ride another horse, Master of Mickley, for trainer Peter Brookshaw in the maiden point to point race. Unfortunately, this time, I pulled up during the race among a field of 16 runners. While it was disappointing not to finish, the experience was still valuable. Pulling up was crucial as it demonstrated awareness of the horse’s condition and the importance of prioritizing a horse’s health over competition.

A Memorable Conversation with My Guvnor

Returning to work on the following Monday, I recounted my experiences to my guvnor, David Nicholson, otherwise known as “The Duke”. His inquiry about my performance prompted an interesting conversation. When I shared the results, especially my pulled up ride on the maiden Master of Mickley, he delivered a memorable piece of advice: “Don’t ride in f?cking maidens.” Despite my explanation that the horse jumped well and I responsibly pulled it up, he cautioned me, “Don’t ride in f?cking maidens… YET!” This exchange encapsulated the lessons learned from my early experiences in racing.

31/3 Eyton on Severn Rimfire 3rd/9

12/4 Sandon Rimfire 4th/16

26/4 Eaton Hall Rimfire 3rd/12

3/5 Weston Park Rimfire 3rd/10

1987

Date Venue Horse Position/Runners

21/3 Eaton Hall Rimfire BD/17

21/3 Eaton Hall The Berwick PU/14

18/4 Sandon Rimfire 1st/11

18/4 Sandon Blue Gift Fell/11

22/4 Eyton on Severn Rimfire 2nd/7

22/4 Eyton on Severn The Berwick 5th/15

22/4 Eyton on Severn Tudor Beam PU/18

25/4 Chaddesley Corbett Indian Retreat 3rd/9

2/5 Weston Park Rimfire 4th

4/5 Eyton on Severn The Berwick 2nd/8

4/5 Eyton on Severn Tudor Beam 1st/12

1988

Date Venue Horse Position/Runners

5/3 Weston Park Rimfire 3rd

Kintbury in front Steve Brookshaw and Jonathan Cambidge on Rodace (Whiston’s) and us in between the two

Mens Open race at Weston Park Point to Point 5th March 1988
Kintbury Steve Brookshaw
Rodace Jonathan Cambidge
Rimfire and me
(and also my mother)

5/3 Weston Park Tudor Beam PU

5/3 Weston Park The Berwick PU

12/3 Eaton Hall Kings Award PU

12/3 Eaton Hall Blouser PU

12/3 Eaton Hall Suntan PU

14/3 Chaddesley Corbett Secret Island FELL

2/4 Sandon Rimfire Ran Out (wrong side of marker)

2/4 Sandon Kingford PU

2/4 Sandon Suntan PU

16/4 Sandon Rimfire 5th

16/4 Sandon Kings Award 2nd/13

30/4 Weston Park Tudor Beam 3rd/9

30/4 Weston Park The Berwick 2nd/17

2/5 Eyton on Severn Kings Award 4th/9

2/5 Eyton on Severn Gold Ace 1st/9

The Aintree Racecourse Victory

Perhaps one of my most memorable point to pointing moments came in 1988, when I won a point-to-point at Aintree Racecourse. The esteemed venue, known for hosting the Grand National, provided a unique backdrop for my victory, making it a remarkable highlight of my racing journey. These experiences in point-to-point racing have shaped my love for the sport and fostered deep connections with fellow enthusiasts.

7/5 Aintree Gold Ace 1st/13

7/5 Aintree Salad 6th/12

7/5 Aintree Sailing By 6th/16

1992

Changes in Racing Regulations

1992 saw an important change to the racing rules regarding Amateur Riders. The governing bodies decided to implement a new regulation that allowed riders who had held a professional license for less than thirty months to return to amateur status after a twelve-month hiatus from racing. This shift offered a lifeline to many riders and opened new pathways for those looking to make a comeback… such as me

A Personal Milestone

For me, this regulation was particularly crucial, as I had held my professional license for twenty-nine months. When the update was enacted, I just made the cut-off for returning to amateur status. It was a unique opportunity, allowing me to reflect on my riding journey while considering what lay ahead. This period of adjustment represented not just a shift in my career, but also an exciting prospect of new beginnings.

Date Venue Horse Position/Runners

21/3 Sandon Arthur’s Rascal FELL/17

21/3 Sandon Ardent Spy 5th/12

28/3 Alpraham Rouse About FELL/12

28/3 Alpraham Billy’s Boy PU/12

28/3 Alpraham Ocean Rogue PU/8

The Final Winning Ride

In April 1992, I experienced a notable moment in my riding career; it was the day I rode my last point-to-point winner on a mare named Rouse About at the Brampton Bryan point-to-point track. This event stands out as a significant highlight, marking the end of an important chapter in my life as a rider.

11/4 Brampton Bryan Rouse About 1st/13

20 4 1992 Eyton on Severn
20/4 Eyton on Severn Ardent Spy PU/6

20/4 Eyton on Severn Ocean Rogue PU/10

20/4 Eyton on Severn Rouse About 3rd/7

20/4 Eyton on Severn Last By Space PU/15

20/4 Eyton on Severn Adderley Lass FELL/9

The Impact of a Shaken Brain Injury

After experiencing a Shaken Brain Injury during the fall on Adderley Lass at Eyton on Severn 20/4/1992, my life took an unexpected turn. The injury led to a week-long hospital stay filled with uncertainty. Shaken brain injuries affect cognitive functions, and they can result in memory loss, which I encountered firsthand. Even today, I struggle to recall any details about my hospitalisation.

Life After a Brain Injury

Recovering from a shaken brain injury is a gradual process. Initially, I faced challenges with everyday tasks and recollections. The hospital environment, filled with medical professionals and treatments, has become a blur in my memory. This experience has underscored the importance of support systems for those affected by similar injuries.

Moving Forward: Coping Strategies

Finding ways to cope with the aftermath of a shaken brain injury is essential. At the time engaging in gentle physical activity, such as walking, helped improve my overall wellness. Additionally, surrounding myself with loved ones who provided comfort can make a significant difference in the recovery journey. Recognizing that healing takes time is crucial, and one had to embrace the process with patience.