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.
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 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
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
Explore the fascinating account of Richard Bevan’s experiences during the 1984/85 National Hunt Racing Season, leading up horses for racehorse trainer David Nicholson from Cotswold House Racing Stables, Condicote near Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire.
20/10/1984
Fenns Bank Novices Hurdle (Div II)
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
The Shiner
Fenns Bank Novices Hurdle (Div II)
Finished 4th / 11 ran
9/11/1984
Philip Cornes Novice Hurdle Qualifier
Cheltenham Racecourse
The Shiner
Philip Cornes Novice Hurdle Qualifier
Finished 8th / 23 ran
23/11/1984
Round Oak Handicap Hurdle
Newbury Racecourse
Lawnswood Miss
Round Oak Handicap Hurdle
Finished 13th / 15 ran
7/12/1984
Coral Golden Hurdle Handicap (Qualifier)
Cheltenham Racecourse
Lawnswood Miss
Coral Golden Hurdle Handicap (Qualifier)
Finished 9th / 16 ran
12/12/1984
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle Qualifier
Huntingdon Racecourse
Golden Raider
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle Qualifier
Finished 9th / 22 ran
19/12/1984
Turkey Novices Hurdle (Div 1)
Worcester Racecourse
Golden Raider
Turkey Novices Hurdle (Div 1)
Finished 9th / 20 ran
5/2/1985
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)
Warwick Racecourse
Golden Raider
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)
Finished 10th / 16 ran
25/2/1985
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)
Doncaster Racecourse
Golden Raider
Malden Timber Novices Hurdle (Qualifier)
Finished 8th / 15 ran
1/3/1985
Radcot Handicap Hurdle
Newbury Racecourse
Lawnswood Miss
Radcot Handicap Hurdle
Pulled Up / 19 ran
1/3/1985 I led up Lawnswood Miss in the Radcot Handicap Hurdle at Newbury Racecourse. Pulled Up / 19 ran.
1984/85 National Hunt Season was my first year in racing. I had been going to David Nicholson’s yard in my school holidays since I was 14 and The Duke’s yard was the only place I was going to when I left education.
I started work at Nicholson’s Cotswold House stables on September 10th 1984 and Lawnswood Miss was one of the first horses I looked after, the other two being The Shiner and Golden Raider.
It was a bad year for Nicholson trained horses as there was a nasty virus going round the yard and all season he only trained 17 winners from 50+ horses.
Lawnswood Miss didn’t run a good race all year and going back to the race mentioned above it was no exception as she pulled up… later found to have mucus in her airways… she still ran twice more in March before being retired to stud for breeding… she went to Lord Northampton’s horse Broadsword (who The Duke had trained)… I went in the horsebox with her the day she went to stud
As for my other two horses
The Shiner, I led him up a couple of times, 4th at Bangor and down the field at Cheltenham before he got moved on to David Murray Smith’s yard… where he won.
In The Shiner’s place I got to look after Jungle Jim but he had bad legs and only ran once that season before he was sold.
Golden Raider I led up several times in novice hurdles, showed some promise but another horse with the virus… in March 1985 the owners moved Golden Raider away from Nicholson’s to Martin Pipe’s… later the same season Golden Raider won for Pipe at Ludlow…the horse was Pipe’s 40th winner of the season… the first time he’d trained 40 winners
In Golden Raider’s place I got Pippahmint Lass, (a chestnut filly by Sunyboy, at the time 3 years old) to look after… I never led her up at the races but I did take her to Doncaster Sales (stopped overnight in Doncaster) where she won her class at the pre sales show before being unsold at 8000 guineas in the auction ring.
I remember as I was going in the sale ring with Pippahmint Lass The Duke said to me “Don’t worry she’s not being sold”
… I thought to myself “she’s just bitten me and I hoped the bugger was going elsewhere!”
Anyhow, we took one horse to Doncaster Sales and brought two back, one was Pippahmint Lass and the other was an unnamed 4 year old also by Sunyboy (who The Duke and his associates paid a lot of money for in the auction), who was a half brother of two time Scottish National winner Androma… and the 4 year old was later named Bigsun, who became a Cheltenham Festival winner.
… and after all of that and much more besides it was getting towards the end of the 1984/85 National Hunt season and by this time The Duke was glad to get his virus ridden horses out into the fields for some “Doctor Green!”
13/3/1985
Coral Golden Hurdle Final (Handicap)
Cheltenham Racecourse
Lawnswood Miss
Coral Golden Hurdle Final (Handicap)
Finished 21st / 30 ran
23/3/1985
Erbistock Handicap Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Jungle Jim
Erbistock Handicap Hurdle
Finished 11 / 18 ran
Jungle Jim on the right in photo running in the orange/white/black colours of Salford Van Hire
28/3/1985
Whitbread Pale Ale Handicap Hurdle
Liverpool Aintree Racecourse
Lawnswood Miss
Whitbread Pale Ale Handicap Hurdle
Finished 19th / 21 ran
6/5/1985
Iron Bridge Handicap Chase
Ludlow Racecourse
Lulav
Iron Bridge Handicap Chase
Finished 2nd / 5 ran
