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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Richard Bevan Conditional Jockey National Hunt Race Rides 1989/90 Season
This page includes newspaper cuttings, photos, finishing positions, results
151 rides… Average Starting Price Odds 21.24 to 1
Owners Prize Money £30585
Completed 126 = 83.44%
70 rides in the first 4 places = 46.3%
8x 1st 5.3% winners
12x 2nd 7.9% placed second
34x 3rd 22.5% placed third
16x 4th 10.6% placed fourth
fell 4 = 2.65% / ur 4 = 2.65% / bd 0 = 0% / co 0 = 0% / ro 0 = 0% / pu 17 = 11.26%
1989/1990 National Hunt Season
29/7/1989
Dimplex Optiflame Novices Chase
Newton Abbot Racecourse
Roy Prince 6/1 Result
Finished 1st / 7 ran
Dimplex Optiflame Novices Chase
1 Roy Prince R Bevan
2 Baby Sigh D Morris
3 Unityfarm Oltowner Peter Hobbs
4 Al-Amarady B Powell Snr
5 Vision Of Wonder Steve Smith-Eccles
6 Crimson Lady S Earle
PU Dream Merchant D O’Sullivan
Roy Prince – I won the first novice chase of the season on him (89/90)
… not many jockey’s ride the winner of this race – only one a year!
After winning this race he ran several times very quickly on hard ground, eventually breaking down very badly at Bangor-on-Dee and when he came back to racing the following year he was a horrible ride, he would run right handed at every jump and would literally take other runners with him in the process… he hung badly to the right
I rode Roy Prince 15 times all over fences
1x 1st
3x 2nd
5x 3rd
2x 4th
3x 5th
1x 6th
Video – Roy Prince winning at Newton Abbot Racecourse
29/7/1989
Dimplex Hursley Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Newton Abbot Racecourse
Always Great Result
Finished 3rd / 7 ran
31/7/1989
South Zeal Novices Hurdle (Div I)
Newton Abbot Racecourse
Prince Celtic Result
Finished 3rd / 5 ran
3/8/1989
Twysden Challenge Cup Novices Hurdle
Devon and Exeter Racecourse
Prince Celtic Result
Finished 2nd / 4 ran
3/8/1989
Parkes Property Group Plc Novices Chase
Devon and Exeter Racecourse
Roy Prince Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran
5/8/1989
J & B Rare Novices Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Roy Prince Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran
12/8/1989
Stable Managers Novices Selling Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Rose Gardenia Result
Finished 2nd / 4 ran
Photo landing after jumping the last
12/8/1989
Conwy Novices Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Kellys and Cohens Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran
14/8/1989
Enigma Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Worcester Racecourse
Aceface Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran
14/8/1989
Chanson Novices Hurdle (Div II)
Worcester Racecourse
Kellys and Cohens Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran
Leicester Racecourse Result
Sundaysport Scoop 5th / 13 ran
22/1/1990
Stonesby Novices Hurdle
Leicester Racecourse Result
Ocean Rogue PU / 20 ran
24/1/1990
Great Expectations Novices Hurdle Qualifier
Southwell Racecourse Result
Hixon Girl Finished 5th / 12 ran
24/1/1990
Oliver Selling Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
The Berwick PU / 9 ran
26/1/1990
Selby Selling Hurdle
Doncaster Racecourse Result
Sundaysport Scoop Finished 3rd / 6 ran
29/1/1990
Granite Novices Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Ocean Rogue Finished 3rd / 6 ran
29/1/1990
Rock Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Hixon Girl Finished 9th / 15 ran
2/2/1990
Lee Claiming Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Sayant Finished 1st / 8 ran
Sayant… I won this all weather claiming hurdle at Southwell on him, which is sort of a real big deal (not) but it was the relief of winning that gave me satisfaction… in a previous race I’d finished 3rd on Sayant in a seller (also at Southwell) when I got shut in by a loose horse, by the time we got some daylight the race was over… after the race I got the most almighty bollocking by the trainer so getting a win on Sayant was pleasing
5 rides on Sayant all over hurdles
1x 1st
1x 3rd
1x 4th
1x 5th
1x 6th
Video – Sayant winning at Southwell Racecourse
Lee Claiming Hurdle
1 Sayant R Bevan
2 Basic Fun B McGiff
3 Golden Image I S Woods
4 Jim Bridger S Keightley
5 Stradey Castle S J O’Neill
6 Donosa B Powell Snr
7 Hidden Beauty D J Burchell
PU Dru Ri’s Bru Ri Gary Lyons
5/2/1990
Beckbury Claiming Hurdle
Wolverhampton Racecourse Result
Broken Line Finished 6th / 20 ran
7/2/1990
Monk Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Bride for a Day Finished 6th / 10 ran
7/2/1990
‘racing Post’ All Weather Challenge Round 9 Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Hill Beagle Finished 3rd / 6 ran
Southwell Racecourse
Hill Beagle 11/2 Result
Finished 1st/10
Video – Hill Beagle winning at Southwell Racecourse
Perlethorpe Handicap Hurdle
1 Hill Beagle R Bevan
2 Up The Ladder A Carroll
3 Fiery Sun Russ Garritty
4 Forcello (USA) D J Burchell
5 Lake Mission R Dunwoody
6 Balnerino Steve Smith-Eccles
F Super Sol S Turner
PU Quite So J Ryan
PU Danribo B Powell Snr
PU Keep Straight R Fahey
16/2/1990
Kersall Novices Claiming Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Hixon Girl 10/1 Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran
16/2/1990
Halloughton Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Hill Beagle 5/1 Result
Finished 3rd / 9 ran
19/2/1990
Shrewsbury Cup Handicap Chase
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Covent Garden 66/1 Result
Finished 7th / 10 ran
West Tip (1986 Grand National winner) finished 6th
21/2/1990
Farnsfield Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Bride for a Day 16/1 Result
Finished 8th / 12 ran
21/2/1990
East Stoke Novices Hurdle Qualifier
Southwell Racecourse
Prince Celtic 20/1 Result
Finished 6th / 12 ran
21/2/1990
Church Warsop Novices Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Ocean Rogue 10/1 Result
Finished 3rd / 6 ran
21/2/1990
Bathley Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Aceface 5/1 Result
Finished 5th / 12 ran
2/3/1990
New Ollerton Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse Result
Prince Celtic 3rd / 6 ran
2/3/1990 I rode Prince Celtic 6/1 in the New Ollerton Novices Hurdle at Southwell Racecourse and Finished 3rd / 6 ran. Prince Celtic was having his second run on the all weather at Southwell, this time over 2 miles 6 furlongs which was another half a mile more than the first effort.
The horse wore blinkers and I found he didn’t like the sand kicking up in his face, I don’t blame him I didn’t like it much either. As a result we got behind… the horse running as if he was outpaced until he got going a bit in the second half of the race and stayed on into a well beaten 3rd.
Prince Celtic never ran on the all weather again. He was placed several times (over hurdles, all-weather hurdles and fences)… we had a couple of 2nds, four 3rds and 4th in a novice chase at Uttoxeter on Midlands Grand National Day… but the horse never won a race and to this day I don’t know why he wore blinkers.
7/3/1990
Croxton Novices Chase
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Wyvern 100/1
UR/16 Result
7/3/1990
Chirk Novices Hurdle
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Bride for a Day 100/1
Finished 6th / 12 ran Result
10/3/1990
Federation Brewery Legend Bitter Novices Hurdle
Doncaster Racecourse Result
Prince Celtic 12th / 18 ran
10/3/1990
Federation Brewery LCL Pils Lager Handicap Hurdle
Doncaster Racecourse Result
Hill Beagle 7th / 16 ran
16/3/1990
Whiston Four Year Old Fillies Selling Hurdle (Div I)
Wolverhampton Racecourse Result
Bride for a Day 6th / 11 ran
16/3/1990
Wheaton Aston Novices Chase
Wolverhampton Racecourse Result
Wyvern 9th / 12 ran
Uttoxeter Racecourse Result
Prince Celtic 25/1
FELL / 11 ran
I fractured my jaw and was also concussed in this fall … I spent the night in Stafford General Hospital
28/4/1990
Kelly Trucks Novices Chase
Result
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Prince Celtic 4th / 15 ran
28/4/1990
Battle Of Britain Novices Handicap Hurdle
Uttoxeter Racecourse Result
Hellbrunn 6th / 15 ran
28/4/1990
Grand Stand Handicap Hurdle
Worcester Racecourse Result
Hill Beagle 6th / 19 ran
7/5/1990
May Day Maiden Chase
Southwell Racecourse Result
Prince Celtic 3rd / 9 ran
When we won this race Ardent Spy he was 13 years old and it had been 6 years since his previous victory and to put it bluntly, if the horse hadn’t had training problems when he was younger then I would have never got to ride him, he’d of been running at Cheltenham, Ascot and Sandown rather than Uttoxeter, Southwell and Ludlow… the horse’s problems turned into a bit of luck for me!
We won the Freddy Dixon Memorial Chase at Uttoxeter and I think winning a race run in the memory of a jockey who was killed riding in a race is an honour
Freddy Dixon is buried locally to where I live and the words written on his grave stone are something to go and have a read
16 rides on Ardent Spy all over fences
1x 1st
4x 2nd
2x 3rd
3x 4th
1x 6th
3x PU
2x UR
Video – Ardent Spy winning at Uttoxeter Racecourse
Freddy Dixon Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter Racecourse
1 Ardent Spy R Bevan
2 Proverity Norman Williamson
3 Mithras Gary Lyons
4 Alice’s Boy Luke Harvey
5 Wiggburn B Powell Snr
F Green Tops B Storey
Fred Dixon
When You Lay Me To Slumber No Spot You Can Choose
But Will Ring To The Rhythm Of Galloping Shoes
And Under The Daisies No Grave Be So Deep
But The Hoofs Of The Horses Shall Sound In My Sleep
From The Hoofs Of The Horses By William Henry Ogilvie
When You Lay Me To Slumber No Spot You Can Choose
