Richard Bevan Amateur Jockey Race Rides 1987/88 National Hunt Racing Season

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

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

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 11 ran
Result

3/8/1990

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 5 ran
Result

9/8/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 2 ran
Result

9/8/1990

(I needed stitches in my mouth after this)

18/8/1990

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Fnished 2nd / 8 ran
Result

27/8/1990

Southwell Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 7 ran
Result

27/8/1990

Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 10 ran
Result

29/8/1990

Newton Abbot Racecourse
Ardent Spy
PU / 4 ran
Result

29/8/1990

Newton Abbot Racecourse
Prince Celtic
UR / 7 ran
Result

1/9/1990

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

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran

1/10/1990

Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 9 ran

6/10/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran

13/10/1990

Southwell Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran

20/10/1990

Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 10 ran

25/10/1990

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

25/10/1990
Southwell Racecourse
Roy Prince
Grasmere Handicap Chase Result
Finished 4th / 4 ran

2/11/1990

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 12 ran

6/11/1990

6/11/1990

8/11/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 6th / 11 ran

8/11/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 2nd / 13 ran

19/11/1990

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 8th / 17 ran


Fine Warrior and myself… second left

20/11/1990

Wolverhampton Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 3rd / 5 ran

26/11/1990

Nottingham Racecourse
Kings Meeting
Result
Finished 7th / 11 ran

30/11/1990

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Mystic Bid
Result
Finished 8th / 10 ran

1/12/1990

Nottingham Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 9th / 20 ran

6/12/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Kings Meeting
Result
PU / 14 ran

6/12/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Easy Time
Result
Finished 3rd / 9 ran

21/12/1990

Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy
Result
Finished 2nd / 15 ran

27/12/1990

Wolverhampton Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 4th / 6 ran

28/12/1990

Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Nicolaki
Result
Finished 9th / 17 ran

1/1/1991

Leicester Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 3rd / 15 ran

5/1/1991

Market Rasen Racecourse
Jan’s Blend
Result
Finished 11th / 19 ran

9/1/1991

Southwell Racecourse
Nicolaki
Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran

23/1/1991

Southwell Racecourse
Fine Warrior
Result
Finished 11th / 17 ran

29/1/1991

Leicester Racecourse
Roy Prince
Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran

29/1/1991

Leicester Racecourse
Trade Secret I
Result
PU / 15 ran

31/1/1991

Towcester Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Result
Finished 4th / 14 ran

2/2/1991

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Balmoral Drive
Result
Finished 15th / 15 ran

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1988 Flat Racing Season

26/4/1988

Ilchester Handicap

Bath Racecourse
Shanghai Bowler
Finished 12th / 17 ran

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

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 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

Doncaster Racecourse
Master Hope
Result
Finished 8th / 18 ran

Richard Bevan National Hunt Rides 1999/2000
2 rides… Average Starting Price Odds 62.5 to 1
Completed 1 = 50%
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 1 = 50%

1999/2000 National Hunt Season

15/3/2000

Totnes And Bridgetown Novices Hunters Chase

Newton Abbot Racecourse
King Paddy
Result
Finished 7th / 13 ran

20/5/2000

North Western Area P-T-P Championship Final (Hunters Chase) (for Wynnstay Hunt Challenge Cup)

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Corkers Flame
Result
PU / 10 ran