Richard Bevan Amateur Jockey Race Rides 1993/94 National Hunt Racing Season
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
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
Hereford Racecourse
Jay’Ay’Dee
Finished 5th / 16 ran Result
8/10/1987
Grunwick Stakes National Hunt Flat Race
Cheltenham Racecourse
Jay’Ay’Dee
(4, 5 & 6YO)
BD/28 ran Result
14/10/1987
Wetherby National Hunt Flat
Wetherby Racecourse
Don’t Telmag
Finished 22nd / 25 ran Result
16/10/1987
Southwold Amateur Riders Novices Chase
Market Rasen Racecourse
Eric’s Wish
FELL / 12 ran Result
26/10/1987
Fisher & Sons Fakenham Ltd Hurdle Gentleman Amateur Riders
Fakenham Racecourse
Eric’s Wish
Finished 7th / 15 ran Result
27/10/1987
Horse And Hound Challenge Cup Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle
Plumpton Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 8th / 19 ran Result
6/11/1987
Mold Handicap Chase
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 5th / 9 ran Result
7/11/1987
University Of Warwick Turf Club Novices Handicap Hurdle
Warwick Racecourse
Aphrodisiac
Finished 17 / 24 ran Result
9/11/1987
Racing Post Handicap Hurdle
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 4th / 19 ran Result
23/11/1987
Salt Hill Handicap Chase
Windsor Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 1st / 4 ran Result
Video – Crowecopper winning at Windsor
Salt Hill Handicap Chase
1 Crowecopper R Bevan
2 Dart Over P Richards
3 Memberson B Powell Snr
F Lanacre Bridge Peter Hobbs
24/11/1987
Aslockton Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 5th / 15 ran Result
28/11/1987
Ideal Homes Thames Handicap Chase
Towcester Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 4th / 7 ran Result
4/12/1987
Ladderback Selling Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Pialuci
Finished 12th / 17 ran Result
7/12/1987
Cherry Orchard Handicap Hurdle
Worcester Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 5th / 16 ran Result
19/12/1987
Yellow Collar Handicap Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 6th / 11 ran Result
26/12/1987
Deepfields Novices Chase
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 4th / 9 ran Result
26/12/1987
Harry Brown Challenge Cup (Handicap Chase)
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 3rd / 7 ran Result
16/1/1988
Boston Selling Handicap Hurdle
Market Rasen Racecourse
Thumps
Finished 9th / 22 ran Result
20/1/1988
Richards Castle Handicap Chase
Ludlow Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 2nd / 13 ran Result
Video – Crowecopper 2nd at Ludlow
Richards Castle Handicap Chase
1 Kelly’s Boy A Adams
2 Crowecopper R Bevan
3 Pea-Cock-Ade A O’Hagan
4 Holemoor Patrol Peter Hobbs
5 Deep And Even Peter Scudamore
6 Broad Beam J Bryan
7 Stoney Creek P Croucher
8 Megabit K Traylor
PU Kyle Prince R J Beggan
PU Word Of Wisdom R Bellamy
PU Fifth Column B Dowling
PU Juvenile Prince E Buckley
UR Bryma D Tegg
29/1/1988
Hamilton Campbell Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Ayr Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 3rd / 3 ran Result
16/2/1988
Manning Hunters Chase Challenge Cup
Towcester Racecourse
Rimfire
Finished 3rd / 6 ran Result
17/2/1988
Astwood Handicap Hurdle
Worcester Racecourse
Thumps
Finished 13th / 18 ran Result
Edinburgh Racecourse
Jay’Ay’Dee
Finished 13th / 14 ran Result
2/3/1988
Mark Five Amateur Riders Handicap Chase
Worcester Racecourse
Crowecopper
Finished 3rd / 16 ran Result
2/3/1988 I rode Crowecopper 11/2 in the Mark Five Amateur Riders Handicap Chase at Worcester Racecourse and we Finished 3rd / 16 ran. Henderson’s horse Cumrew ridden by Jamie Railton (the favourite) made the running until it fell 3 from home leaving Crowecopper and myself in front which wasn’t an ideal situation for my horse (as he would think he’d already won)… however, at this point we had to make the best of our way home. Crowecopper jumped the next well but on the run to the last a couple of the others (both big odds) came past us and we finished 3rd, beating Kim Bailey’s runner a short head into 4th place.
2/3/1988
Hoechst Panacur EBF Mares Only Novices Hurdle Qualifier
Worcester Racecourse
Ruby’s Vision
Finished 20th / 25 ran Result
2/3/1988 I rode Ruby’s Vision 50/1 in the Hoechst Panacur EBF Mares Only Novices Hurdle Qualifier at Worcester Racecourse. Finished 20th / 25 ran.
Ruby’s Vision was quite well bred and was a half sister to St Alezan who finished 2nd in a Mackeson Gold Cup unfortunately Ruby’s Vision was not a racehorse but she did breed a couple of winners. Owners came from Whitchurch.
9/3/1988
Holywell Selling Hurdle (Div II)
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Wood Farm Girl
Finished 2nd / 12 ran Result
I rode Wood Farm Girl
10/3/1988
Welford Handicap Chase
Stratford Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 4th / 13 ran Result
25/3/1988
Aston Handicap Chase
Ludlow Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 1st / 9 ran Result
Baluchi winning at Ludlow Racecourse
Aston Handicap Chase
1 Baluchi R Bevan
2 Outlaw I T Morgan
3 Pan Arctic C Kellett
4 Broad Beam J Bryan
5 Fare Love P Warner
6 Dundalk Bells N Hawke
7 Itsgottabealright Carl Llewellyn
0 Nudge Nudge I M Williams
0 Steel Venture W Hayes
28/3/1988
Arrow Novices Handicap Chase
Hereford Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 7th / 14 ran Result
4/4/1988
Easter Handicap Chase
Market Rasen Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 1st / 6 ran Result
Baluchi winning at Market Rasen Racecourse
Easter Handicap Chase
1 Baluchi R Bevan
2 Wild Argosy N Fearn
3 Wise Cracker I Peter Niven
4 Fair Babu S Turner
5 Kevinsfort J Hayes
PU Keycorn M Brennan
9/4/1988
Herefordshire Light Horse Breeding Society Nov Hunter Chase
Hereford Racecourse
Rimfire
Finished 2nd / 12 ran Result
13/4/1988
Duncrievie Handicap Chase
Perth Racecourse
Baluchi
Finished 1st / 6 ran
I won three races out of seven riding Baluchi
… Ludlow, Market Rasen and this race at Perth
I remember the first time we won at Ludlow, as I was being legged up on Baluchi, the trainer says to me “If you don’t win, don’t come f?cking back!”
“That’s nice” I thought
We’d won 3 races on the bounce together then he ran in the Holman Cup at Cheltenham and I was jocked off… Baluchi pulled up
7 rides on Baluchi all over fences
3x 1st
1x 2nd
2x 3rd
1x 4th
Baluchi ridden by Richard Bevan winning the Duncrievie Handicap Chase at Perth Racecourse April 1988
1 Baluchi R Bevan
2 Tactico M Hammond
3 Queens Palace Dai Burchell
4 Wise Cracker Peter Niven
5 Music Be Magic C Grant
PU Tumble Jim S Cunningham
14/4/1988
Caputh Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle
Perth Racecourse
Soldier of Destiny
Finished 7th / 17 ran
Horses I Led Up at the Races
1986/1987 National Hunt Season
1/11/1986
Corinth Novices Hurdle (Division II)
Chepstow Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 5th / 22 ran
5/11/1986
E.B.F. Novices Hurdle Qualifier (4, 5 and 6-y-o)
Newbury Racecourse
Condicote Boy
Finished 9th / 21 ran
13/11/1986
Silver Buck Chase (Limited Handicap)
Wincanton Racecourse
Charter Party
Finished 4th / 7 ran
22/11/1986
Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Handicap Chase)
Newbury Racecourse
Charter Party
PU / 15 ran
27/11/1986
Askett Novices Hurdle (Division I)
Warwick Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 3rd / 16 ran
27/11/1986
Askett Novices Hurdle (Division II)
Warwick Racecourse
Members Revenge
Finished 8th / 17 ran
2/12/1986
Damsells Novices Hurdle (F&M) (Division II)
Hereford Racecourse
Annie Ra
FELL / 16 ran
22/12/1986
Christmas Pudding Novices Hurdle (Division I)
Towcester Racecourse
Condicote Boy
Finished 4th / 17 ran
26/12/1986
Netherton Four-Year-Old Handicap Hurdle
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Annie Ra
FELL / 19 ran
3/1/1987
Bradstone Mandarin Handicap Chase
Newbury Racecourse
Charter Party
Finished 3rd / 6 ran
4/2/1987
E.B.F. Oats & Celtic Cone Novices Hurdle (Mares)
Hereford Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 6th / 17 ran
11/2/1987
Datchet Novices Hurdle
Ascot Racecourse
Condicote Boy
Finished 6th / 18 ran
11/2/1987
Reynoldstown Novices Chase
Ascot Racecourse
Against The Grain
Finished 2nd / 5 ran
21/2/1987
Mapperley Handicap Chase
Nottingham Racecourse
Charter Party
Finished 3rd / 4 ran
12/3/1987
Alveston Handicap Hurdle
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Annie Ra
Finished 4th / 7 ran
19/3/1987
Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase
Cheltenham Racecourse
Charter Party
FELL / 12 ran
Charter Party was just making up the numbers in the 1987 Gold Cup
He’d been kept stabled the previous Summer (’86)during which he was blistered and hobdayed (got a bit of a leg after winning the Golden Miller at Cheltenham, also had a breathing problem) and was then put straight into training when the other horses came back from their holidays… he had no break
Throughout the 1986/87 season Charter Party had no appetite and often left his food… something I told of and actually showed to the “old man” and also to the head lad… I would fill a black bucket up with the food he’d left and take it into the office first thing in the morning for them to see… he ran all season 20-25 kilos lighter than he had the previous one
Then to make matters worse, in the early part of 1987 Charter Party developed a fairly large lump on his rump (which he ran in the 87 Gold Cup with)… in the end, to put it right the lump was drained which was done when he was taken out of training… what caused the lump will never be known but I do remember him having a couple of “vitamin” injections into his backside (I told the Guv’nor this)
I think if you look at the photo I’ve attached to this post of him going down to the start you can see how light Charter Party looks in his condition (his neck, the breast girth hanging loose… wasn’t even wearing a breast girth or breastplate 12 months earlier in the Ritz) and if you look even more carefully you will see the lump near the top of his quarter, it was quite large
Charter Party was always a Gold Cup horse but at no point was 1987 going to be his year
… at least I can say I led Charter Party up in the Snowstorm Gold Cup!
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
BBC Radio Wales Novices Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 11 ran Result
3/8/1990
Bpa Exhibitions Novices Chase
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 5 ran Result
9/8/1990
Radford Bavarian Novices Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 2 ran Result
9/8/1990
Queensway China Novices Hurdle
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Royal Hunt
UR / 11 RAN Result
(I needed stitches in my mouth after this)
18/8/1990
Fred Archer Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Fnished 2nd / 8 ran Result
27/8/1990
Rose County Handicap Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Hill Beagle
Finished 2nd / 7 ran Result
27/8/1990
Hopeful Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt
Finished 2nd / 10 ran Result
29/8/1990
Cooper Callas Bathroom Distributors Handicap Chase
Newton Abbot Racecourse
Ardent Spy
PU / 4 ran Result
29/8/1990
Armitage Shanks Forum Shower Enclosure Novices Chase
Newton Abbot Racecourse
Prince Celtic
UR / 7 ran Result
1/9/1990
Hole In Wall Novices Chase
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
Redbrook Novices Handicap Hurdle
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
Royal Hunt Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran
1/10/1990
Royal Welsh Showground In May Cond. Jockeys Novices Hurdle
Southwell Racecourse
Royal Hunt Result
Finished 2nd / 9 ran
6/10/1990
Staffordshire Yeomanry Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Ardent Spy Result
Finished 4th / 7 ran
13/10/1990
Farnsfield Handicap Chase
Southwell Racecourse
Ardent Spy Result
Finished 3rd / 4 ran
20/10/1990
Ratley Conditional Jockeys Claiming Hurdle
Stratford-on-Avon Racecourse
Royal Hunt Result
Finished 2nd / 10 ran
25/10/1990
Colonel R. Thompson Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase
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