NH Trainers Permit: Navigating the Journey of a National Hunt Permit Trainer
Introduction to National Hunt Training
Becoming a National Hunt Permit Trainer was an exciting challenge that required dedication and knowledge of horse management. In this post, I share my experiences from holding a National Hunt Permit Trainer’s Licence for one season and the journey that led me there.
Starting with Point-to-Pointers
Initially, I trained a couple of point-to-pointers, managing to secure two places but unfortunately no wins. Although the outcomes were not as desired, the experience opened doors for me in the world of horse training. My highlight came when I trained a horse called Political Power who I purchased for just £1,000 at the Malvern Horse Sales. This horse showed some improved racecourse performances for my training, such as finishing second at 66-1 in a handicap hurdle at Towcester Racecourse.
Preparing for the Trainer’s Permit
To obtain my National Hunt Trainer’s Permit, I enrolled in the horse racing training course at the British School of Racing in Newmarket. Completing this course allowed me to earn an NVQ Level 3 in Racehorse Management. I later attended an interview at the Jockey Club Licensing Department located at 42 Portman Square, London.
Even though my one season as a Permit holder didn’t produce winners, I cherished working with my horse, which also placed fourth at 50-1 in a novice chase at Fontwell Racecourse during the year of the foot and mouth epidemic.
To accompany my journey, I have included a video of Political Power schooling over fences for the first time.
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.
A Journey Through the Racing Career of Charter Party
The 1985/86 National Hunt Season
During the 1985/86 national hunt season, I had the privilege of looking after Charter Party, a horse whose journey in racing was filled with both triumphs and challenges. Throughout this season, Charter Party showed exceptional talent, particularly when he clinched victories in prestigious races like the Ritz Club Handicap Chase and the Golden Miller Chase.
Charter Party after winning the Ritz Club Handicap Chase at the 1986 Cheltenham Festival
The 1986/87 National Hunt Season
Leading Up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup
As the 1987 Cheltenham Gold Cup approached, I experienced the excitement and stress that came with preparing Charter Party. Unfortunately, the horse was not without his issues. Following his win in the Golden Miller, he underwent several procedures; his legs were blistered, and he was hobdayed. Consequently, he remained in his stable throughout the summer of 1986, missing out on the crucial rest period needed after a demanding season.
Struggles and Comebacks
Through late Summer 1986 Charter Party began his comeback journey which was challenging, stretching over 10 weeks of walking roadwork, often alone, to prepare for the Gold Cup.
As the season progressed, and after several below par runs and also not eating well, an incident occurred.
Charter Party received an injection in the rump. It was given by the Head Lad and I held the horse while he was injected. I asked the Head Lad ” What’s that you gave him?” and he replied “Vitamins”.
As it turned out, the injection resulted in complications, possibly from from a dirty needle. By the time the 1987 Gold Cup arrived, it was already very clear that Charter Party was not the same horse we had seen in the previous seasons.
While I was no longer his lad by 1988 (I’d left The Duke’s for race rides elsewhere), I was present to witness him achieve an incredible victory at Cheltenham in the 1988 Gold Cup, marking a triumphant yet bittersweet chapter in his legacy.
Caring for Silver Wisp: My Journey from June 1993 to March 1995
The Early Days at Jackdaws Castle
I had the privilege of looking after Silver Wisp from June 1993 to March 1995. During this time, I worked with this talented horse. On Silver Wisp’s first morning at David Nicholson’s Jackdaws Castle racing stables, I got the chance to ride Silver Wisp in his first schooling session over various log jumps in the jumping paddock. It was a crucial first step in his training journey for the anticipated new career as a National Hunt horse.
Training and Development
Over the course of his training, I also introduced Silver Wisp to hurdles both on the all-weather surface and grass. His ability to navigate these obstacles was promising, and it was disappointing that because of injury, Silver Wisp never had the chance to run over hurdles in National Hunt racing during my time looking after the horse at Jackdaws Castle.
Achievements and Memories
One of the highlights of Silver Wisp’s career was winning the 1994 Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket. It was a proud moment not only for his owners but for everyone involved in his training. I fondly remember the excitement surrounding that victory; you could see the joy it brought to everyone at the stables.
The photo captured after the race, with the Duke walking in behind, perfectly encapsulates the energy of that day.
Memorable Moments with Viking Flagship
My Journey with Viking Flagship
From August 1994 to March 1995, I had the privilege of looking after Viking Flagship, a horse known for his tenacity and talent. During this time, I led him him up in six very exciting races, with Viking Flagship achieving victory in three significant events. These wins included the Tingle Creek Chase Grade 1 at Sandown Park Racecourse, the Castleford Chase Grade 2 at Wetherby Racecourse, and the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase Grade 1 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Achievements on the Racecourse
Viking Flagship’s strong performances in these races illuminated his competitive spirit. Each win brought a blend of joy and pride, reflecting on hard work and dedication. The thrill of witnessing his success on the track was unparalleled, making our time together deeply rewarding.
A Day to Remember at Jackdaws Castle
One memory that stands out among the rest is the day I had the chance to school Viking Flagship over hurdles at Jackdaws Castle, thanks to David “The Duke” Nicholson. It was a unique experience and this day remains etched in my mind as a significant moment during my career in horse racing.
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
Richard Bevan from Market Drayton in Shropshire began his journey in horse racing as a stable lad. He worked under the mentorship of renowned racehorse trainer David Nicholson, who operated at Cotswold House Racing Stables in Condicote, Gloucestershire. Through this foundation, Richard was introduced to the fascinating world of horse racing.
Richard’s Role as a Stable Lad
As a stable lad, Richard Bevan had the responsibility of caring for several notable horses. Among them were Charter Party, Viking Flagship, and Silver Wisp. Experience gained looking after these horses not only shaped Richard’s racing career but also ignited his passion for racing, ultimately leading him to become a jockey.
Achievements as a Jockey
Richard Bevan’s jockey career comprises a blend of amateur and conditional rides in National Hunt Racing. His accomplishments started as an amateur rider, where from 84 rides, he secured five wins and ranked 19th in the 1987/88 Amateur Riders Championship. His racing activities continued as a professional conditional jockey, and from 271 rides, he achieved 11 wins, 35 second places, 45 thirds. He finished 94th in the National Hunt Jockeys Championship for the 1989/90 season.
Bevan’s foray into point-to-point racing showcased his versatility, garnering five wins, including a notable victory at Aintree.
Additionally, Richard Bevan marked his entry into National Hunt victories with an impressive win at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Midlands Grand National day in 1987 aboard Crowecopper, a horse with historical significance as also being the last winner ridden by Roy ‘RF’ Davies.
Introduction to Richard Bevan’s Jockey Career
During Richard’s time in horse racing, he made a name for himself as both an Amateur Rider Jockey and also a Conditional Jockey, riding a number of winners. This section provides a quick overview of Richard Bevan’s statistics during his varied riding career, highlighting his achievements and contributions to the sport.
National Hunt Achievements
During his professional career, Richard Bevan participated in both hurdle racing and steeplechasing. As a professional conditional jockey, Bevan completed a total of 271 rides, during which he secured 11 winners, finished second 35 times, and placed third 45 times. Additionally, he recorded 33 fourth-place finishes, showcasing his consistent performance on the racecourse. In the 1989/90 National Hunt jockeys championship, Bevan finished in 94th position, a testament to his dedication to the sport.
Amateur Rides and Point-to-Point Success
Before turning professional, Richard Bevan also made a significant impact in amateur racing. He rode in 84 races, achieving a commendable 5 winners, along with 6 second-place and 6 third-place finishes, which earned him a 19th place in the 1987/88 Amateur Riders Championship. Additionally, his point-to-point racing saw him ride 53 times, resulting in 5 victories, including a win at Aintree Racecourse. His 6 second-place finishes and 8 third-place finishes further illustrated his skill and determination on the field.
Richard Bevan Quick Stats
As a jockey Richard Bevan rode several National Hunt winners (hurdle racing and steeplechasing). These winners came as both an amateur rider and also a Conditional Jockey.
Professional Conditional Jockey
From 271 rides
11 winners
35 seconds
45 thirds
33 fourths
I finished 94th in the 1989/90 National Hunt Jockeys Championship
National Hunt Racing Amateur Jockey
From 84 rides
5 winners
6 seconds
6 thirds
9 fourths
I finished 19th in the 1987/88 Amateur Riders Championship
Point-to-Point Racing
From 53 rides
5 winners, including one at Aintree.
6 seconds
8 thirds
4 fourths
I won the 1987 North West Area Novice Leading Rider
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
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
When You Lay Me To Slumber No Spot You Can Choose
