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.
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.