How I started in Horse Racing
In March 1983, aged fourteen and still at school, my parents took me to Ian Balding’s Open Day
The main attraction for me was to see John Francome and Peter Scudamore school Ian Balding’s hunter-chasers (Francome on Ross Poldark … Scu’ on Paintbox) over the trainer’s steeplechase fences.
After the Schooling Session
The two National Hunt Jockeys got off the hunter chasers and came over to talk to the spectators
I informed John Francome of my desire to become a jockey and asked him whose yard I should go and stay at to gain some work experience.
Francome suggested David Nicholson or Josh Gifford and advised me to write to them and see what happens
Ian Balding Open Morning Saturday March 26th 1983
Horses working and schooling …
Shy Rambler, Special Leave, Whisky Talk, Drumalis, Crusader Castle, Diamond Shoal, Mailman, Old Dominion, Broken Habit, Flamenco, Cardigan, Ampersand, Unbridled Pleasure, Dear Emperor, Ballylummin, Careen, Elegant Air, Spey Bridge, King of Clubs, Finians Rainbow, Corinth, Spicy Story, Christendom, Albany Girl, Calypsa, Reflection, Glimmering, Vidalia, Troyanna
John Francome signature is on the back of the gallop sheet
My Letter to The Duke
I sent David Nicholson a letter and it wasn’t very long before I received a postcard in reply asking me to attend an interview at 9am the very next Saturday morning. My parents drove me down to his Cotswold House Racing Stables (in Condicote, Gloucestershire). Somewhat disappointingly, the first thing Nicholson said to me was, ‘ You’ve got big hands … you will struggle with your weight – You won’t make a jockey!’ However, The Duke added. ‘you can come down for a fortnight in the summer and have some work experience. You will live in the lads hostel – when I say a fortnight you will stay a fortnight … No going home early!’
In early August (1983), I returned to the yard and at the end of the two weeks, Nicholson said to me, ‘You can have a job with me. Go home this weekend and come back on Monday morning to start work!’
I then had to explain that I couldn’t.
‘I’ve still got another year at school.’
‘Yes . . . ‘ said the trainer. ‘Start next year – Keep in touch.’
I went back to Nicholson’s yard twice more for work experience … Christmas 1983 and Easter 1984
Meanwhile, determined not to let the grass grow under my feet, I spent some time throughout 1983 learning stable routine’s while going on work experience with Paul Felgate, Jack Berry and the Earl of Shrewsbury (point to pointers).
I started working full-time for The Duke (as Nicholson was familiarly known) on September 10, 1984. The very first horse I rode out for him on that first morning was Broadheath, who two years later won the Hennessy Gold Cup for David Barons.
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
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.
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
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.
