Sporting Chronicle

Horses I looked after in racing

Horses I looked after in racing

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.

Silver Wisp



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.

Viking Flagship 1995 Queen Mother Champion Chase

Horses I Led Up – NH Races 1994/95

Horses I Led Up – NH Races 1994/95

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1994/1995 National Hunt Season



11/11/1994

Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Wonder Man
Result
Finished 2nd / 3 ran

Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase
Mitsubishi Shogun Handicap Chase



18/11/1994

Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Leicester Racecourse
Plunder Bay
Result
Finished 1st / 10 ran

Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle
Beginners Juvenile Novices Hurdle



25/11/1994

Oxfordshire Novices Chase

Newbury Racecourse
Corner Boy
Result
Finished 4th / 9 ran

Oxfordshire Novices Chase



3/12/1994

Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy Chase

Sandown Park Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran

Mitsubishi Shogun Tingle Creek Trophy Chase
Viking Flagship



27/12/1994

Castleford Chase

Wetherby Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 6 ran

Castleford Chase
Castleford Chase



14/1/1995

Victor Chandler Handicap Chase

Ascot Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 5th / 8 ran

Victor Chandler Handicap Chase Grade 2

There’s no smoke without fire
Victor Chandler Handicap Chase Grade 2
Viking Flagship



7/2/1995

Ryton Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Warwick Racecourse
Shankar
Result
FELL / 15 ran

Ryton Juvenile Novices Hurdle



11/2/1995

Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase

Newbury Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
FELL / 3 ran

Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase Grade 2



23/2/1995

Milcars Juvenile Novices Hurdle

Huntingdon Racecourse
Shankar
Result
Finished 4th / 8 ran

Milcars Juvenile Novices Hurdle



25/2/1995

Emblem Chase

Kempton Park Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 2nd / 4 ran

Emblem Chase



15/3/1995

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Cheltenham Racecourse
Viking Flagship
Result
Finished 1st / 10 ran

Queen Mother Champion Chase
Queen Mother Champion Chase

Queen Mother Champion Chase



Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1994

Horses I Led Up – Flat Races 1994

Horses I Led Up at the Races
1994 Flat Racing Season

19/4/1994

Fryston Conditions Stakes

Pontefract Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 2nd / 8 ran

Fryston Conditions Stakes

29/4/1994

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Newmarket Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 1st / 8 ran

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Silver Wisp

Silver Wisp

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes Group 2

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

Madagans Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2)

17/6/1994

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

Royal Ascot
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 11th / 11 ran

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)

13/8/1994

Tripleprint Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 2)

Newbury Racecourse
Silver Wisp
Result
Finished 5th / 6 ran

Tripleprint Geoffrey Freer Stakes Class A (Group 2)