Thursday 16th FebruaryAfter the deep freeze, it was good to come back with a win on Tuesday with The Tracey Shuffle at Ayr.
He’s in the Neptune Investments Novices’ Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The former is run over 2m5f and the latter over 3m but I don’t know which he’ll run in, if he goes to Cheltenham at all. He’s only a six year old, and whether he goes there or not, he’s a horse to follow.
His owners Sean and Josie Tracey are huge supporters of racing and they are great people to ride for. They live up in Scotland and also have horses with my father and Lucinda Russell so they’ve become great friends.
Sean is the chief executive of Powerleague which is five-a side-football and he does a lot of community work. He loves his horses, loves his racing, loves winning, but is very straight forward to ride for.
I feel really sorry for Graham Lee who will be out of the Cheltenham Festival and Aintree after dislocating his hip at Southwell yesterday. Ruby (Walsh) said the pain he felt when he had a similar injury was the worst he has ever felt. It’s going to be a long rode for Graham and it will take months rather than weeks. I just hope he makes a full and speedy recovery
On Friday and Saturday its all systems go. I’ll probably be at Newbury on Friday and Ascot on Saturday. Junior could well run on Friday as could The Giant Bolster, I’msingingtheblues and Massini’s Maguire.
Massini’s Maguire is such a talented horse with a huge engine but he’s very delicate. If he wasn’t so prone to injury he could be a Gold Cup horse. It was a tremendous training performance from David when he won the United House Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot a couple of years ago after a lay off. He had a run at Ascot in December and pulled up but I think he could go very well this weekend.
Grands Crus won’t be running until the Festival. We don’t want him to have a hard race this close to the Festival. He’s won a Grade 1 and run in some tough races. Any more experience he needs we can do at home. We ran him at Cheltenham and then quickly at Newbury followed by Kempton to get the experience into him but we’ve been hostage to the weather a bit.
I’ll school him at home before the Festival – David always schools his horses before they run – but for Grands Crus it will be a refresher rather than anything else.
It was so sad to lose Bobby Ewing on the gallops last weekend. So much work had gone into him and he was fit and thriving. It was a sad day for everyone involved. Fortunately nobody was hurt, but it was a horrible situation. All you can say is that he was really enjoying his work and was going really well but he was such a lovely horse and he’s left a hole in the yard.
Thursday 9th February
So how have I been filling my time?
I’ve been riding out most days at David’s and we’ve managed to get a bit of schooling done.
We went away at the weekend to Lottie’s granny’s 90th birthday party in Lambourn. Lottie lost her aunty a couple of weeks ago and I wasn’t able to go to the funeral as I was riding. It was lovely to see everyone and it was a real family occasion.
At home, for a change I haven’t been chopping logs but I’ve had a good tidy up outside as it was all a bit over grown.
They seem quite hopeful for Newbury on Saturday but the problem is the frost is in the ground. I’m not sure it will thaw where its under the tree and on the bends.
I’m just praying it is on as I have some very good rides – Grands Crus, The Giant Bolster, I’msolucky.
It’s interesting how the Racing Post has recently said Silviniaco Conti is the one to beat in the RSA and I think they are just trying to fill space. I suppose with no racing they have to write something but it takes a brave man to oppose Grands Crus.
Cheltenham Preview Evening is nearly upon us and I’m doing three. I really enjoy doing them but I don’t like doong too many as they can be very late to finish and when you are riding in the morning it’s a killer.
The best one I do is the night before the Festival starts in Prestbury. A quite hardcore but its really good to go through all the form and the different angles. It’s gives you a great guide to the Irish form too.
But the best night out this year has to be quiz night at The Culmstock Inn on March 4. It’s free to enter but you have to take a raffle prize and its already pretty much booked up. There are teams from the Pipes, Hobbs and Tizzard yards and Channel 4 Racing will be there. Anyone who is anyone in racing in the Westcountry will be going and its’ going to be packed. It’s all for the Children’s Hospice South West so it’s a great cause too.
If racing is off this weekend I’ll be going to the Millennium Stadium to watch Wales V Scotland. Rugby players are huge fans of horse racing. My brother Michael has a horse in training for Mike Tindall, James Simpson and Nicky Robinson and Andy Powell, Mark Cueto and a few other Sale Sharks have just bought a horse with David.
I first met Andy Powell at Exeter three years ago – he’s a massive racing fan and lives, breathes and eats it. I went and introduced myself because I follow rugby. It was Lottie’s birthday and we had a box so I invited him up and we’ve been best friends ever since. We talk every day on the phone – much to Lottie’s amusement – and he often comes to stay.
I was chatting to him the other day and he saying how Wales are on such a roll at the moment. They have incredibly talented players and I can see them going all the way this season.
Watching Wales and Ireland at the weekend, they’re in a different class to England who I think are going to struggle this season.
The weather has finally caught up with us after such a mild winter and today I had an enforced day off with Leicester abandoning due to a frozen course.
There are inspections today (Thursday) at Wincanton where I have one ride for David (Pipe) and Towcester has already been abandoned. But after last year, you could say we’ve been lucky.
If the weather does get worse and it looks like a big freeze, I’ll be heading to Dave’s (Pipe) everyday in Lottie’s 4x4 to help as much as I can as they are likely to be short staffed with people unable to get to the yard.
There are mixed forecasts regarding snow, but if it arrives, I’ll be taking the girls tobogganing and spending time with them.
Dynaste was beaten at Cheltenham on Saturday by one of the greatest ever hurdlers – Big Bucks. But you have to take the positives out it and we have another very exciting horse for the future who could go right to the very top.
In my head I knew how I wanted to ride him and what I wanted to do differently from Ascot. I was very confident I could get closer to Big Bucks and he put up a cracking performance. I was speaking to Mrs Pipe after and saying we’re bumping into the greatest hurdler of all time and we’ve now finished a close second to him with both Grands Crus and Dynaste. What are the chances of having two horses that good in the same yard? There’s so much depth now in the quality of horses at Dave’s.
Dynaste is as quick as anything I’ve ever sat on over a hurdle and he’s very athletic. He’s not that big but he rides a lot bigger than he is and he has so much scope he will be incredibly exciting when he does go over fences.
The Giant Bolster’s win was fantastic. So much hard work has gone into the horse. We always knew he had plenty of talent but the thing was to get his confidence back. He jumped quite brilliantly on Saturday and he’s becoming quite clever. He’s neat and tidy, rather than exuberant and he got braver as the race went on. He’s not always been a natural over his fences and he’s had to work out his own jumping style. I spoke to Bridgy (David Bridgewater) on Monday and they had a great time celebrating. Hopefully that’s just the beginning for The Giant Bolster and also for Bridgy who has had a good season so far.
I had a great day at Ffos Las on Sunday. Six rides reaped three winners including a double for Rebecca Curtis and one for Richard Lee.
Rebecca is someone I really enjoy riding for as her horses are always fit and well schooled and she’s a very straightforward trainer. She’s quiet and unassuming but it’s a great set up they have and with her partner Gearoid Costello she really know how to train horses. She’s very intelligent, very pretty, unassuming and quiet and she’s very precise with her instructions. She knows her horses and knows exactly what she wants. AP was quick to cotton on to her talents and recommended her to JP McManus.
On Saturday, if racing goes ahead I’ll be at Ffos Las. It’s a big day for the course’s owner Dai Walters with the Welsh National taking place and they’ll pull out all the stops to make sure it goes ahead. They’ll cut no corners to beat the elements and it won’t be through lack of effort if the weather wins.
They’ve got it absolutely right there through sheer hard work. It’s a place everyone enjoys going to – a proper course.
Tickets are selling fast for Exeter Racecourse’s Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening on Thursday, February 23. Top racing celebrities Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Philip Hobbs, Nick Williams are on the panel, with Paddy Power, Paul Jones, author of the Weatherby’s Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide, Andrew King from the Racing Post and Zoey Bird also in attendance. Tickets cost £20 each and include a hot fork supper. Call 01392 832599 to book.
Chartreux ran in a beginners’ chase at Towcester on Sunday and he finished last of four and walked over the line. The run was too bad to be true and he will put it behind him but it was very disappointing. He was never travelling or jumping and he just wasn’t himself but I’m sure David (Pipe) will get to the bottom of it. One bad run doesn’t make him a bad horse and it just goes to prove horses aren’t machines.
It’ll be really great to see AP McCoy back in action tomorrow at Warwick. He’s easing himself back into it with a confidence boosting ride in the bumper on Key To The West for Nicky Henderson. It’ll be a steering job and just what he needs if you read his column in the Telegraph. I’m not so sure he does need his confidence boosting but it will be great to see him in the weighing room again.
David (Pipe) has entered Grands Crus in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday but he and his owners haven’t decided yet if he runs. I’m not suer if I’m going to Cheltenham or Doncaster but the likelihood is I’ll be at Cheltenham.
It looks a much hotter race than last year and there will be a true run gallop. It is very competitive, but he’s a very good horse. He was a little bit keen at Kempton but he’s been really switched off so far this season. However, it doesn’t take much to wind him up.
I’ll school him this morning (Thurs) with a whole bunch of others and then David will decide if he goes.
We’ve also got Dynaste in the Cleeve Hurdle against Big Bucks. He wouldn’t have a hope on his last run but we shall see. He has to improve a lot and I’m not saying he’ll beat Big Bucks but you have to go into your races feeling positive.
It looks like I’ll also be on The Giant Bolster in the Murphy Group Chase and he could run well.
Junior is the current favourite for the John Smith’s Grand National in April and he may have his first run of the season at Haydock next month in the £75,000 Betfred Grand National Trial. David has entered him, but the decision about whether he runs or not will be made much nearer the time.
He looks fantastic and I’m really looking forward to getting back on him. He has the profile which makes him a worthy favourite for the National. What he’s done since he joined David is incredible and I’m very excited about riding him again.
I had a winner at Leicester on Tuesday on Painter Man and then Quinte Du Chatelet won at Hereford yesterday so the season continues to go well. I don’t have any rides today, so I’ll be catching up on chores at home, then its all systems go again for the weekend ahead with some very nice horses to ride.
I’ve had a frustrating few days. I went all the way to Catterick last week to ride Shaking Hands and I unseated at the first. I’m not too bad about it now, and tend to think how lucky I am to be in one piece and able to ride the next day. But in the past I would have got very stroppy.
But I do feel very disappointed for the owners when something like this happens as I’ve let them down. It doesn’t matter where it happens – on the doorstep at Taunton or all the way at Catterick – you still feel the same.
But Shaking Hands is absolutely fine. I schooled him this week and he jumped very well and he’ll be running again this weekend.
I mentioned a horse called Cousin Khee in my column a few weeks ago and he won very nicely at Huntingdon on Friday. I think he has a lot of potential and he did it very well. Whether he’s a Cheltenham horse is debatable as he isn’t very slick over his hurdles yet and he’s still a big baby. He still has a lot to learn but he could be a smart horse for the future.
Today I rode another very nice horse called The Tracey Shuffle at Lingfield. The trip’s right, the grounds right and he should go extremely well on his hurdles debut. He didn’t finish very far behind Cousin Khee at Cheltenham in the Champion Bumper but he’s a different type of horse. Where as Cousin Khee is a speed horse, The Tracey Shuffle is a staying chaser in the making and I’m very excited about his future.
I feel very sad for Will Kennedy who lost his share of the prize money after hitting Swincombe Flame once too many at Kempton at the weekend. It’s tough on him as he lost the ride on Time For Rupert and the prize would have meant a lot.
Paul Bittar, the new chief of the British Horse Racing Authority, has a lot to do to get racing back in order. There is a lot to be very proud off, such as the way the horses are looked after, the quality of racing and the brilliant raceday attendances, but there is an awful lot wrong with racing and he’s going to have to make some very tough decisions to sort it all out and bring all the different factions together for the good of racing.
There are the ongoing issues with the whips, the poor levels of prize money. There is also the huge worry of a number of racecourses being bought out by one large group. Are they buying them for the right reasons or is it for long term gain given a lot of racecourses are situated on prime development land? We need to hope he stands up for British racing because what may be good for some businesses may not necessarily be in racing’s best interests. He will have to be tough, bring every one together and give the sport clear leadership.
There is a lot to be positive about, but in the past few years some great opportunities have been squandered and now Bittar will need to sort it all out. Hopefully, as an outsider to British racing, but with his vast experience within the sport, he’s the man to do it.
Thursday 12th January Until today I’d had a really good run of it, riding eight winners from 15 rides in a week.
Yesterday (wed), I was back in the mud when Midnight Tuesday fell in a handicap chase at Ffos Las. It was a novicey fall and he just didn’t get his landing gear out. As falls go it was a soft one – if there is such a thing. I got rolled on but just got squelched really as the ground was so soft. Thank goodness its been raining so much.
I’ve ridden a couple of very nice horse recently. Up until Chartreux stumbled and fell in a beginners’ chase at Hereford, I was really pleased with the way he was going. He was travelling and jumping well. He just stumbled and didn’t have the experience to find a leg and came down. Until then he was feeling really nice and he’s a good prospect.
Kazlian has won his last two starts and is really getting the hang of it but I’m not sure how good a race it was when he won at Leicester on Tuesday. The way the race was run suited him and he jumped well but it remains to be seen how good a race it was.
The Gold Cup entries were revealed yesterday for the Cheltenham Festival and except for the top two, Kauto Star and Long Run, everything else will be running for place money.
Dave (Pipe) has entered Grands Crus and Junior so all being well I’ll have a ride.
Kauto Star is back to his imperious best this season. Last season I think it was more a case of Long Run being able to capitalize on what ever was wrong with Kauto. This year I do I think Long Run has kept to his level of form while it does look likely Kauto had a problem and is now back to his best again.
Finians Rainbow is an interesting entry but he strikes me as a Champion Chaser or perhaps he’ll go for the Ryanair.
The other horse I really like is Captain Chris who went really well in the King George for a long way. He’s bred to get the trip andhe’s an interesting outsider.
Nothing really stands out. Junior is improving all the time but the Grand National is his target, while Grands Crus could have several entries. Realistically you could say every horse bar the top two will be running for place money as they set an extremely high standard.
It is a good Gold Cup because Long Run and Kauto Star are both in it, but there isn’t much strength in depth. Having said that, these are the best chasers in Europe.
I’ll be spending most of the next few days in my car.
I’m at Catterick tomorrow where Shaking Hands has a chance in the North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Chase, on Friday I’ll be at Huntingdon and on Saturday I’ll probably be at Kempton.
With Dave’s yard in such good form at the moment I’d say any of his runners are worth looking at.
Thursday 5th January
We’ve been spoiled with the quality of horses which have been racing over the Christmas period and while the question still rages over whether Grands Crus is a Gold Cup horse, there’s plenty more to think about.
Talking of Grands Crus, I know no decision will be made until very close to the race. The debates have been raging – would Bobs Worth reverse the form over a staying track. It’s all open to conjecture and we won’t know until Cheltenham.
David (Pipe) and his owners will make that decision. All I have to do is turn up and do what I’m told.
Sprinter Sacre was hugely impressive at Kempton. He jumped and blew them into the ground. Maybe Pedlars Cross wasn’t at his best but evenso, he got an awful lot to make up to turn that form around.
Kempton is flat, sharp and right handed. It’s the opposite to Cheltenham but Sprinter Sacre has been placed at the Festival. Some people say he didn’t get up the hill but he’s a year older and I disagree with that theory anyway. I think he’ll go well at Cheltenham.
Grumeti was another horse to impress. I rode in the same race as him at Taunton last week and he was impressive the way he quickened away. He’s a four year old so he’ll probably go for the Triumph Hurdle which is a much fairer race and not half as rough now that they have the Fred Winter for four-year-olds too.
I think people have under estimated Sizing Europe and he stands head and shoulders above any other two mile chaser in the UK and Ireland. It remains to be seen whether any novice will take the plunge against him in he Queen Mother Champion Chase.
It’s an incredible race to ride in – you literally go as fast as a chaser can. Last year I was upside two out and then we dropped away – it was a real thrill although at the time you’re thinking more about maintaining your position in the race than how exciting it is!
The press have been very unfair to Fingal Bay who is without doubt the best novice hurdle in training over two and half miles. Yes he didn’t win by far at Newbury on Saturday but what more can a horse do other than win all four starts. Credit should be given where credit is due.
I’m really pleased to have made the connection with Nick and Jane Williams and have ridden two winners for them recently – a 100 per cent record.
I’m also really pleased that Jim and Tom Best have come back to National Hunt racing after edging towards the flat which didn’t really work out. I had a double for them on Monday. They are very shrewd trainers, their horses are always really well schooled and fit and they do very well with other people’s cast offs.
I’m suspended for two days so I missed out today at Southwell although one fell and the other was disappointing. I should be at Lingfield tomorrow (Thursday) to ride Ashbrittle – the horse I was suspended on at Ffos Las.
I’m not sure about riding plans for the next few days as it’s been so wet and a few meetings are in doubt. Chartreux is entered at Hereford for his first run over fences.
He was good as a hurdler but he didn’t quite get to the heights I expected but I think he’ll be better over fences anyway.
But I couldn’t be more please with how the season is progressing. With so much strength in depth at Dave’s yard, plus a lot of very nice horses to come out which haven’t raced yet the team at Pond House are making my life quite easy at the moment.
Thursday 29th DecemberI’m not sure Monday will ever be repeated in racing history and to have been a part of it was an absolute privilege. Not only did Grands Crus win the Feltham but also watching Kauto Star win his fifth King George is something I will never forget.
It was a spellbinding moment and hard to describe exactly what it was like in the jockeys’ changing room watching history unfold.
I was sitting with Jason Maguire at the back in the TV room. To begin with we thought Long Run was going to win as he was going well then suddenly down the back straight I turned to Jason and said he was beaten. For a second or two there were shouts for Dougie (Costello) on Sommersby and then it was Kauto Star. We watched in awe as six fences from home it looked like he was going to win.
You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife, it was incredible and it was a pleasure to be there watching a truly great horse win and history being made. The atmosphere was phenomenal and it was a real special day.
And the further Kauto went, the louder the cheers became as we all knew he was about to win.
I know in my column I’ve talked a lot about Grands Crus and how impressive he is in his races but he really is the horse of every jockey’s dreams and after his win I could enjoy the day a bit more. He was brilliant on Monday and he just gets better and better. He jumps with such ease, travels so well and finds racing so easy.
Funnily enough I wasn’t feeling the pressure – I never do, especially not on a horse like him because you don’t need to. I never felt there was an issue over whether he’d win and he felt great. It was his best performance to date and he was a different class of horse in a Grade One race. There were never any fears and I’ve never had any doubts about him.
He gets into a relentless rhythm, jumps with precision – its all very straight forward with him
All the talk now surrounds whether he is a Gold Cup hose and I don’t see why not but we’re a long way off making any decisions and it won’t be mine to make anyway.
David (Pipe) has a lot of runners to come out now so I’m going to be very busy. Tomorrow I’m at Taunton and ride a nice called War Swinger who I think has a good chance. I think I’ll be at Uttoxeter on Saturday and then I’ll be Exeter on Sunday.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Thursday 22nd DecemberI’m very much looking forward to Boxing Day when I’ll be riding Grands Crus in the Feltham. It’s a very good race but I still think there’s more to come from him, especially on soft ground and Dave’s (Pipe) having him scoped today just to make sure he is spot on. I don’t think going right handed will be a problem as he’s been straight enough in his races and he’s got form over hurdles at Taunton. He’s taking on better horses all the time and every race he’s won has been a test. There has been so much hype surrounding the meeting, and deservedly so with Kauto Star and Long Run all set to re-oppose each other. Kauto Star was fantastic when he won the Betfair Chase at Haydock and you can’t under estimate his performance. He was amazing and it would be incredible if he won. But if Long Run improves as much as he did last year between his first and second runs he should win. However, if I’m honest I’d like Kauto Star to win because he deserves to and it would be a great day for racing. Hopefully though, by the time the race is being run, I’ll be dreaming of next year’s renewal on Grands Crus! Yesterday at Ffos Las, Grands Crus full brother Gevrey Chambertin couldn’t have done it any better on his racecourse debut. He was a short favourite to win the bumper and won it so easily we were easing down over the line and were still some 30 yards ahead of the rest of the field. He’s bred to stay, being a brother to Grands Crus. He really sluiced through the ground and for a three-year-old to do that is very exciting. He was fit and ready and knew his job. You can’t ask for any more than that – he was fantastic. He’s more straight forward than Grands Crus – he’s more settled than Grands Crus was at this stage of his career. I don’t know of any plans yet and that will be up to Dave. Gradsn Crus has been campaigned with precision and I expect it will be the same with Gevrey Chamberton. The main thing was to get through yesterday and to see how he is this morning. And all being well, the world will be his oyster. We also won the opener with Kazlian. He was a long odds on favourite and he won very, very easily but in honesty it wasn’t really a very good race. I had six rides in all at Ffos Las and with a couple of wins and a second was a good day. I’m really pleased with the way the season is going. I’ve had 27 winners which I’m pleased with as I had four months off with injury. I’ve ridden 17 winners in the past six weeks and things are ticking along very nicely with a lot of rides. Today it’s much quieter with just one ride, Ace Fighter Pilot, for Jim Best. Then there’s a three day break before Kempton on Monday but you can’t let your hair down, even with time off. You have to keep your eye on the ball and keep your mind and body focused. It’s a busy time of year and you have to keep concentrating on the season ahead. That said, we’ll still have a wonderful Christmas with the girls at Lotties parents’ home in North Devon. Merry Christmas to everyone and a healthy and happy New Year.Thursday 15th DecemberSam Waley-Cohen’s excuses for pulling up a circuit too soon at Fakenham were hilarious and he’s been the brunt of a fair few jokes, not least from Mattie Batchelor who had a lot to say about it.
It’s a very good race but I still think there’s more to come from him, especially on soft ground and Dave’s (Pipe) having him scoped today just to make sure he is spot on.
I don’t think going right handed will be a problem as he’s been straight enough in his races and he’s got form over hurdles at Taunton. He’s taking on better horses all the time and every race he’s won has been a test.
There has been so much hype surrounding the meeting, and deservedly so with Kauto Star and Long Run all set to re-oppose each other. Kauto Star was fantastic when he won the Betfair Chase at Haydock and you can’t under estimate his performance. He was amazing and it would be incredible if he won.
But if Long Run improves as much as he did last year between his first and second runs he should win. However, if I’m honest I’d like Kauto Star to win because he deserves to and it would be a great day for racing. Hopefully though, by the time the race is being run, I’ll be dreaming of next year’s renewal on Grands Crus!
Yesterday at Ffos Las, Grands Crus full brother Gevrey Chambertin couldn’t have done it any better on his racecourse debut. He was a short favourite to win the bumper and won it so easily we were easing down over the line and were still some 30 yards ahead of the rest of the field.
He’s bred to stay, being a brother to Grands Crus. He really sluiced through the ground and for a three-year-old to do that is very exciting. He was fit and ready and knew his job. You can’t ask for any more than that – he was fantastic.
He’s more straight forward than Grands Crus – he’s more settled than Grands Crus was at this stage of his career. I don’t know of any plans yet and that will be up to Dave. Gradsn Crus has been campaigned with precision and I expect it will be the same with Gevrey Chamberton. The main thing was to get through yesterday and to see how he is this morning. And all being well, the world will be his oyster.
We also won the opener with Kazlian. He was a long odds on favourite and he won very, very easily but in honesty it wasn’t really a very good race.
I had six rides in all at Ffos Las and with a couple of wins and a second was a good day. I’m really pleased with the way the season is going. I’ve had 27 winners which I’m pleased with as I had four months off with injury. I’ve ridden 17 winners in the past six weeks and things are ticking along very nicely with a lot of rides.
Today it’s much quieter with just one ride, Ace Fighter Pilot, for Jim Best. Then there’s a three day break before Kempton on Monday but you can’t let your hair down, even with time off. You have to keep your eye on the ball and keep your mind and body focused. It’s a busy time of year and you have to keep concentrating on the season ahead.
That said, we’ll still have a wonderful Christmas with the girls at Lotties parents’ home in North Devon.
Merry Christmas to everyone and a healthy and happy New Year.Thursday 15th DecemberSam Waley-Cohen’s excuses for pulling up a circuit too soon at Fakenham were hilarious and he’s been the brunt of a fair few jokes, not least from Mattie Batchelor who had a lot to say about it.
He reckoned you’d be worried now if he was pulling your teeth out as you wouldn’t really be sure if it was necessary.
After appearing to ride a finish, Sam pulled up his horse a circuit too soon and then came up with the excuse that he thought he’d swallowed his tongue. He was trying his best to get out of a long holiday and was given a 12 day ban which means he’s still on Long Run for the King George on Boxing Day. In those situations, you can says some daft things, but to be fair to Sam, it happens too often at Fakenham and Dennis O’Regan, Sam Thomas, Noell Fehily and Rodi Green are just some of the jockeys who have got it wrong. It happens there about one every six months and yes, the jockeys need to know the course and it is unprofessional to go the wrong way but I do think this situation could be avoided if Fakenham took more responsibility.
Denman was a magical horse and to have ridden in the same races as Denman was an absolute privelege. I was lucky enough to ride in the same race when he won the Gold Cup in 2008 and I beat him a couple of times on Madison Du Berlais. He draws the guts out of you. He was relentless and he was deceptive because he travelled a lot faster than he appeared. He’d have won a Grand National if they’d gone the route with him.
He was a beast – for any horse to finish second in the Gold Cup three times and to win it once on four consecutive years is incredible and he’s a credit to his connections. They’ve done what’s right for the horse by retiring him.
I have one ride today at Towcester on Close House who is a horse I’ve always thought a lot of and I think he has a big future. At Exeter the other day he was running a big race when he jumped the second last too big and stumbled. Whether he’d have won I don’t know and we’ll know more after his run today.
I think I’m at Ascot on Friday and Saturday when I will probably ride Dynaste and Massinis Maguire who’s been off since winning a listed race at Ascot in October 2010. He’s a lovely horse and its great he’s back in action again.
I’ve had a couple of nice winners recently. Buddy Bolero won a maiden hurdle at Folkestone on Tuesday. I think he’ll develop into a staying chaser and he could be a National horse, but whether that’s the Aintree or Durham version I don’t know.
Dubawi Dancer won a maiden hurdle very easily at Doncaster on Saturday for Jim Best but it was a shocking race as there were a lot of loose horses about and luckily she stuck to her job as ideally I’d have liked a lead.
Yesterday I was at Newbury for four rides and was really pleased with The Giant Bolster who jumped exceptionally well to finish second. He’s really starting to attack his fences now, rather than back off and there’s a big handicap win in him somewhere.
I was also pleased with Wyck Hill who had a good confidence boosting round after falling at Newbury in November.
Exeter’s next meeting is on New Year’s Day when there’s a 25% discount for all tickets booked before midnight on Christmas Eve. Call 0844 5793005 or visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk and quote NYD2012.
It’s seems odd to think last year the country was snowbound while this year we’ve had one of the warmest November’s on record.
I think I’ll have a couple for Dave (Pipe) with possibly Matuhi in the Spinal research Atlantic 4 Gold Cup and then I’ll be at Hereford on Sunday.
I can remember getting to Exeter last year to see the groundstaff pouring gallons of boiling water on the take off and landing sides of the jumps in order to make it safe.
Given Devon seems to have had its fair share of rain in the past few weeks, its also strange that Cheltenham have been considering watering as they haven’t had any at all.
I hope these terrible storms forecast today don’t wreak too much damage in the north.
At Exeter’s last meeting the jockeys were coming back plastered and the valets had a fair job cleaning all our kit – but we pay them to do it and they love it!
Seriously, they do such a great job and really add to the atmosphere in the weighing room. I have three bags of kit – two I keep down south and one up north and then I just travel with my saddles, back protector, hat and goggles.
Having three bags is a must as yesterday I was due to ride Mr Moonman, who was a non-runner, at Hexham and it would have been a logistical nightmare ensuring my kit was there.
I’m much closer to home today and have four rides at Taunton which has a really strong looking card. I’ll be riding for Neil Mulholland, Dave (Pipe), my brother Michael and Warren Greatrex and hopefully there may be a winner or two among them.
Racing has so far been a vintage year with so much strength in depth in the novice chase division.
Notus De La Tour is a very good horse and he was beaten fair and square by Walkon at Exeter last week in what could be a very informative race. We were giving Walkon weight, but even so he couldn’t have done it any easier.
With some many good horses about, it’s been a real treat for racing fans, but without a doubt I think the most impressive has been Peddlers Cross. Although he hasn’t beaten much he hasn’t put a foot wrong and he sets a very high standard
With the hurdlers, we’ve yet to see the likes of Hurricane Fly run and the Christmas Hurdle should tell us more about the hurdlers but I’m also a huge an of Overturn. Donald McCain is doing a fantastic job with both him and Peddlers Cross and it must be great a buzz to be working in that yard at the moment.
Christmas in the Scudamore household is growing steadily to its climax and yesterday we were Christmas shopping. The girls are more excited about opening their advent calendar every morning at the moment and whether Father Christmas will find his way to Lottie’s parents home in North Devon as we are going there this year, than the presents they may be getting.
Next Thursday I’ll be dressing as Santa and doing the Santas run down the home straight at Exeter Racecourse for the Children’s Hospice South West and I’m hoping to drum up a bit of support from the jockeys too when I’m there. I’ve trying to get Dave Pipe to take part too. Unfortunately he’s not too excited about the prospect of dressing up! You can register by going to www.chsw.org.uk/santas. Its just £15, to include a santas suit and ticket to come racing with proceeds going to the children’s hospice which both Lottie and I support as much as we can.
Come racing for just £10 at Exeter Racecourse next Thursday, December 15 if you book by midnight, December 14. (Ts and Cs apply). FREE bus to and from the racecourse from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Bus Station, children aged 17 and under FREE.
Everything you need to know is here www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.
Thursday 1st DecemberMy old friend Lough Derg has been retired and it’s the end of an era. Although he’s full of beans and is as well as ever at home, on the racetrack he was telling me enough was enough and when a horse starts to tell you that you have to listen.
After we pulled up at Ascot on Saturday I said to Dave (Pipe) I think he may have had enough now and the decision was made to retire him at the ripe old age of 11!
He’s given so many people so many great times – Martin Pipe and Dave, Dave’s girlfriend Leane who used to look after him, his owner William Frewen and mother Eileen, his adoring public and everyone at Pond House.
And he’s has done an awful lot for me and my career. We had a lot of very good days together. We had plenty of wins but the times we were beaten were just as memorable.
I can remember when he just got beat by Serabad in a handicap at Ascot off a mark of 160. It was an incredible performance and there were claps and cheers all the way back into the winners’ enclosure.
The remarkable thing was that he never knew when he was beaten – he just kept trying. I can remember we were nearly lapped at Fontwell and he came back to win and at Cheltenham we won after being more or less tailed off at the top of the hill. He always did things the hard way but kept coming back for more.
He ran 61 times in total and at Exeter the other day he was presented with a huge box of polos in recognition of his 60th run which was lovely. Luke Harvey gave a great talk on all his achievements which was really appreciated by the public. It was well timed because his next run at Ascot proved to be his last. I think I rode him 45 times. We won the Grade 1 Longwalk Hurdle at Ascot, two National Spirit Hurdles at Fontwell and just one chase at Exeter.
There were some great statistics in the Racing Post today – he won £374,512 in prize-money, raced 168 miles, won 12 races, eight with me on board.
The paper also dug out some quotes I’ve said over the years – “He’s a freak who loves racing and loves life,” “He moves like Martin Pipe but is so tough its unbelievable,” “He reminds me of a Kenyan distance runner who runs a marathon and after a quick drink of water they are ready to go again.”
The Pipe’s got him as an unraced three-year-old and he really did give everyone some amazing moments. He’s such a one off and I’m so relieved he’s been retired in one piece. He’s not the type of horse who will be happy turned out in a field so I think Dave will be take his time to make sure he finds the right home for him so that he’s still active and doing things.
I will never ride a tougher horse than him. His constitution and heart were phenomenal and he was such a great credit to the yard.
Dave’s words sum him up perfectly: “He is part of the furniture at Pond House and is what National Hunt racing is all about. We’ve had him since he was three and he has been an absolute legend.”
Thank you Douglas for so many happy, wonderful memories. I owe you so much - enjoy your long and well-deserved retirement.
Grandstand and Paddock tickets are available for just £10 for tomorrow’s meeting at Exeter. Tickets must be pre-booked by midnight tonight. Call Visit www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk or call the hotline 0844 5793005 and quote DEC22011.
Thursday 24th NovemberI had a long drive yesterday to Wetherby to ride Battle Goup in the beginners’ chase and I was really pleased with him. It was his first time over fences and apart from one small mistake he jumped really well.
His confidence wasn’t dented and he was just beaten two and three quarters of a length by Fists of Fury with the pair coming right away from the rest of the field. I think they could both be two decent novices and Battle Group joins a group of very nice novice chasers at Dave’s (Pipe) yard.
Today I’m off to Newbury and I’m really looking forward to riding Grands Crus again.
There’s just four in our race but they way he settled at Cheltenham I’m not worried and hopefully with Viking Blond in the race we should go a good gallop. It’s another step up the ladder for him and hopefully he’ll take it all in his stride.
I’ll be back at Newbury on Friday where I’ll ride a very nice novice called Cousin Khee for Hughie Morrison in the maiden hurdle. Hughie doesn’t tend to have a lot of jumpers but the ones he has do tend to be very nice.
I rode him in a couple of bumpers last season and was impressed with the way he travelled. He’s still only a baby but he’s strengthened up again over the summer and he gave me a great feel when I sat on him and schooled him last week. He won at Exeter just over a year ago and was eighth in Cheltenham’s Champion Bumper. He’s a horse I’ve always liked and if Hughie’s happy with him, that means I’m happy.
Saturday’s big race is the Hennessy and I’m hoping I’ll get further than the first on The Giant Bolster. I sat on him this morning and he schooled very, very well but we just have to hope we can do it on the course. There’s another big race in this horse and of course the Hennessy is very competitive but he deserves to be in the race and if we don’t have any mishaps he’ll go well.
On Monday I rode a winner for my brother Michael on Monbeg Dude. He’s owned by Mike TIndall, Nicky Robinson, who plays for Wasps and Wales and James Simpson-Daniel whose a huge racing fan and a great friend of my brothers.
I think Mike’s new career will be a bloodstock agent as he bought the horse unseen at the sales last year. He just put his hand up and bought him with out even looking at him. He’s atop bloodstock agent now so move over Anthony Bromley and David Minton!
I don’t see my brother as much as I should, except when we go racing, but he does the job so well at home I know the horses are always really well schooled so I don’t need to sit on them before hand.
My next big engagement will be dressing as Father Christmas and taking part in the Santas on the Run at Exeter on December 15 for the Children’s Hospice South West. Our good friend Paula Hullett is organizing it and Lottie and I do as much as we can to support the her. You can enter by visiting www.chsw.org.uk/santas and its just £15 which includes the santas suit and a ticket to go racing.
Come racing for just £10 at Exeter Racecourse next Friday, December 2nd if you book by midnight, December 1. (Ts and Cs apply). FREE bus to and from the racecourse from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Bus Station, children aged 17 and under FREE.
Thursday 17th NovemberI’ve worked out that since Friday I’ve driven some 1500 miles with rides at Cheltenham, Fakenham, Plumpton and Warwick. My car’s my spiritual home and it looks like it too – its pretty messy.
Unfortunately I’ve had to drive most of it on my own, although I gave Richard Johnson a lift to Fakenham. That was a ten hour round trip for one ride. Luckily it was a winning one as by the time you take out tax, the valet, fuel I would have made a big loss.
I spend an awful lot of time in my car so I listen to my ipod which has 1700 songs on it although I mostly listen to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. I think I must be pretty old fashioned as I’ll sing along or I’ll listen to Chris Evans on Radio Two or a bit of Radio Five.
I’ve recently been getting into Radio Four. I was listening to a book review the other day. I have no idea what the book was about but the language was amazing. It kind of lulls you into a sense of security and I’m becoming a huge fan although given I’m not yet 30 I’m wondering if I’m getting old before my time!
Today I have four rides at Wincanton which and my best chance would be on Midnight Opera for Neil Mullholland. And at the weekend it looks likely that I’ll be at Ascot where I’ll ride Dan Breen for David Pipe.
The yard’s really buzzing and with so many lovely young horses at Dave’s times are good.
Notus De La Tour has done nothing wrong in his two novice chase wins and looks an exciting prospect and Grands Crus at Cheltenham on Friday felt exactly how he looked – effortless. He was very straight forward and more relaxed than he’s ever been and even though he made a slight mistake at the third last he didn’t feel like he’d fall. After that he jumped amazingly. He’s got so much class and so many gears. He’s the reason you work so hard – to ride horses like him.
I didn’t celebrate that night as I had a few rides the next day but Lottie made up for it and polished off a bottle of Bollinger.
Then it was back down to earth with a bump on Saturday when I departed company with The Giant Bolster at the first fence in the Paddy Power. He got bumped in mid air over the fence and the next minute I was on the ground looking at him. I was in a really bad mood after. Lucy and David Bridgewater have put so much work into the horse and I felt so sorry for then that it happened. Saying ‘that’s racing’ sounds flippant. It is the way racing goes, but I felt terrible for them and all the team after. But we’ll get another opportunity and we’ll get it right next time.
Sunday was good fun in the paddock at Cheltenham. Burts Chips, who are based down in Plymouth, sponsored each jockey who managed to squeeze into a mini £100 with the proceeds split between Greatwood and the Injured Jockeys Fund. We got 18 in which was a great result and hilarious to watch especially with Mattie Batchelor lying across the dash board.
The next meeting at Exeter is this Sunday which is British Armed Forces Raceday in aid of Help for Heroes. It’s free to military personnel and members of the Royal British Legion with each free entry entitled to bring one guest for half price but pre-bookings are essential. For further information about how to claim free tickets call the office on 01392 832599. It’s a great raceday to support with £1 of every ticket sold donated to Help For Heroes.
Friday 11th NovemberThe Paddy Power three day meeting starts at Cheltenham on Friday and I’m really looking forward to it and have some lovely rides in prospect. Grands Crus makes his chasing debut on Friday. He’s been jumping very well and we’re really happy with him. After his performances last season I’m looking forward to riding him and seeing if he’s as good over fences as he was over hurdles.
I’m riding The Giant Bolster in the Paddy Power and I had a sit on him on Monday and he jumped very well. He’s primed and ready to go. It’s one of the biggest handicaps in the racing calendar and its always very competitive. It’s just great to be riding in it and even better to have a chance of winning.
It’s that time of year when everyone will be putting their finishing touches to their Racing Post ten to follow lists which closes at the end of the week and Lottie and I have put our heads together to come up with ours.
BIG BUCKS – he’s a banker and will be on everyone’s list and if he gets’ injured it will be very much a nine to follow competition.
CUE CARD – he impressed when winning at Chepstow and Lottie loves him.
GRANDS CRUS – I love Grands Crus as much as Lottie loves Cue Card and he’s an obvious one too.
NOTUS DE LA TOUR – I was very pleased with the way he won at Carlisle and he struck me as a horse likely to follow up a sequence.
SPRINTER SACRE – Lottie loves this horse as much as she loves Cue Card. He ran a great race in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and was unlucky not to win it and he’s another likely to run up a sequence.
MASTER MINDED – after the other day I don’t know why I put him in. Until he was beaten I though he’d win the King George so I think I may already have nine in my list.
WEIRD AL – Lottie wanted him in the list before he won the Charlie Hall at Wetherby. He was so impressive that day and he could be left field for the Gold Cup with a big outside chance. He’s a lovely big horse who deserves a bit if luck and a favourite of mine.
HURRICANE FLY – He was very impressive when he won this year’s Champion Hurdle
And everything that he was likely to oppose has either gone novice chasing or is being stepped up in trip. I just cant see much out there that can oppose him and I think Spirit Son will need to improve a lot if he is going to get on terms with him. He’d have a good chance and he’ll take his part in other big handicaps too.
THE GIANT BOLSTER – he’s in because Lottie thinks we are going to win the Paddy Power.
LONG RUN – he’s only six years old and he sets the standard for all the other chasers. I’m just banking on him staying injury free.
The next meeting at Exeter is on November 20 which is British Armed Forces Raceday in aid of Help for Heroes. It’s free to military personnel and members of the Royal British Legion with each free entry entitled to bring one guest free but pre-bookings are essential. For further information about how to claim free tickets call the office on 01392 832599. It’s a great raceday to support with £1 of every ticket sold donated to Help For Heroes.
November 4th, 2011It’s always good to be driving home with a couple of winners under the belt. Today was a good day at Chepstow with Knockahand winning for Richard Lee and Master Overseer for David Pipe.
David has an exciting lot of young horses in and some good novice chasers and hurdlers. Notus De La Tour was impressive at Carlisle on Sunday and African Broadway looked very smart at Chepstow last month. There’s real strength in depth at Pond House with the likes of Grands Crus and Junior too.
I’m down at Pond House as much as I can at the moment. We had such a long dry spell and although the horses were schooled on the sand we’re fine tuning them on the grass. It’s full on at the moment and very busy.
I’ve also been spending some time at David Bridgewater’s whose horses are in really good form with three winners in the last couple of weeks.
The Giant Bolster is in next Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup and I thing he has a huge chance. He’s been doing a lot of schooling and Yogi Breisner, the jumping guru, has been helping. He’s been doing a lot of pole work to get him to use himself more. It remains to be seen what he does over fences but it wont be through lack of hard work and practice at home if he doesn’t jump well and with Bridgy’s horses fit and well you’d have to give him a chance.
I’ve worked with Yogi before and he’s so helpful. I go to him once or twice a year to help fine-tune my own riding. He’s an incredible man to work with.
As well my day job, Lottie and I try and get involved in community projects as much as possible and we are great friends with Paula Hullett who is the southwest fundraiser for the Children’s Hospice. I help Paula out as much as I can by supporting cricket matches, Festival preview evenings and things like that but there is one thing I will draw the line at.
Paula has just introduced line dancing to the village where I live and while Lottie is a complete natural, I’m not sure you’ll ever find me trotting up and down a village hall dressed as a cowboy!
However, I’m really looking forward to the first ever Santas On The Run to take place on a racecourse. Paula has organized this and it takes place at Exeter Racecourse on December 15.
We’re hopeful we’ll get a lot of support from jockeys, trainers, owners and locals. Anyone can take part, it costs just £15 which includes a santas outfit, a grandstand and paddock ticket to go racing, the chance to take part in the running race down the home straight and that all important medal if you complete.
I’ll be doing it and I understand all the staff at Exeter will be too – they’ll have to now if they read this and I’m pretty sure the Western Morning News sports editor has volunteered too. Anyone can register, at www.chsw.org.uk/santas or call 01271 325270.
It should be quite a spectacle and the more people who take part the better - its only two furlongs.
Lottie has been working really hard recently. As well as our girls Margot and Myrtle to look after, she’s riding out a lot of David Pipe and she’s training to be a counselor. She’s already an appropriate adult that means she attends any police interviews should an underage or vulnerable adult be arrested. She’s doing really well at it but the stuff she is learning to become a counselor is fascinating. It will take a few years but she’s really enjoying it.
With everything that’s going on, life’s pretty busy in the Scudamore household but its all good
April 15th, 2011My season was cut short when I came off The Giant Bolster at Aintree and damaged my shoulder. It means I will have to have about four to six months off and I’m hoping to be back in August.
I have to say Lottie is delighted. She calls it my enforced mid career sabbatical and she’s being so positive about it all it’s hard to get down. And it’s just a shoulder injury. Compared to Rodi Greene, Peter Toole and Richard Hawkins, who have all recently had nasty falls, its nothing and my thoughts are with them as it’s very tough for them at the moment. I went to see Rodi today in hospital and he’s doing well.
There would have come a point when my shoulder needed an operation anyway as I’ve just been getting by so the fall at Aintree has brought it forward.
Having worked solidly for ten years it means Lottie and I can actually do all the things we’d promised each other we would. We were hoping to go to New York next week to the opening of a great friend’s play on Broadway but my operation is on Monday which means we won’t be able to do that but we have plenty of other things lined up.
We have a lot of other lovely things planned and I will also be spending some real quality time with my two daughters Margot and Myrtle.
We’re going to go to Royal Ascot to see Junior run. Before we were married we went to Rome and we are planning to go back again as its a beautiful city and we will be spending time in one of Lottie’s parents cottages at Hartland in North Devon.
As for the rest of the time, well I’ve wanted to write a sitcom with my writer friend for years and I may just get around to it. That’s a bit of a career change to race riding but it’s been in the back of my mind for so long now that we’re going to get on and do it.
It has been an incredibly busy season and I’m lucky to have had the support of so many different trainers as well as Dave Pipe who, as always, has been a great person to ride for. I think when I had a look I’d had something like 556 rides with 63 winners, ten less than last year but I’m not complaining. Without a a doubt my two highlights have been on Grands Crus against Big Bucks at Cheltenham and Aintree.
I think in Big Bucks we’ve seen one of the greatest ever race horses and it’s a real honour to have been able to ride against him. Grands Crus may not be quite as good, but he’s by far the best horse I’ve ever sat on and he’s going to be some horse when he goes chasing. At least we won’t meet Big Bucks again.
As for next season, Dave has some very exciting horses to look forward to and although I’m out of action for a while, with such an incredibly supportive and positive family, especially Lottie, I’m going to relish the next few months. And when I come back, I’ll be hungrier than ever for success.
I’m signing off for the season now and I hope everyone has enjoyed my insight into the life of a jockey.
What an incredible performance from Big Bucks yesterday. It was extraordinary. What he did to me again today on Grands Crus was outstanding. I couldn’t even get Big Bucks off the bridle. The horse is like a super human.
I tried to lay it down to him but there was nothing we could do. Without a doubt Grands Crus is the best horse I have ever ridden and today we were beaten by the best horse in training. Words almost fail me when I think about what Big Bucks did today – it was simply breathtaking .
Grands Crus may go novice chasing now next season and at least Big Bucks won’t be there because I just don’t think we’ll ever get by him.
Leo’s Lucky Star was going well in the Red Rum Chase until we fell at the eighth. I’ve hurt my wrist and was stood down by the doctors for the rest of the day but hopefully a night on ice will mean its fine tomorrow and they’ll pass me fit to ride again.
I have four rides today and I’m very lucky to have picked up the ride on The Giant Bolster in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase but as pleased as I am, it’s at the expense of poor Rodi Greene. I went to see him in hospital this week and he’s doing really well.
I ride Consigliere in the Topham and I know some jockeys think it helps to get their eye in before the big race, I don’t actually think it makes any difference.
I’ll walk the course again on Saturday and then we’ll hope we have the luck of running on our side for the Grand National. Everyone back at Pond House will be watching the race and fingers crossed it will be a day to remember.
I was so pleased for Will Twiston-Davies winning the Foxhunters on Baby Run after they came to grief at the last at Cheltenham. I walked the course with him before hand. I just told him that he needed to give the fences more respect and they are not like normal chase fences. You have to have your wits about you. Will gave Baby Run a fantastic ride and it was a great moment for the Twiston-Davies family.
April 1st, 2011I’ve schooled Or Noir De Somoza a couple of times over David Pipe’s Grand National-style fences and I couldn’t be happier. He jumped really well and he’s a very good horse. I can’t help thinking he’s the forgotten horse of the race.
I’ve ridden in the race 11 times and having the experience can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. There are plenty of jockeys who have won on their first attempt, like Liam Treadwell on Mon Mome.
I’ve got a good completion record and the closest I’ve been is eighth on a couple of occasions. But I’ve never really been on anything good enough to be in contention. I’m really looking forward to riding Or Noir De Somoza. As well as being on a good horse, you also need a lot of luck in the race and we’ll try and keep out of trouble and hopefully have a good ride around.
I was reading an interesting article in the Racing Post today about more jockeys unseating in the Grand National than they did a few years ago. I think Red Marauder’s race, when only four of the 40 starters completed, probably bumped the figure up a bit but there’s a theory that jockeys may ride with their stirrup leathers shorter than they used to. It would be interesting to see how many horses actually complete the race nowadays.
They say that statistics never lie, but I think jockeys should ride at the length they feel comfortable. I’ve seen jockeys ride very long and keep falling off, and jockeys ride very short and fall off.
I have more of an opinion about jockeys riding with their toes in the irons. It’s ok on the flat but I don’t like it over jumps. I don’t see how it can help with your balance and I don’t understand what benefit it gives. Jockeys should ride with their ball of the foot or their whole foot in the iron.
I have four rides at Stratford today and as its also April Fool’s Day today and I’m sure one or two of the lads will be up to something. They’ll be a few pranks calls, that sort of stuff but I can’t say I remember anything brilliant. I’ve done a few things to friends in the past, but nothing very memorable.
It’s been a particularly busy season for me and I’ve had a lot of rides for different people which is great. The Flat season is just about to get going and although I like jumping I do follow the Flat. You never know which horse will end up at Pond House and it’s good to follow the big races.
Next week’s column will be the day before the Grand National and with the better ground coming it looks like a great meeting.
The Cheltenham Festival is within touching distance now and when you sit down and think about it you do get excited. Its much harder for David (Pipe) and the team than it is for me as they have to deal with the pressures everyday whereas a jockey can only take it one day at a time because we are still riding in races everyday.
People talk about the roar from the stands when the first race gets under way at 1.30pm on Tuesday but when you are riding you can’t hear it. But you can feel the atmosphere – there’s nothing that can really compare to the Festival.
I schooled Dan Breen on Tuesday morning and he went really well. It was the first time he’s worn blinkers. We’re going for the Arkle with him and I’m very pleased.
David (Pipe) had a media day on Tuesday when he paraded his main hopes – Dan Breen, Great Endeavour, Trop Fort, Junior, Dynaste, Chartereux, Ashkazar and Grands Crus - and the difference between the horses is incredible. Grands Crus is so laid back. He just plodded around taking it all in but as soon as he touches the gallops or a racecourse he’s a different animal. He lights up. My problem will be getting him settled in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. We are really looking forward to meeting Big Bucks, and I feel very lucky to be on Grands Crus. We seem to have a lot of greys in the team this season too – easy to spot in a race.
I have a three day ban starting today (Friday) which isn’t good as it normally means you have time to stop and think. Luckily there won’t be much time to stop as Lottie has got it all planned with a full list of jobs and activities to keep me busy. I was going to watch the Wales Ireland game on Saturday but I’m going to watch that at home now. My brother played for Wales under 21 so I tend to support Wales although technically I’m English.
On Sunday we’re going to take the girls on a steam train and I think on Saturday we’ll take them to Exmoor Zoo which is fantastic.
Today I should be chopping logs but I’m not picking up an axe at this time of year! I’ll also be schooling today and then this evening I’m part of a preview panel with Alice Plunkett in aid of her cancer charity. On Monday I may be riding somewhere – possibly Taunton.
I’ll sleep like a log on Monday night. Hopefully it will be much harder to go to sleep on Friday night because of the excitement of riding a winner.
Over the next few days I’ll be spending a lot of time watching replays of all the horse’s races so that nothing is left to chance. Then we’ll head up to my mums and stay there for the duration of the Festival. She lives just three quarters of an hour from the course. The girls are staying at home which means Lottie can relax and enjoy herself. I’m not aware of there’s any new additions to her wardrobe but she’s worth it if there is!
We won’t be going out during the week but hopefully next week, when its all over there’ll be a good reason for us all to celebrate.
So good luck to everyone who’s going to the Festival. I hope you back a winner!
The talk is all about the Cheltenham Festival which begins on Tuesday, March 15 and we are starting to feel the tension. Jason Maguire’s ban ruled him out of the ride on Pedlars Cross in the Champion Hurdle which was a bitter blow for him. But it looks like he’s won his appeal and is likely to have his ban reduced.
Ruby Walsh said earlier in the week he’d delay his comeback from injury after breaking his leg as he was worried he’d get into trouble with the stewards and incur a ban during the Festival. He’s now going to be riding again on Sunday. And I had my own run-in with the stewards when I was disqualified on Dan Breen at Sandown and demoted to second. Luckily I received just three days and I’m good to go for the Festival.
Getting banned is something we are all aware of and we know we have to be careful but when the heat of the race is on instinct takes over.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing
You can really feel the pressure at the yard and in the next few days David (Pipe) and his owners will finally select which races his horses are going to run in. He always enters in several races where he can to leave his options open but once the final declarations have been made next week that’s it and we’re committed.
Normally I’ll spend a couple of hours with Dave going through the runners either. This year it will either be on Sunday evening or after racing at Newton Abbot or Exeter. It will depend when we have the time to get together for a couple of hours.
I do worry I’ll get it wrong and hindsight, I’ve discovered, is a wonderful thing. I got it completely wrong last year and chose Mr Thriller over Buena Vista and Hunterview over Notus De La Tour. Hunterview finished well down the field with Notus De La Tour placed second and Buena Vista won the Pertemps Final with Hadden Frost on board. I finished some 25 lengths behind.
I’ll spend a bit of time talking to my dad and also my agent Dave Roberts but essentially it’s my decision which doesn’t make it easy for my wife Lottie when it all goes wrong.
Keeping busy
The last two weeks have been very busy and I’ve had something like 26 rides in 14 days including six on one day at Newcastle. But I don’t feel tired when I’m on the go and when I had two winners on The Tracey Shuffle and Battlegroup at Newcastle the journey home seemed as quick as going to Taunton and back.
It’s when you have a day off that it really hits and last week I had my first complete day off in weeks. I completely rested for the day – and felt good for it.
So the Cheltenham Festival looms and its easy to get excited but you can’t get carried away. I’ve got a big weekend ahead of me at Doncaster so I need to keep my eye on the ball.
February 25th, 2011Preview evenings
The Cheltenham Preview Evenings have started and I attended my first one near Tiverton on Tuesday.
It was entertaining – Johnson White fancied everything Philip Hobbs trains, I fancied everything I’m going to be riding and Alice Plunkett, Luke Harvey and David Mitchell from the Daily Mirror were the voices of reason and gave some good advice.
The organisers raised £3,000 for the Children’s Hospice so which was fantastic
A family dynasty
I was extremely proud that our family was featured in the Racing Post on Wednesday in their series Racing Dynasties. It gave a real insight into our family which has a long association with horses which looks likely to continue for a few years yet.
My brother Michael was a very good rugby player and played for the Wales under 19 team and was in the under 21 squad.
He was always interested in racing and when it became evident that he was too small to make it in rugby with the men he went into horses and now is a successful trainer.
We had an idyllic childhood in the Cotswolds. Mum was a nursery school teacher but gave that up as soon as Michael and I came along. When I started riding in point to points she took up training the pointers and did really well.
When Michael and I were younger we’d spent all day outside playing. We’d kick a football about, we made our own cricket pitch or we’d disappear to the fields and woods behind the house. We had ponies to jump on and there were showjumps everywhere.
We’d just go off and do what we wanted and were very lucky to live where we did near Nigel Twiston-Davies.
I was pretty good about going to school, although not particularly good at school, and got nine GSCE’s. But that all changed in the sixth form when I was busy riding out so I managed a couple of A levels. I muddled along and when it came to take my exams I didn’t do any revision and guessed the answers – I was a model pupil!
Tired horses
There’s been a recent incident of a jockey riding out a tired horse and he’s been given a lengthy ban and I think it comes down to inexperience of youth and trying too hard. These young jockeys are just trying to do their best and sometimes they over step the mark but they are not setting out to be cruel.
There’s a lot of pressure on them these days and if it doesn’t work out for them on the horse there’s always the likes of me, Dicki Johnson or AP to ride them if we are available.
When I was younger I probably completed on horses I shouldn’t have done, especially point-to-pointing.
You are trying to impress and probably running before you can walk. You want to give everything the ride of the season but with experience you learn the wants and needs of the horse and you learn to show off the talents of the horse rather than your own.
A lot of the young lads today have grown up with ponies but I remember my dad (Peter Scudamore) telling when I first started race riding horses that the difference between the two is extraordinary. It’s a completely different feeling and you can only developing that natural feeling for the horse and how it is travelling underneath you with experience.
I do believe the stewards are absolutely right to come down on them. They are doing their job and not trying to victimise anyone but penalising them so that they can learn from their mistakes. You cannot justify over use of the whip or riding a tired horse, but saying that I do understand why it happens.
Day off
I had a rare half day off yesterday after a morning schooling at Dave Pipe’s. Its the first time for five weeks since I had my injury but I’m not complaining. Dave’s horses are running very well with five winners last week and I’m as busy as ever with a good lot of rides this weekend.
February 18th, 2011
It’s great that Newbury have re-scheduled its fixture for today after last weekend’s tragedy and I’m looking forward to riding there. So much has been said about that terrible day when two horses sadly lost their lives and there’s nothing much more I can add except that I hope I never have to witness that again which I’m sure I won’t.
I’m looking forward to riding Notus De La Tour in the Totesport Trophy Hurdle. It’s a wide open handicap and he has a chance.
The last few weeks have been so busy and there’s no let up for a few more weeks to come. It’s an exciting time of year with so much good racing, not least the Cheltenham Festival in three weeks time. I’ve just been keeping my head down and living in a bubble really travelling the length and breadth of the country riding horses. It’s easy to lose track of everything and it all becomes a bit of a blur with one day leading into another. There’s certainly plenty going on and I’m lucky to be so busy and thankfully these miles I’ve been travelling are paying off as the winners still keep coming.
I was up at Newcastle when the Grand National weights came out. Or Noir De Somoza has 11st5lbs which is ok. It looks a very good race this year and it should be exciting but there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge between now and then.
This morning (Thursday) we had a session schooling at the Pipes. The ground is right for schooling so we’ve had plenty of horses out and there are going to be plenty of runners over the next few weeks.
The buzz surrounding the Cheltenham Festival is really growing and it is an incredibly exciting time of year. Every year it seems to grow in stature but for jockeys each year is an important as the next and whether it’s a good year or a bad year really depends on if you ride a winner.
It’s hard to describe what its like to ride at Cheltenham but it’s very different to the everyday meetings. Say you were riding at Taunton and there was a 50-1 shot – you’d probably avoid that one but at Cheltenham even a 50-1 shot is likely to be a very good horse – they have to be good to get there. No inch is taken, and no inch is given and you are at your limits from the word go.
In any race you can’t afford to make a mistake and if you do your chance has gone. What never ceases to amaze me is the ability of the horses, how fast they can go and how much they can do during a race. These horses keep giving and giving and I don’t think anyone should under estimate how much we owe them. They’re incredible animals with so much speed and agility. I’m lucky that I’m able to ride such good ones.
Charlotte and I will stay with mum during the Festival and the girls will stay at home. It means Charlotte can let her hair down and really enjoy herself.
Today (Thursday) I’m at Ffos Las – I cam up with Dave in the helicopter after schooling. It’s a great track and reminds me of Newbury with two long straights and sweeping bends. It’s a very fair track and its come a long way.
On Saturday I’m either at Wincanton or Ascot, possibly both. It’s such a great time of year with the best races to come and the top horses to see. Meanwhile, I’ll stay in my bubble and keep clocking up the miles!
February 10th, 2011It was great to be on Hunterview at Musselbugh on Sunday which gave David Pipe his full house of winners at every jumps track in the UK. To do that in five years is quite an achievement and it was a really great day. His owners the Traceys live close to the course and they are great fun – really good owners to have. It made the long trip to Scotland worthwhile, especially as I also won on The Tracey Shuffle.
This month has been really good so far and fingers crossed we can keep it going as long as we can, but as always, I’ll just take it one day at a time. Each season you always hope to better the one before in terms of the number of winners ridden but the main intention is to ride as well as I can and ride as many winner sas possible.
I’m very happy to report that Grands Crus remains in good heart. Knockara Beau’s win at Carlisle on Wednesday really franked his form as he finished behind him at Cheltenham. It was some performance and I was very impressed as the ground was very testing and the horse made all. Unfortunately I finished behind him on Heathcliffe so I only ever saw his backend but I rode Cadoudalas to win for Richard Lee so it was another good day.
Carlisle has to be one of the stiffest tracks in the country and the fences take some jumping. It’s not for the faint hearted. It’s a proper old fashioned track in a lovely setting – if you get the chance I’d recommend going. It’s a good five hours from where I live so a fair old trek but even so, you don’t mind travelling the miles if it means you ride a winner.
David made his entries for the Grand National and we have six very nice horses entered who are all expected to run as they are high enough in the handicap. I’ll have the choice on five as Timmy Murphy is likely to be on Comply or Die and it will be a very tough decision so we’ll have to put our thinking caps on. We’ve got a few weeks yet but we’ll be studying their runs and hopefully I’ll make the right choice.
Junior has done extremely well for us, Piraya loves Liverpool, Faasel was second in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Festival last year, I’msingingtheblues has to prove himself at the distance and Or Noir De Somoza is a very exciting addition. He’s won 16 races and over £1m in prize money.
People always ask me whether I’d prefer to win the Grand National or the Gold Cup at Cheltenham and to be honest its a question that really annoys me. I think any jockey would tell you that they would feel very privileged to win either race. I certainly have no preference and if I did win either I’d be delighted.
It looks like I have a busy few days ahead of me, although I’m not sure where I’m going to be yet. Exeter’s got a great card on Sunday and if Mamlook goes I’ll be riding him there. He’s a very exciting prospect and took to fences well when he won on his debut at Fakenham. He’s entered in the Irish Independent Arkle and the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the Festival andy ou have to take you hat off to these horses which are so versatile. He’s won on the Flat, including the Chester Vase last May, over hurdles and fences and he’s great horse to have around.
Exeter Racecourse's Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening is on Thursday, February 24 with panellists David Pipe, Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, Nick Williams, Paddy Power, Andrew King and host Zoey Bird. Tickets £20 each and include a hot supper. To book call 0844 5793005 or simply click here!
February 4th, 2011A Great ResultGrands Crus’ performance in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday was fantastic. It’s so exciting to be able to ride of horse of this calibre.
I’ve always thought a hell of a lot of him and what he did on Saturday was exceptional. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he felt no different against Grade 1 horses as he did against handicappers.
I’ve been lucky to ride some very good horses but he’s one of the best I’ve ever ridden. I was lucky to ride Well Chief once and he was very special but Grands Crus is better than that. When you are on him in a race, the other horses are never going quick enough for him and when you ask, he just lengthens.
In the paddock and in his stable he is an absolute angel and you couldn’t get a nicer horse but as soon as you get him on the gallop or onto the racetrack he’s a different horse. It’s like starting a sports car – you have the power and you always know its there. He is very strong and Gerry Supple always rides him at home. Gerry gets on better with him than anyone else and has ridden him since day one. A Great Team
Gerry’s part of the furniture at Pond House and has been with the Pipes for 15 or 16 years and he’s such a great fellow to have about. He’s a fountain of knowledge and is a very good judge of a horse – he really understands them. To say he’s passionate about them is probably putting it mildly. He’s also really great with the owners and if Dave can’t get to a meeting Gerry will represent him. He’s a huge cog in the wheel. He’s also an Irishman and he’s got an awful lot of friends but anyone who knows him will agree with me that he can talk the talk too!
We’ve been incredibly lucky at the yard as there are a lot of exceptional lads who work there whose wealth of knowledge is invaluable – Ed Buckley, Craig Wylie, Bob Hodge, Martin Ayliffe. It’s a great rock to build a foundation on.
It was a very sad day when Jonathon Lower left in the summer. He’s been with the Pipe’s since he left school at 16 and he was brilliant around the yard. He was a very gifted horseman and to watch him school a horse was a privilege. If a horse couldn’t jump or need its confidence restoring it was a pleasure watching him get the best out of them. He left a huge void when he left but he taught everyone so much and his methods will always be used.
He’s actually gone to sell caravans with his brother so it’s a real career change but no doubt we’ll still see him a lot at Pond House.Back to earth with a bumpAfter Grands Crus win, it was back to earth with a bump at Fakenham on Sunday. I came off a potential winner and got a proper kicking. Luckily I didn’t have any rides on the Monday so went to see the physio. My shoulder is black and blue but at least the bruise has come out. It’s so annoying when you miss a winner but it just goes to show you can never get carried away with success because it will always come back and bite you on the bum.
Lots to look forward toIt’s looks like a busy weekend and Dave will be running some nice horses but at the moment I’ve no idea if I’ll be at Ffos Las or Sandown.
It’s a pity there are two Champion Hurdle trials on the same day but it looks like a wide open race this year and its definitely one to savour. I really hope Hurricane Fly makes it over from Ireland this year so we can really see how good he is and any number of horses have the capability of winning. Of all of them I’d want to be on Binocular.
Remember - 2 Grandstand & Paddock tickets for £10 at Exeter on February 13th! Pre-bookings only – call the ticket hotline on (0844) 5793005 or click here to book online and quote EXVAL to redeem this great offer.
January 28th, 2011
Back in action
I’m very happy to be back riding again. Once again Lough Derg was an absolute legend at Ascot. We were cheered going out and we were cheered as we came in. I don’t think I’ve ever sat on a braver horse and everyone at Pond House is so proud of him. He’s shown on his last two runs that there’s plenty of fight left in him. He has so much fan mail and its so nice that the racing public really appreciate what a great horse he is.
On Monday I travelled all the way to Sedgefield where I rode the easiest winner in a long time. I think anyone could have won on Midnight Legend he did it so easily and it was nice to be back on a winner so quickly.
Then on Tuesday I flew up to Musselburgh but didn’t have a winner. Dad (Peter) came and picked me up and dropped me back again. I speak to Dad everyday and he watches all my rides. He still gives me a lot of advice and we’ll talk about certain horses. He’ll recount his experiences on similar horses he used to ride and what he tried.
When I was younger I definitely had him on a pedestal. What he has achieved as a jockey is phenomenal and I’m very proud of him and all my family. ey are all my friends too and I’m very lucky.
I’ve lived through all Dad’s successes but the thing that has always kept my feet on the ground is that you’d see him win the Grand National and the Champion Hurdle but then you’d see him getting badly injured. It’s a great leveller. My grandfather had to retire from riding when his face was smashed which left him partially blind and deaf in one ear.
It makes you realise from an early age that you need to make the most of success whenever you have it as the winners won’t come every day.
Today (Friday) and tomorrow look like being busy. Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham is always a good meeting but I tend to think that every meeting at Cheltenham is a trial for the Festival. For the novices it is important as it’s the last opportunity to see if they can handle the course.
I’m most looking forward to riding Grand Cruz if he runs.
Happy horses, dogs, chickens, sheep, ducks....
Charlotte’s been riding out for Dave (Pipe) five times a week. Before she had our two girls she worked there full time and was quite an accomplished point-to-point rider. She also happened to fall in love with a horse called Seebald who she rode everyday and when it was time for him to hang up his racing plates he came to live with us permanently. He was owned by two footballers who wouldn’t have been able to look after him in his retirement and he was such a favourite of Charlotte’s we decided to have him.
He’s such a sweet horse and just potters around with Charlotte’s old point-to-pointer Seekin’ Cash. Its really lovely having them around and they live with our neighbour’s pony. They are all thoroughly spoilt but they deserve it.
We have quite a menagerie at home and seem to have developed a reputation for taking peoples unwanted animals. We have sheep, chickens, ducks, two very fat springers and a lurcher who is brilliant with the children.
I know the Pipes work really hard to find the horses good homes once they have retired and it’s amazing what they can do and how adaptable they are when their racing careers are over.
Exeter’s Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening is on Thursday, February 24. The panel includes Dave Pipe, Paul Nicholls and Nick Williams. To book call 01392 832599.
January 14th, 2011Enforced rest – something I’m very good atI had a kick at Sandown on Saturday that resulted in a tear to my kidney so I have a couple of weeks off to rest the injury. I’m very good at resting! Charlotte is such a good nurse. I just have to make sure my two daughters don’t jump on me and attack me too much but they love having daddy home. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and watching the racing on the telly.When I was kicked the pain wasn’t too bad to begin with and I rode in a couple more races but I got more uncomfortable as the evening wore on.I was checked by the doctor at the racecourse who said to go to A&E if I was in a lot of discomfort. We went to Taunton and I had to stay in over night for observation.It’s little more than feeling uncomfortable but because it’s my kidney I have to be careful as there’s a slight tear and a hematoma and with hindsight it’s a good job I did get it checked out. Hopefully next week when I see the consultant I’ll be given the all clear. It’s more frustrating than anything else and I just hope it repairs quickly.The worst injury I’ve ever had was when I dislocated my shoulder four years ago. I was as high as a kite on morphine and gas and air when they put it back in and afterwards when the drugs wore off, it was pretty painful. Kauto will starIt’s a bummer than I’m missing the ride on Madison Du Berlais in the King George at Kempton on Saturday but injuries are part and parcel of the job and you just have to concentrate on healing as quickly as you can.Of all the horses in the race, the one I’d want to be on is Kauto Star. He was absolutely brilliant in the race when he won it in 2009. The ground will be bottomless but I don’t think it will affect him as he has so much class and he’s won on heavy ground before. It won’t be the ground that beats him.Madison Du Berlais has won on heavy and it won’t inconvenience him either. He’ll probably just handle it a bit better than others. He’s such a straightforward horse and a lovely ride and he should give Danny (Cook) a great first ride in the race. Cheltenham feverEntries for the Gold Cup were out on Wednesday but there’s so much water to go under the bridge between now and then that I won’t really be thinking about the meeting. So much can go wrong and so much can come right in the last two months leading up to it. As there’s still a lot of racing, we tend to just keep our heads down and get on with our jobs, probably right up until the night before.I’ll be on the panel for a few Cheltenham Preview nights, although I don’t like doing too many as they take a lot of time. We have one down the road at the Hartnoll at Bolham on February 22 in aid of the Children’s Hospice. It’s such a good night and for a very good cause. It’s a good opportunity to have a good look at the form and I enjoy speaking in public.My father (Peter) pursued a career in the media when he retired from racing and its certainly something I’d like to go into although hopefully its not for a good ten years yet. So for now, I’m just trying to get better. Patience is the answer as it’s a case of it will heel when it heels and the sofa’s not such a bad place to be.
Remember - Exeter’s Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening, with Nick Williams, David Pipe, Paul Nicholls, Andrew King, Philip Hobbs and Paddy Power is on February 24. Phone 01392 832599 for more information or to book, just click here or call (0844) 5793005.
January 5th, 2011Flying horses
The horses are flying at Dave’s (Pipe) at the moment and it was a tremendous achievement when he saddled the first three home in the Skybet.com Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. It was one of the very few things his father Martin never achieved!
It was a shame I wasn’t on the winner but even so I was very pleased with my ride Chartreux. It was only his fifth ever run and there’s plenty more to come from him. He’s a very exciting horse and he ran a grand race against two seasoned battlers.
I wasn’t surprised that Ashkazar stayed on like he did to win. Not so long ago he looked like a champion hurdle horse and he’s a class act. He could be a World Hurdle horse at Cheltenham in March. That’s not to say he’d beat Big Bucks but he’s still a class horse and would deserve to take his place.
Junior is a real cracker. He’s had four runs for Dave and he hasn’t let anyone down. In a short space of time he’s become really popular in the yard and he’s such a lovely character. Anyone can ride him although he does make you work hard at home and you have to do a lot of pushing.
But he’s a real battler and he’ll always try. He’s so versatile and has won in all codes. Since being with Dave he’s won the Ascot Stakes, finished second in the Goodwood Stakes, was third to Midnight Chase in a class one handicap chase at Cheltenham in November and now has finished second in a class two handicap hurdle. It’s an absolute pleasure to have anything to do with him.
Dave had his first treble of the season at Taunton last week too and I was lucky enough to be on two of them – Lucy’s Perfect and Sultan Fontenaille. At the time of writing I’m not sure where I’ll be riding tomorrow (Saturday) with three big meetings at Sandown, Wincanton and Chepstow.
I may be riding Flight Leader in the Welsh National for Colin Tizzard. He has 10st which means I’ll have to do without my tea but I’m very lucky as I can do 10st. I weigh 9st13lbs and I will need to get down to 9st11lbs to ride him but that shouldn’t be too hard.The Mini v the Ferrari
Douglas (Lough Derg) ran right back to his best at Newbury and I love him to bits. I was just so delighted for him to finish second to Big Bucks in the Long Walk Hurdle.
It was a bit like being in a mini with a Ferarri looming upsides. Big Bucks appears silently from nowhere and suddenly his noseband is beside you and then on he goes.
It’s hard to find any chinks in him and he really is one of the very best hurdlers of his era – up with the likes of Baracouda and Inglis Drever.
I’ve tried to draw the sting out of him by setting off at a blistering pace and he gave me a 20l start once but he still wins doing handstands. Douglas been put up 8lbs but we knew he would be as he ran so well.
What the lads have been up to
Everyone has been behaving themselves recently – well, I haven’t heard otherwise.
Choc Thornton’s wife Meally gave birth to a son William. I sent him a text sending our congratulations and saying he could have all our hand-me-downs if he didn’t mind dressing his son in pink.
It’s been a tough few weeks for a lot of the jockeys with so many meetings abandoned and some of them haven’t been able to earn much at all. It’s ok for the top boys to have a couple of easier weeks but I think some of the jockeys have found it really hard.
For me things have been going really well, and although the driving can get you down, it’s part and parcel of the job and I’m very lucky.
This week I’ve also had a winner for Tom George. It was my first winner from my first ride for him this season so it makes the driving a lot easier.
December 21st, 2010AP McCoy
It was absolutely phenomenal for Tony to win the Sports Personality of the Year award.
I was gutted that I couldn’t go but we were snowed in so we couldn’t make it.
It’s richly deserved and about time. He’s an incredible sportsman and although it is great for racing the main thing is it’s about Tony and at last he has been given the recognition having dominated the sport for 15 years. He holds records that will never be broken.I’m at Kempton now and he’s sat two seats away so I have to be careful what I say – but what I can say is that he’s a great friend, a real gentleman and it’s a pleasure to know him!
Jumpers for Bumpers at Kempton
It’s a great concept and very much appreciated by all the jockeys with this cold snap continuing. Although we’re racing on the flat, the races are still very important as it costs just as much for owners. Training horses is at expensive and with very little racing about it’s giving the horses somewhere to go.
None of the jockeys can wait to get back into the swing of things and at least with the bumpers its give us some sense of normality. It’s really nice to catch up with everyone again.
The course looks very white. A few of the lads have walked it and under the covers its raceable but it depends whether they can actually get the covers off as there is so much snow under them.
The forecast for Boxing Day isn’t that good so its fingers crossed. Madison Du Berlais is entered and David (Pipe) is making a lot of entries but nobody really knows how much longer this weather will continue for.Pond House
The horses haven’t been held up at all but people have found it really difficult getting to work so there have been less people riding more horses.
Everyone is working so hard keeping all the pipes working and everywhere safe for the horses to walk.
When Dave knew the snow was coming loads of straw was laid in the yard so although it doesn’t look good its safe and everyone can get about.
Keeping Fit
Race riding is the best way to keep fit but while there’s not much racing I’ve been taking the dogs for long walks. However I have to say the best ever fitness regime has to be pushing my daughter Margot down the hill on her sledge and then pulling her back up again.
It’s harder than race riding and Dickie (Richard Johnson) says the same.
Christmas Day
We’re going to the outlaws for Christmas at Witheridge. They have a beautiful old farmhouse and all of Lottie’s family will be there and my mum (Marilyn Scudamore) is coming down too.
We’ll stay there for a couple of days. We’ll go to Church on Friday evening and then on Christmas morning we’ll open our presents and then go for a long walk before tucking into Christmas lunch.
There’s nothing I really want for Christmas except good health and more winners. If Father Christmas can bring me that I’ll be very happy.
The Millennium Falcon
They’ve been really badly hit with snow in Gloucestershire but luckily Chris Maud the valet has a great big Land Rover that he calls the Millennium Falcon and he was able to get to the races with all our kit. He also picked up Warren Marston and Tom Siddall as they were snowed in.
Apparently Andrew Tinkler has a very smart sledge, but it cost him so much money he won’t use it.
So all it remains for me to say is Merry Christmas to everyone, wrap up warm and if you are going anywhere don’t forget to take a blanket, flask of tea and a spade!
December 6th, 2010RACING AT EXETER
It was just so nice to be back racing at Exeter yesterday and although I didn’t have any winners it was great. The crowd wasn’t the best and it was very cold but everyone did such a good job.
AP (McCoy), Paddy (Brennan) and I were the jockeys’ representatives and Philip Hobbs, Paul Nicholls and Nigel Twiston-Davies represented the trainers and we were all very happy with the going. I know Royal Charm’s owners played it safe and decided not to run him but that’s understandable as he looks to be an exceptional horse.
I can’t praise clerk of the course Barry Johnson and the staff at Exeter enough for holding the meeting. There’s a glut of very good horses needing a run and it must be very difficult for their trainers keeping them at their peak.
COLD WEATHER
The cold weather has set in again and it looks likes like we may be riding on the sand in bumpers at Southwell before long.
Fingers crossed for Cheltenham at the weekend where Dave (Pipe) could have several runners and Friday looks like I will be very busy.
Meanwhile Charlotte’s keeping me busy at home. I’m hopeless at DIY so I’ve been looking after the girls or chopping logs and bringing them in from our fields while Charlotte does the clever stuff.
I’M A ROCK AND ROLL STAR
I love playing the guitar – normally about half an hour every evening as I find it very relaxing and this cold weather has meant I’ve managed to get more practice in than usual. It’s all building up to my dream of appearing on the X-Factor!
I play stuff like Pink Floyd, the Stones and Beatles, although I’m not sure anyone would actually recognize it as that.
HORSE WRITERS’ LUNCH
At the moment we are on our way to the Horserace Writers and Photographers annual Derby Awards Lunch in London that is second only to the Lesters and very good fun. It’s when everyone from the very different worlds of jump and flat racing come together.
I don’t normally drink much so I will have plenty of stories to tell tomorrow and I imagine Charlotte, Dave Pipe and Gerry Supple will get stuck in and enjoy themselves!
Charlotte’s hoping Jeremy Kyle will be there, as she loves watching the programme as does Nigel Twiston-Davies whose guilty pleasure is watching the show whenever he can!We are sitting on The Times table and it’s a really good chance to meet up with Rob Wright who looks after the column I write for the paper.
Last year John Oxx came over and he gave a terrific speech after he won the Flat Trainer of the Year award.
AP MCCOY
It’s fantastic all the support that’s going into getting AP voted the sport’s personality of the year but everyone needs to make sure the vote. England cricketer Graeme Swann is going to gain a lot of support with the Ashes team in Autralia doing so well and the darts legend Phil Taylor is sure to get a lot of support.
If AP does win, that’s when the hard work starts to ensure racing gains as much exposure as it can on the back of his win.
Rumour has it one of Exeter’s life-size cardboard cutouts has gone missing and AP will be appearing in the Milbourne Port area in places he has never been seen before.
AP's cardboard lookalike makes a guest appearance in the Exeter Racecourse OfficeNovember 29, 2010
The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury
Unfortunately our part in the Hennessy was short and brief! Madison Du Berlais was in great form before the race and we were really looking forward to running him but we fell at the fourth and brought down Neptune De Colognes in the process.
He’s a really striking horse to look at and everyone at home has done such a good job with him that it was very disappointing that we did come down.
He’d only ever fallen three times - twice in the Grand National and once as a novice but a horse can fall at any time and it was just one of those things. He’s got a cut on his hind leg but he’ll be okay.
I was fine except for needing a new helmet that took the brunt of the fall.
After I rode Piraya who ran a cracking race to finish third in the Sportingbet.com Handicap Chase. Exactly the same horses that finished in the first three last year did so again.
I then rode a horse for Rebecca Curtis that wasn’t one of my finer moments. We finished sixth and I probably made too much use of him.
Newbury did a fantastic job to enable racing to go ahead and all the staff deserve a big pat on the back.
The Hennessy After Party
After racing we went to The Outside Chance and I’m surprised more racecourses don’t do this at the bigger meetings. It’s a huge marquee that is open all day and serves drinks, and food, there’s a platform for the DJ and TV screens. Once racing is over, everyone congregates there and then in the evening it turns into a nightclub. It would work brilliantly at Cheltenham or the big Saturday meetings.
We were invited into the VIP area along with Tony McCoy, Sam Thomas, Andrew Tinkler, Dave Pipe and lots of others and all their wives and girlfriends. The atmosphere was great and everyone looked like they were having a great time.
I met up with Charlotte who’d had a lovely day meeting up with all her old school friends. Then we went to Ross-on Wye to stay the night with my mum Granny Maz and the girls. With Sunday’s racing off, I tucked into a huge Chinese takeaway.
The Cold Snap
With no racing on Sunday we drove back home to Tiverton and had a lovely day with the girls watching DVD’s and trying to keep warm. During the winter you can be working everyday as a jockey and there isn’t a lot of time to spare but this cold snap means I can spend more time at home and I’m sure Charlotte will find plenty of jobs for me to do.
Some of the lads will take a break abroad but I find that I need to keep my focus and prefer to stay at home. If I did go away, I’d be tempted to eat too much and would be forever battling the scales. I also like spending any spare time I have with my daughters and Charlotte as I can be away from home quite a lot.
If there’s not much racing on it will also be a good chance to catch up with Dave (Pipe) and Leanne socially and we may go for a bite to eat somewhere.
Not Much Racing
The prospect for racing isn’t looking too good with all this cold weather. I’m on my way now to Folkestone for one ride. Fingers crossed the freeze won’t last as I’m really looking forward to Exeter on Friday. I will be riding a very promising horse called Mr Thriller and we’ll be up against Royal Charm who has won all his races at Exeter.
It will be such a shame if we loose the Tingle Creek meeting at Sandown too but there’s not much you can do about the weather.
Injured Jockeys
There are so many jockeys out with injuries at the moment and it can be an unnerving time.
For the first couple of days everyone wants to speak to you but after a while you are soon forgotten. It’s really tough when you are out because not only are you missing out on everyday things, but also you are missing out on rides and it’s hard to get them back. Poor old Noel Fehily. On Tuesday he was told he rides Kauto Star in the King George and by Saturday the dream was over.
I’ll give him a few days and then get in touch. It’s something Andrew Thornton is very good at – he’ll always keep in touch and it gives you a really lift when someone does phone.
Christian Williams was at Newbury on Saturday and other than his two broken arms, he looked really well and it was great to see him.
Tom in action winning aboard Very Cool, trained by David Pipe, at Exeter's popular Ladies Night fixture, 04.05.10