#gopointing 1 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

13 J

anua

ry 2

015

INPROFILEtrainer Nick Pearce & rider James Ferguson

GETTING TO KNOW YOUwith Alex Muirhead

BERTIESIN DREAMLAND

PLUS: LATEST NEWS • RECENT LANDMARKS • TOP TWEETS

BEEN POINTINGfrom Ampton

#gopointing 2 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

PLUSpointing

EVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

PLUSpointingpointingpointingMay 3-4, 2014pointingpointingpointingpointingEdition 24

pointingpointingYour weekly Point-to-Point pulloutEVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

CARL EVANS 8 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 14-19 ● MARK WALL IN THE QUESTION TIME CHAIR 20

■

Following his unsuccessful Cheltenham Foxhunter’s bid in March, Lauren Following his unsuccessful Cheltenham Foxhunter’s bid in March, Lauren Braithwaite’s star Berties Dream could be back in action at Dingley this Braithwaite’s star Berties Dream could be back in action at Dingley this weekend in an attempt to land the four-mile Fernie Gold Cup weekend in an attempt to land the four-mile Fernie Gold Cup ■ Fernie at Dingley preview, with big-race colours, p4

The Crudwell Cup – the Welsh Borders Classic – takes centre stage at Cold Harbour tomorrow, with My Lil Ledge the one to beat at the Radnor & West Hereford■■ Crudwell Cup big-race spotlightsand preview, pages 10-11

weekend in an attempt to land the four-mile Fernie Gold Cup weekend in an attempt to land the four-mile Fernie Gold Cup ■ ■ Fernie at Dingley preview, with big-race colours, p4Fernie at Dingley preview, with big-race colours, p4

Pict

ure:

Pi

ctur

e:

Pict

ure:

MAR

K FE

TTES

MAR

K FE

TTES

Pict

ure:

PHI

L BR

ITT

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED! Doctor Kingsley was one of the winners on a cracking Point-to-Point Championships evening at Cheltenham on Wednesday. Check out all the winners and losers in our comprehensive results service■ Cheltenham results in full, page 9

Picture:JULIE DREWITT

PLUSpointingpointingpointingApril 5-6, 2014pointingpointingpointingpointingEdition 20

pointingpointingYour weekly Point-to-Point pulloutEVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

CARL EVANS 8 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 12-19 ● GINA ANDREWS QUESTION TIME 20

Camilla Scott’s in-form star is expected to feature prominently in the Tedworth Gold Cup, the Sandhurst Area Classic■ Barbury preview, page 5

Pict

ure:

WW

W.R

ACEH

ORSE

PHOT

OS.C

O.UK

Monsieur Jourdain’s out to defend his Grimthorpe Gold Cup title in Whitwell-on-the-Hill’s last staging of the Classic.■ Middleton preview, pages 10-11

SULTS 14-19 SULTS 14-19

JUSTJUSTJDOCTOCTODoctor Kingsley was one of the winners on a cracking Point-to-Point Championships evening at Cheltenham on Wednesday. Check out all the winners and losers in our comprehensive results service■■ Cheltenham results in full, page 9Cheltenham results in full, page 9 PLUSpointingpointingpointingJune 7-8, 2014pointingpointingpointingpointing

Edition 29pointingpointing

Your weekly Point-to-Point pulloutEVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

CARL EVANS 3 ● STRATFORD AGA NIGHT REPORT 4-5 ● TOM HAMILTON QUESTION TIME 8

Can Current Event end the season with a fourth straight win at Bratton Down?■ Tiverton Staghounds, p2

Full report, p4-5

Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: Picture: SWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHYSWEET PHOTOGRAPHY

Picture: SILVENA TA TA ONCHEVAVAV

SULTS 14-19 SULTS 14-19

USTCT

Doctor Kingsley was one of the winners on a cracking Point-to-Point Championships evening at Cheltenham on Wednesday. Check out all the winners and losers in our comprehensive results service

Cheltenham results in full, page 9Cheltenham results in full, page 9

CARL CARL SULTS 12-19 SULTS 12-19

PLUSpointingpointingpointingMay 17-18, 2014pointingpointingpointingpointingEdition 26pointingpointing

Your weekly Point-to-Point pulloutEVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

CARL EVANS 8-9 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 14-18 ● TOP PERFORMERS 19 ● RICHARD DEFAGO 20

There’s over £4,000 up for grabs at the Knutsford Races Club this weekend, as Tabley hosts the richest Point-to-Point meeting of the season, with the Lord Daresbury North West Area Classic Final and the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club

Members Novice Riders Championship Final sharing top billing in Cheshire■ Knutsford Races Club at Tabley preview, pages 10-11

Will Croan Rock and Threapwood be fighting

out the finish of the Lord Daresbury?

There’s over £4,000 up for grabs at the Knutsford Races Club this weekend, as Tabley hosts the richest Point-to-Point meeting of the season, with the Lord Daresbury North West Area Classic Final and the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club

Members Novice Riders Championship Final sharing top billing in Cheshire ■■■■

Fresh from Fresh from his stunning his stunning Mens Open Mens Open success at success at Thorpe Lodge Thorpe Lodge last month, Antonia Bealby’s L’Eldorado could line up

in the £1,000 in the £1,000 Novice Riders Novice Riders final under Tom final under Tom Chatfeild-RobertsChatfeild-Roberts

Gutsy Cottage Oak handed prolific Palypso De Creek only his second defeat in his last 14 Pointing starts■ Wheatland at Chaddesley Corbett review, page 14

Pict

ure:

JAC

KIE

OLIV

ER

Pict

ure:

DAV

ID B

UCKL

EY

SULTS 12-19 SULTS 12-19

AN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

Everything you need to follow is in your weekly Point-to-Point

pullout, including:■ In-running comments for all runners

■ Previews / reviews■ Features / news

■ Q&A with pointing personalities

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 3 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Bear makes it a Magnificent Seven at WadebridgeWe were treated to three meetings of the highest quality last weekend, along with some notable performances from some fresh faces to the Pointing game.Sheriff Hutton opened its doors for the opening fixture of the Yorkshire calendar, and as ever delivered a superb afternoon of racing, with some noteworthy winners. Cottage Oak and Ockey Du Neulliac were two familiar names in the winners’ enclosure. The former finally got his nose in front after two second places, and the latter extended his excellent record to six wins from eight runs in Ladies Opens.Arguably the most striking was the victory of the flat, hurdle and chase winner Junior. The 12-year-old, now with Nicky Tinkler after leaving David Pipe, made a winning Pointing debut in the Mens Open for Richard Smith, denying the 7-4 favourite Woodview Prince a five-timer. With that win under his belt, it would be no surprise to see him running in a Hunter Chase in the coming months.Down at Wadebridge for the North Cornwall, Byerley Bear made it seven wins from seven, yes seven wins from

seven, at the course, getting the better of two decent ex-Rules performers in Dan Breen and Ghizao. Robert Chanin’s prize asset, who was again ridden by Leanda Tickle, has not been outside of the first three in all 14 starts between the flags, winning 11 times, and his connections should be applauded for maintaining this horse’s form at the highest level.One horse on the upgrade is Raffa; he made it three from three this season by causing a mini-upset in the Mens Open. It took the gelding seven attempts to break his Maiden tag but he hasn’t looked back since, most notably this term, and credit has to go to his keeper Richard Mitford-Slade.And at Ampton, where I was in attendance, Berties Dream paid a fitting tribute to one of his late owners, Christopher Sporborg, who sadly died last week. Lauren Braithwaite’s stable star donned Sporborg’s blue and pink colours for the occasion; although victory was far from a certainty approaching the final bend, the former Cheltenham Festival winner’s class shone through. Bridget Andrews looked to big threat aboard Volcan Surprise but sister Gina soon scooted clear when push came to shove, running out impressive winners.

Elsewhere on the card it was Consigliere who impressed me the most with an impressive performance on his Pointing debut for Alan and Joe Hill. Retirement beckoned for the ex-David Pipe chaser but his old owners sent him to the champion trainer for what is turning out to be a positive decision for the sport.It was a hot looking Mens Open on paper with Penmore Mill and Doctor Kinglsey more strongly fancied with the bookies, but like Junior his class shone through and he should be able to build on this as the season progresses.This weekend we have racing scheduled on both days; the Royal Artillery at Larkhill on Saturday before Alnwick and Black Forest Lodge hold the West Percy and Silverton meetings on Sunday. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours isn’t great but things look like improving as the week goes on so we should see a full complement of racing taking place. Fingers Crossed!Ben Roe, Editor

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

GOPOINTINGis published by The Point-to-Point Racing Company Ltd

Editor: Ben Roet: 01933 440077e: ben@gopointing.com

Advertising: Lucy Wheelert: 01933 440077e: lucy@gopointing.com

Sign UpTo receive GOPOINTING every week throughout the season by email, you can sign up via pointtopoint.co.uk, email ben@gopointing.com or click here

Front Cover Photo: Berties Dream (Gina Andrews, left) jump ahead of Volcan Surprise (Bridget Andrews) on their way to victory in the Ladies Open at Ampton’s Dunston Harriers meeting last Sunday by Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Point-to-Point Racing Company

Website: pointtopoint.co.ukFacebook: go.pointing.1Instagram: go.pointingTwitter: @gopointingHashtag: #GoPointing

Byerley Bear and Leanda Tickle on their way to winning the Ladies Open at Sunday’s North Cornwall meeting at Wadebridge

Photo: Tim holt timholt@talktalk.net

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 4 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

LESS THAN200 COPIESREMAINING

#gopointing 5 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

SILVERTONat Black Forest Lodge (Devon)5m S of Exeter, nr B3381 between A380 and Starcross. Only 6m off end of M5. EX6 8HR. Road closure on A379 - allow extra time for thisProvisional Going: Soft, good in placesFirst Race: 12.00pm Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 128Admission Prices: £10 per person (max £30 per car), children free

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15 WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKSaturday, 17 January

ROYAL ARTILLERYat Larkhill (Wiltshire)5m NW of Amesbury, 10m NW of Amesbury, nr A303, A345 & A360Provisional Going: Good, good to soft in placesFirst Race: 11.00am Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 103Admission Prices: £10 per person

WEST PERCYat Alnwick (Northumberland)3m NE of Alnwick (signposted from A1). NE66 3AE. Roadworks south of Alnwick on the A1 - allow extra time for thisProvisional Going: Good to soft, soft in placesFirst Race: 12.00pm Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 73Admission Prices: Free

Sunday, 18 January

#gopointing 6 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

NFU MUTUAL TO SPONSOR HAMPSHIRE MEETINGby Robin GrayThe Hampshire Hunt's point-to-point on Sunday 15 March will benefit from a major sponsorship by insurers NFU Mutual. The Dummer based company's client base is largely rural, as the name implies, and director Sally Drummond said: "As an insurer with a proud history of supporting those who live and work in the countryside we are happy to provide sponsorship for the Hackwood Park meeting on 15 March. It is close to our office and is an ideal arena for us to demonstrate what we have to offer."

NFU Mutual will have a major presence in the car and lorry parks as well as an information trailer and hospitality tent. There will also be a free raffle for a limited edition print of Desert Orchid winning the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup under Simon Sherwood.

The Point-to-Point chairman Charlie Corbett, said: "We are delighted to welcome NFU Mutual as our partner at Hackwood. NFU Mutual is a business steeped in the countryside,

and Point-to-Point racing is a true country sport - we are a good match!"

TOMPSETT RIDES AGAINby Brain LeeGood news is that Isabel Tompsett, who was left in a coma when thrown from her mount at Fakenham in May 2011, has ridden a racehorse again for the first time since that horrific race riding accident - it was thought at one stage that she would never walk again.

Isabel, who hails from Llandeilo in west Wales, is a former amateur jumps jockey champion and a former Welsh champion Point-to-Point rider who will always be associated with prolific Welsh Pointer Chesnut Annie, on whom she won the Dunraven Foxhunters Hunter Chase at Ffos Las in 2010.

Isabel, aged 32, said: "The horse I used to ride all the time is called Sweet World. He's very good but he pulls your arms out. He's really strong but I rode him twice recently and he was fine and I was dead chuffed.''

She credits her puppy Primose Lily with helping her walk again, but realises she will never race ride again.

"Even if I had been riding, I am at an age now that I would have been thinking of hanging up my race-riding boots.''

A qualified vet, Isabel said she remembers all her veterinary training. "That is not something you forget after learning it for five years.'' She has been working at her boyfriend John Llewellyn's father's yard in Bargoed and she says: "I'm just carrying on trying to get better."

EAST ANGLIA NEWSby James CrispeThe first few days of January 2015 have witnessed the sad passing of two East Anglian Point-To-Point stalwarts, Christopher Sporborg and Charlotte Tuke.

Sporborg was a highly successful businessman with Hambros bank and later with Hambro Countrywide estate agents and trained the winners of over 160 steeplechases and Point-to-Points from his home at Upwick Green, near Ware in Hertfordshire.

His best horses included Rob Mine, Shake Five, Ruperts Choice, Greenwood Lad, Over The Edge and

Shoreacres (Hannah Lewis - far side) and Moscow Blaze (Page Fuller) race to the line in a thrilling AGA Ladies Open at last

season's Hampshire meetingPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15 LATEST NEWS

#gopointing 7 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

in association with

Berties Dream, a winner in the colours of the late Christopher Sporborg at Ampton on Sunday under Gina Andrews

Photo:Neale Blackburnchasdog.com

LATEST NEWS

French Saint and many were ridden to victory by William and Simon, two of his four children.

A master of the Puckeridge Hunt, he was also a big noise in the wider racing industry and at one point was both chairman of United Racecourses and a board member of the British Horseracing Board.

In December 2000 he was awarded a CBE for his charitable services - his major roles in that sector included the

chairmanship of The National Brain Appeal.

A service of Thanksgiving for his life will take place at St Andrews Church, Much Hadham, on Friday 16th January at 2.00pm.

Charlotte Tuke, from Duddenhoe End near Saffron Walden, manned the Countyside Alliance Caravan at many local Point-to-Points alongside her husband, Donald.

A long-standing supporter of Horseheath Racecourse (where she organised the sponsors' hospitality) and the Thurlow Hunt, she enjoyed one of her proudest moments when her daughter Catherine rode Spring Wheat to victory in a race at High Easter in March 2000.

Her funeral takes place at 1.00pm on Friday January 9th at Holy Trinity Church in Chrishall.

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 8 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

TRAINER PROFILENICK PEARCE

For how long have you been training? Since July 2007.Where are you based? Mark Cross in East Sussex, just south of Tunbridge Wells.Do you combine training with another job or profession? Yes, I run a pre-training/breaking service for flat/NH owners, trainers and breeders. As well as this we have a very busy three-day event yard here - my fiancée, Georgie Strang, has 12+ horses to compete.

What training facilities do you have available? We have a 6 furlong all-weather gallop, which has a 2 furlong loop. We have 3 fences which are on the loop so we can school all year round. Fences and hurdles on grass. Also a 20x60 Martin Collins surface outdoor school. 20x30 lunge school for breaking in. Indoor walker and 35 boxes, hopefully more being built in the spring, and 1000 acres of farmland and tracks which we can also use.How many horses do you train? We have around 15 for the 2014/15 season, some babies also which might make an appearance at the back end of the year.

Do you train for just yourself

and family or for other Owners? Mainly for

owners, but I do have a few youngsters of my own.

Are you from a racing background? No, not even from a horse background. Dad was a Warrant Officer in the Royal Gloucester Hussars and mum was a school dinner lady and worked in the local butchers.What was the first winner you sent out – name, owner, rider, date and course? It was Jack’s Present in a Mares Maiden for Simon Tindall, I rode her, and it was on 13th Jan 2008 at Barbury Castle.Of which horse performance are you most proud? Probably still Lord Snow in a Restricted at Detling in 2008. He was, and still is, plagued with pelvic trouble. He fractured and displaced the wing of his pelvis on his last run in Ireland when Mr Tindall had horses with Edward O’Grady. He had the best part of 2 seasons off and he won on his return. Unfortunately he suffered a tendon injury whilst winning, another 2 years off and he won on his return at Penshurst.Did you race-ride before you started training? Yes, I then combined training and riding for another 8 years then decided to retire last season after riding my 100th winner.

How did you start training and who has been most influential on

your training career?

Simon Tindall, for giving a young lad a chance and supporting me during the tough times and being a great owner and landlord in both victory and defeat! Also Alan Hill is always at the end of the phone whenever I need a knowledgeable voice for advice on horses or anything else. I'm sure I annoy him but he has never told me I do.Which jockeys do you use regularly? I've a talented novice lad in the yard in Will Clarke, who we helped last year and he rode a winner for us. Phil Hall rides all Pat, Sarah and Debs Wilkins’ horses and a few others. I like to use Sam Davies-Thomas when he is available – he’s a seriously talented rider but a busy lad! Bridget Andrews rides the Ladies’ horses and the four-year-olds.What car do you drive? BMW 3-Series. What kind of music do you like? I love everything, from the Foo Fighters to Stevie Wonder.What are your favourite films and TV programmes? My favourite film is Where Eagles Dare and TV is the Big Bang Theory - and the obvious ones (RUK and ATR!)

Describe your perfect night in and perfect night out: In would be fire on, beer in hand watching a film with Georgie. Out would be on a Sunday night with the other South East racing

folk local to us in the pub for a bit of food, plenty of drink to celebrate

or commiserate the weekend’s racing.What do you do to take a break from training – any hobbies or favourite holiday destinations? Holidays don't happen unfortunately - Georgie's Eventing season overlaps the Pointing season, and then we are busy with yearlings during the Autumn. I help Georgie during the summer so a few days at lovely events like Blenheim are a nice place to be. I'm a massive Formula 1 fan, and a keen Aston Villa fan. I go to as many games as I can but not as much as I'd like. I recently went to an away game with Olly Murphy at Crystal Palace where we won 1-0!

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 8 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

make an appearance at the back end of the year.

Do you train for just yourself

and family or for other Owners? Mainly for

owners, but I do have a few youngsters of my own.

riding for another 8 years then decided to retire last season after riding my 100th winner.

How did you start training and who has been most influential on

your training career?

Dare and TV is the Big Bang Theory - and the obvious ones (RUK and ATR!)

Describe your perfect night in and perfect night out: In would be fire on, beer in hand watching a film with Georgie. Out would be on a Sunday night with the other South East racing

folk local to us in the pub for a bit of food, plenty of drink to celebrate

or commiserate the weekend’s racing.What do you do to take a break from training – any hobbies or favourite holiday destinations?Holidays don't happen unfortunately - Georgie's Eventing season overlaps the Pointing season, and then we are busy with yearlings during the Autumn. I help Georgie during the summer so a few days at lovely events like Blenheim are a nice place to be. I'm a massive Formula 1 fan, and a keen Aston Villa fan. I go to as many games as I can but not as much as I'd like. I recently went to an away game with Olly Murphy at Crystal Palace where we won 1-0!

#gopointing 9 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Who would be your ideal travelling companions to the races? Bramble, my Chocolate Patterdale Terrier, he doesn't complain about my out of tune singing.Who are your biggest heroes – in or out of racing? Davy Russell, Julian Pritchard, the late Sir Henry Cecil and Sir Mark Prescott..

What has been your funniest incident at the races? A young lad coming upsides me down the back at Brampton Bryan, we were approaching 4 out and he was wrestling to hold his! He asked “do we still have another circuit to go?” I replied yes, waited until we turned in and booted for home - he realised I lied but didn't get back to me and I won by a few lengths! The shouting matches or arguments in the weighing room are also good fun!

Which particular horse would you like to train – in Points and under Rules? Pointing would be Glint of Steel, I see plenty of him when he works at weekends on our gallop, he is pure class and has not broken sweat yet!

And under Rules would be The New One.If you hadn’t taken up training, what would you have done instead? Stayed as an assistant to a professional trainer.Which horses do you have at the moment that you would say have good potential? Miss Alice Jones has ability, Zygomma is serious class and Florabell, who is a three rising four-year-old homebred by Robin De Pres, half-sister to Florella who herself won on debut last year.What ambitions do you have in racing? To be successful, respected and to build a strong reputation at producing decent young horses.

What are your favourite courses and meetings - and why? I Love our hunt meetings at Godstone but used to love riding around Aldington and Dingley.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges for Point-to-Point trainers? Trying to attract new owners into the yard. Getting honest reports from course inspectors and clerks of the

courses. I spend a lot of my Fridays in the car driving to walk courses which I shouldn't have to do.What are your opinions on the changes in Point-to-Pointing in recent years? We are heading in the right direction. No-one wants to lose its ties with Hunting and the Corinthian spirit but we have to realise it's as expensive to have a Pointer as having a horse under Rules; we as trainers have to be as professional in our approach as we can so the sport also needs to be on the same wavelength.What developments do you think would benefit the sport in the future? I've been a big supporter of the new DBS bumper for young British Pointers at Aintree as it can only benefit the sport even if it's just from the promotion side. We have some amazing national sponsors now and they need looking after as they need to be with us for the future. TV pundits need to get it right when talking about Point-to-Pointers under Rules, yes 70% are from Irish Pointing, but we should also get credit for producing quality ourselves!

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15 TRAINER PROFILE | NICK PEARCE

“I spend a lot of my Fridays in the car driving to walk courseswhich I shouldn't have to do.”

Lord Snow and NickPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

#gopointing 10 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 11 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Date of birth: 25.10.1962

Job or profession: Candle Maker.

Are you from a racing background? If not, how did you get started in Point-to-Pointing? No. I have wanted to race ever since seeing Red Alligator win the 1968 Grand National, it has just taken me rather a long time to get there! I was brought up within ear shot of the commentator at Plumpton Racecourse which must have sowed the seed and I worked in a racing yard in the holidays until the age of 17; the last time I sat on a racehorse! Last winter whilst out hunting I met Mike Vanstone and Linda Blackford who train in Rackenford, Devon, and within a few months found myself the proud owner of eight-year-old Weston Lodge, a winner in Ireland and under Rules in England. The last four months have been a crash course, riding two lots a day, an hour or two at the gym as well as Equiciser lessons with Rodi Green.

When do you hope to have your first ride in public? 25th January at Chipley Park.

For which trainers/owners will you mainly be riding? Mike Vanstone/me, but of course I’m open to all offers!

Who has been most influential on your riding career so far? Linda Blackford who rode 103 winners. She

is my daily jockey coach with comments such as: “you look like a duck, get your arse down”, “you have two hands, use them” and “it’s no use screaming WOAH at him”!

Which are your favourite courses? And for what reasons? Chipley Park, the Tiverton Foxhounds course. I am less stressed about riding than managing the car park as I did last year!

What car do you drive? Mitsubishi Outlander.

Name your perfect night in and perfect night out: In (after a day’s racing) - a bottle of Baile Nicol Jarvie (my favourite whisky!); Out - Pig Racing with Ady Byng, a West Country Legend.

Where do you like to go on holiday? The Isle of Pabbay in the Outer Hebrides.

What music are you currently listening to? The PeatBog Faeries, the best Ceilidh band in the world.

What is your favourite film? Beverley Hills Cop I.

What has been either your own funniest incident, or the most amusing thing you have seen or heard at the races? It hasn’t

happened yet, but I can tell you it will be at Chipley Park on 25th January.

Who is your biggest hero in racing? John Francome, my hero of the 1980’s.Which particular horse (in any discipline) would you like to ride? My brother-in-law Jamie Osborne trains the globe-trotting Toast of New York. I hear he is looking for a new jockey so maybe I’m in with a chance – see you in Dubai!

Apart from race-riding, in what other sports do you participate? Hunting mostly with the Tiverton

Foxhounds and DSSH. Not sure if it’s a sport, but I took up the Bagpipes three years ago and compete with the City of Exeter Pipes and Drums - yes there really are competitions! The band sponsors my horse Weston Lodge and my colours are as close as we could get to the bands Robertson tartan. Don’t be surprised to see a few kilts in the Parade Ring on Burns Night (which is also on the 25th January!).Do you have any regrets in your riding career to date? I should have started 35 years ago.

What ambitions do you have in racing? Pardubice – why not?

Are there any changes that you think would benefit

the sport in the future? Increased prize money

What are your aspirations for the season? To get to the start!

Can you give us a horse to look out for this season? Weston Lodge. He was 3rd at Wadebridge in December and is fit and well.

Can you give us an up and coming rider to look out for this season? Sean Houlihan, over from Co. Waterford, and amateur jockey with Philip Hobbs.

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? Bagpipes, Fishing Rod and a barrel of whisky

And finally, sum up Point-to-Pointing in one word: Exhilarating.

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

Linda Blackford is my daily jockey coach with comments such as: “you look like a duck, get your arse down”, “you have two hands, use them” and “it’s no use screaming WOAH at him”!

ALEX MUIRHEADDirector of Lumea Candles by day, 52-year-old Alex, by his own admission, is late to the riding party! He hunts regularly with the Tiverton Foxhounds and is all set to make his debut in the saddle at their meeting on 25th January at Chipley Park.

#gopointing 12 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 13 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Gillon CrowPhoto: Jackie Oliver graftonwood.co.uk

RECENT LANDMARKSJockeys firsts, doubles and other career highs by Carolyn Tanner

Gillon Crow, who works for rural property company Jackson Equestrian, recorded his 50th success between the flags when Cottage Oak took the Riders’ Conditions Division One Part One at Sheriff Hutton.

A former assistant to Donald McCain, Gillon opened his account in 2005 on Bold Navigator at Netherby Park, and he also has 12 victories under Rules to his credit.

He doubled up in the Restricted on Missing The Babe, trained, like Cottage Oak, by Joe O’Shea, and the duo could count themselves unfortunate not to have completed a treble in Division Two of the Conditions race, when Best Served Cold was deemed by the judge to have been beaten by Banny’s Lad, a decision which surprised not only the vast majority of racegoers but also the latter’s rider Jacqueline Coward.

Sheriff Hutton was also the venue for the initial success of 21-year-old Jack Jordan, who won the young horse

Maiden, a Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Bumper qualifier, on The Manager. “We were lucky, but I’ll settle for that,” smiled Jack, referring to the fact that the pair ahead of him had both departed at the last. He was keen to express his gratitude to the Teal family, at whose yard The Manager is kept.

Jack attended the Northern Racing College, and had spells working for Alan Brown and Philip Hobbs. He had three rides as a Conditional for Malcolm Jefferson, but reverted to amateur when weight became an issue, and he has now been based with Tony Coyle for the last six months.

Alice Stevens, 16, made a dream debut when winning the Novice Riders’ contest at Ampton on Citizens Arrest, owned and trained by her mother Fenella.

A student at Moreton Morrell College, Alice has ridden out for neighbour Dan Skelton since he took out a licence, and Citizens Arrest is trained on the Skelton gallops, while Dan’s

brother Harry was on hand to help unsaddle.

Formerly trained by Simon Andrews, the 11-year-old has a good record at Ampton, which is the reason

connections elected to travel from their Warwickshire base.

The Suffolk track will also be fondly remembered by 20-year-old Charlie Buckle, who opened his account on his The Master Remover, trained by Rob Cundy, in the Maiden Division One.

It was the eighth ride for Charlie, a Junior Underwriter at Lloyds of London, and his triumph equals the tally of his father James, senior Master

of the Essex & Suffolk, whose sole victory came in 1996 on Flight Of Love at Horseheath.

Farrier Ryan Chapman, 30, scored his first success in the North Cornwall Members’ race on his Bennys Quest, a Chase winner for Neil Mulholland.

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

Alice Stevens (right) aboard Citizens ArrestPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Bennys Quest and Ryan ChapmanPhoto: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

#gopointing 14 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

James Ferguson had been hoping to make his Point-to-Point debut at the age of 16, but he had to wait until he was 21 before his wish was granted.

His father John, now bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed, had Pointers in the late nineties, but by the year his son was old enough to take out a licence he had also become a Master of the famous Irish pack, the Scarteen (Black and Tans), so, with time at a premium and John being away so often, Pointing was put on hold.

Unsurprisingly James himself did plenty of hunting, but never rode in pony races, so the first time he donned the well-known black and maroon colours was on Ballybough Jack at Cottenham in 2010. It was a year and 12 rides later that he made it to the winner's enclosure, on Earth Dream, whom he has partnered to success on seven occasions to date, including in Fakenham's Queen's Cup Hunters' Chase in 2012, his first ride under Rules.

He is hoping the lightly-raced 12-year-old will qualify again for the Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase, in which he finished fourth in 2014, and he has a Men's Open at Higham in mind for his seasonal debut.

James is the holder of a degree in Estate Management from Reading University, although he freely admits that he probably spent more time at

the Point-to-Point riders' academy run by Alan and Lawney Hill, for whom he rode out virtually every morning.

A career in racing was always going to win the day, however, and after his formal studies were completed he moved on to a different education, that of pupil-assistant to Sir Mark Prescott, which he described as "A great grounding. I had to work hard, but I learned loads."

He has recently left Heath House stables after a two-year stint - "That's the most you can have with Sir Mark" - and was preparing to work at his father's Bloomfields yard when another door opened, and this week he starts as a bloodstock assistant to Darley and Godolphin.

He is keen to stress that there was no string-pulling from John, who had no hand in the job offer which came direct from that renowned organisation. "I'll be mainly on the racing side, and I'll represent them at race meetings," he explained, "but I'll also be learning about the bloodstock operation."

He realises that, in future, there may be less opportunity for Point-to-Pointing due to his commitment to his job, so is hoping to make the most of the current campaign, especially as there may possibly be competition for rides from his younger brother Alexander, who is due home from Australia in April.

James appreciates the fact that he has the opportunity to ride really nice horses for his father, and one he holds in high regard is Themilanhorse, from whom he had a heavy fall at Musselburgh eleven months ago, while Macklin could again be aimed at the aforementioned Queen's Cup, a race he won in 2013.

He has also had a couple of recent spins over hurdles on Paddy Mulligan, the first of which required him to ride at 10st5lbs. "It was on Boxing Day and I had to miss my Christmas lunch," he mourned, adding "but I can easily get that low with a couple of days' notice." With a 5'10" frame, he is otherwise comfortable at a riding weight of 10st7lbs.

James has 17 victories between the flags under his belt, eight of them coming in 2013/14, his best campaign to date. The most recent came on Colonel Iain at Ampton on Sunday, a change of tactics and a set of cheekpieces working the oracle after a disappointing run at Cottenham.

He doesn't believe in setting targets, but admits that he would love to win the East Anglian championship, in which he was runner-up last year to Ben Rivett. With that as his aim, he would like the chance of some outside rides.

Photo: Jackie Oliver graftonwood.co.ukG

OPO

INTI

NG

13

Janu

ary

2015

IN PROFILEJAMES FERGUSON

#gopointing 15 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Who was capturing the action last weekend?

With three meetings to choose from,

there was no shortage of

photographers out on course this

weekend. The ever-present Julie

Drewett was at Ampton to record the

thrills and spills at the East Anglia

venue, together with Neale Blackburn,

while Tim Holt wended his way to

Wadebridge; the latter was also the

destination of choice for Jeff Guyett

and Westcountry Videos, whose crew

once again followed the action from

paddock to post. Also on the video

front, David Jones of DJ Media was at

Sheriff Hutton to record the events

for posterity, while Marilyn Sweet of

Sweet Photography also attended the

Yorkshire Area opener.

Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.netNorth Cornwall at Wadebridge

Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.ukDunston Harriers at Ampton

Sweet Photography sweet photography.comYorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club at Sheriff Huttonff Huttonff

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comDunston Harriers at Ampton

IN THE FRAMEG

OPO

INTI

NG

13

Janu

ary

2015

#gopointing 16 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

TOP TWEETS

@kateleckenbyHardy Oscar ready for Alnwick next weekend #gopointing

hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

@rthomas1964No problem with field sizes at Sheriff Hutton today - good, competitive racing #GoPointing

@chrissycart@GoPointing who's this dude invading my personal space?

@MelTeenymeDesert Queen 1st in the restricted at #Wadebridge. One win and one 5th, that'll do nicely! @PointingDC #GoPointing

@_joannelouiseeVery VERY good day! Cottage Oak 1st, Best Served Cold 2nd, Missing The Babe 1st and WoodView Prince 2nd!! Well done Team! #GoPointing

@NickthebatTop Class meeting at Wadebridge including full house 10 runners from 10 entries in one Competitive racing @GoPointing #GoPointing

@Gemdoc@jomason90 @YorkshireAirAmb @GoPointing really enjoyed my first visit to Sheriff ! Great atmosphere & well organised! I'll be back! X

@jomason90Brilliant day at @YorkshireAirAmb point at Sheriff. Brilliant turnout and competitive races. Just couldn't quite get a winner @GoPointing

@JCarterValefan@CardleyEquestri @chrissycart @redhotandycart @GoPointing gr8 day pointing at Ampton 2day. Paco Jack did the business Well done team Cardley

@GlanvilleLeeGreat day @northcornwallpointtopoint @PointingDC well done to everyone who helped put it on #GoPointing

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15

#gopointing 17 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Dunston Harriers at Ampton

in association with

& David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

L-R: Gemma Redrup, Georgie Armstrong & Mary Mason

The mischievous Johnny Bailey with Sam Davies-Thomas

pointing 17 www.pointtopoint

The Berties Dream team line up in the paddock, & there’s a touching tribute to the late Christopher Sporborg, as Gina wears his silks

Gina & Rey Nacarado have just won Div 2 of the Club Members Conditions race

Joanna Andrews (mum of Gina, Bridget & Jack) & Olivia Casey

Did the Ellis family enjoy the AGA man’s soup?

10 out of 10 for the Dunston Harriers sponsors tent

Lottie Crane & Sophie Walker

Jess Puffer & Tom McClorey have just upgraded their hats

BEEN POINTINGG

OPO

INTI

NG

13

Janu

ary

2015

Lotte Hulscher wore her new AGA hat with pride all day

(photo by Jacqueline Hodge)

#gopointing 18 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Sat 17 January Royal Artillery, LARKHILLSun 18 January Silverton, BLACK FOREST LODGEWest Percy, ALNWICK

Sun 25 January Heythrop, COCKLEBARROWJedforest, FRIARS HAUGHTiverton, CHIPLEY PARKWaveney Harriers, HIGHAM

Sun 1 FebruaryCambridgeshire with Enfield Chace, HORSEHEATHMid Devon, BLACK FOREST LODGESouth Dorset, MILBORNE ST ANDREWSouth Durham Hunt Farmers Club, MORDONSat 7 February Cambridge University Draghounds, COTTENHAMSun 8 February Combined Services, LARKHILLDumfriesshire & Stewartry, OVERTONSouth Midlands Area Club, WHITFIELDSouth Wold, BROCKLESBY PARKSouthdown & Eridge , GODSTONE

Sat 14 February Western, WADEBRIDGE

Sun 15 February Midlands Area Club, THORPE LODGEPercy, ALNWICKSinnington, DUNCOMBE PARKSouth Pool Harriers, BUCKFASTLEIGHVine & Craven, BARBURY RACECOURSE

Sun 22 February Albrighton & Woodland (North), CHADDESLEY CORBETTCountryside Alliance Club (Wessex), BADBURY RINGSCurre & Llangibby, HOWICKEast Cornwall, GREAT TRETHEWNorth Norfolk Harriers, HIGHAMSouth East Hunt Club, CHARING

Sat 28 February East Devon, BISHOPS COURTThurlow, HORSEHEATHSun 1 MarchBrocklesby, BROCKLESBY PARKQuantock Staghounds, COTHELSTONESouth Herefordshire, GARNONSTynedale, CORBRIDGE

Sat 7 March Brecon & Talybont, LLANFRYNACHDuke of Beaufort's, DIDMARTONKingston Blount Racing Club, KINGSTON BLOUNT

Sun 8 March Blackmore & Sparkford Vale, CHARLTON HORETHORNECollege Valley & North Northumberland, ALNWICKCottesmore, GARTHORPEDerwent, CHARM PARKDulverton Farmers, TREBOROUGH HILL - AbandonedMid Surrey Farmers Drag, GODSTONESir W.W. Wynn's, BANGOR-ON-DEESuffolk, AMPTON

Sat 14 March Crawley & Horsham, PARHAMDuke of Buccleuch's, FRIARS HAUGHEast Essex, MARKS TEYNew Forest, LARKHILL

Sun 15 March Bicester with Whaddon Chase, WHITFIELDCurre & Llangibby, HOWICKDart Vale & Haldon Harriers, BUCKFASTLEIGHHampshire, HACKWOOD PARKHolderness, DALTON PARKRoss Harriers, GARNONS

Sat 21 March Hurworth, HUTTON RUDBYLanarkshire & Renfrewshire and Eglinton, OVERTONV.W.H., SIDDINGTONWilton, MILBORNE ST ANDREWSun 22 March Holcombe, WHITTINGTONLamerton, KILWORTHYMendip Farmers, STON EASTONNorth Ledbury, HEREFORD RACECOURSEOakley, BRAFIELD-ON-THE-GREENOld Surrey, Burstow & West Kent, PENSHURST

Sat 28 March Avon Vale, LARKHILLBerwickshire, FRIARS HAUGHGlamorgan, YSTRADOWENPuckeridge, HORSEHEATHUnited Pack, BRAMPTON BRYANSun 29 March Badsworth & Bramham Moor, ASKHAM BRYAN COLLEGEBelvoir, GARTHORPE

FIXTURES 2014/15The final fence at Overton, the venue for the Dumfriesshire & Stewartry meeting on 8 FebruaryPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

Fixtures in Blue denotes Pony Racing at the meetingG

OPO

INTI

NG

13

Janu

ary

2015

#gopointing 19 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

FIXTURES 2014/15G

OPO

INTI

NG

13

Janu

ary

2015

Cotley, COTLEYEast Cornwall, GREAT TRETHEWFlint & Denbigh, BANGOR-ON-DEELedbury, MAISEMORE PARKSouthdown & Eridge, GODSTONE

Sat 4 April Ashford Valley Tickham, CHARINGCroome & West Warwickshire, UPTON-UPON-SEVERNEssex & Suffolk, HIGHAMKimblewick, KIMBLELudlow, BITTERLEYMiddleton, SHERIFF HUTTONMonmouthshire, LLANVAPLEYNorth Staffordshire, SANDONPortman, BADBURY RINGSSpooners & West Dartmoor, CHERRYBROOKVale of Lune, WHITTINGTONWoodland Pytchley, DINGLEY

Mon 6 April Cumberland Farmers, DALSTONEast Kent with West Street, ALDINGTONFour Burrow, TREBUDANNONNorth Cotswold, PAXFORDOld Berkshire, LOCKINGESouth Notts, THORPE LODGESouth Pembrokeshire, LYDSTEPSouth Shropshire, EYTON-ON-SEVERNStaintondale, CHARM PARKTaunton Vale, KINGSTON ST MARYVine & Craven, HACKWOOD PARK

Sat 11 April Essex, HIGH EASTERNorth Warwickshire Hunt Club, MOLLINGTONTeme Valley, BRAMPTON BRYANYstrad Taf Fechan, YSTRADOWEN

Sun 12 AprilBedale, HORNBY CASTLECheshire Forest, TABLEYCotswold, ANDOVERSFORDEggesford, UPCOTT CROSSMorpeth, TRANWELLPytchley, GUILSBOROUGHTedworth, BARBURY RACECOURSE

Sat 18 April Dartmoor, FLETE PARKKimblewick, KINGSTON BLOUNTLlangeinor, DUNRAVEN STUDOld Surrey, Burstow & West Kent, PENSHURSTWorcestershire, CHADDESLEY CORBETT

Sun 19 April Atherstone, CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMOREBraes of Derwent, CORBRIDGECleveland, MORDONCotswold Vale Farmers, ANDOVERSFORDSeavington, LITTLEWINDSORWest Norfolk, FAKENHAM

Sat 25 April Berkeley, WOODFORDChiddingfold Leconfield & Cowdray, PARHAMFife, BALCORMO MAINSQuorn, GARTHORPE

Sun 26 April Axe Vale, STAFFORD CROSSCheshire, TABLEYFarmers Bloodhounds, WHITFIELD

South & West Wilts, LARKHILLTivyside & Carmarthenshire, LYDSTEPYork & Ainsty, EASINGWOLD

Sat 2 May Lauderdale, MOSSHOUSESModbury Harriers, FLETE PARKPendle Forest & Craven, HESLAKERSurrey Union, PEPER HAROWTredegar Farmers, LOWER MACHEN

Sun 3 May Devon & Somerset Staghounds, HOLNICOTEFernie, DINGLEYRadnor & West Hereford, COLD HARBOUR

Mon 4 May Banwen Miners, PENTRECLWYDAUCattistock, LITTLEWINDSOREast Sussex & Romney Marsh, ALDINGTONEnfield Chace with Cambridgeshire Hunt, NORTHAWNorth Shropshire, EYTON-ON-SEVERNStevenstone, VAUTERHILLWarwickshire, MOLLINGTONZetland, WITTON CASTLESat 9 May Cumberland, ASPATRIAKimblewick, KINGSTON BLOUNTMinehead Harriers and West Somerset, HOLNICOTE

Sun 10 May Bilsdale, EASINGWOLDFour Burrow, TREBUDANNONMelton Hunt Club, GARTHORPEWheatland, CHADDESLEY CORBETT

Wed 13 May Weston & Banwell Harriers, COTHELSTONE

Sat 16 May Clifton-on-Teme, UPPER SAPEYFitzwilliam (Milton), DINGLEYGelligaer Farmers, LOWER MACHENSouth Durham, MORDON

Sun 17 May Dulverton West, BRATTON DOWNGolden Valley, BREDWARDINEGrafton, WHITFIELDHaydon, HEXHAMKnutsford Races Club (formerly North West Point-to-Point Club), TABLEY

Sun 24 May Berks & Bucks Draghounds & Sandhurst Draghounds, KINGSTON BLOUNTWest Somerset Vale, COTHELSTONEWest Wales Area Club, LYDSTEP

Mon 25 May Albrighton & Woodland (South), CHADDESLEY CORBETTSouth Tetcott, UPCOTT CROSS

Sat 30 May Meynell & South Staffordshire, GARTHORPE

Sun 31 May Border, HEXHAMExmoor, BRATTON DOWNNorth Hereford, HEREFORD RACECOURSE

Sat 6 JunePembrokeshire, TRECOED

Sun 7 June Tiverton Staghounds, BRATTON DOWN

Sat 13 JuneTorrington Farmers, UMBERLEIGH

Fixtures in Blue denotes Pony Racing at the meeting

#gopointing 20 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

GO

POIN

TING

1

3 Ja

nuar

y 20

15