Pontefract Racecourse

Racecourse number: 20

First visited: 1991

Number of visits: 7

The photograph above was taken at the pre parade ring at Pontefract in 2010. In shot are my two favourites seven year old girls from then. My daughter Rachel and my racehorse Smarties Party who was fancied for the upcoming two mile two furlong handicap.

Nineteen years earlier in July of 1991 I made my first trip to Pontefract races. Positioned right next to the M62 near Leeds it is a large square shaped flat racing track with a significant climb to the line over the final two furlongs. I have a memory of two horses from this day. After twenty one consecutive defeats Chaplins Club, a great servant to owner Peter Savill, was way off the betting radar but as an old favourite and winner of ten races was surely worth a small interest bet. Meanwhile, the previous season Timeless Times had set a record of sixteen wins in one season. I was thrilled to see this famous horse in the flesh and hopeful of a return to winning form. My two key resources for this blog are the Racing Post online database and the less well known my dads old diaries. Both are invaluable for this early period but what surprised me using the former was that the two horses above actually ran in the same race. My dads entry for this day began "We had a family day out at Pontefract races. Irene, Jason and I picked up Linda and Andrew (My sister's boyfriend at the time) from her flat and took them. We all backed one winner but showed a loss." Timeless Times disappointed carrying the burden of my wager whilst Chaplins Club flew home on the outside to spring a 33-1 surprise and provide me with that familiar racing sensation of if only, should have, could have, meant to but didn't!

My second trip to Pontefract in 1993 was with my later to be wife Claire who joined the Tomlinson family on a typical racing day out for the first time. Still keen to impress her at this stage I made a miserable effort in terms of my betting prowess on this day. Countless losing bets were followed by further betting misery when my banker of the day Lake Popoo, owned by Robert Sangster, was out battled and beaten a neck to deny me any strand of credibility. Even at this early stage Pontefract was destined to be a place of betting failure for me.

When Smarties Party ran in 2010 it would be the last time I would attend a race meeting as an owner with Chris Thornton as my trainer. Later that year he would retire following a fantastic training career which included horses like Shotgun, Path Of Peace and Flossy. Much was expected of Smarties this day which was reflected in the high number of syndicate members who turned up. I genuinely felt she would finish in the first three. She had come second on her previous two flat outings and hopes were high. One big obstacle to success was Sinbad The Sailor owned by Sir Alex Ferguson who would go off favourite. Shrewdly though, Sir Alex did not turn up to see his horse disappoint in fourth......... but he still beat us by two lengths. Patchy soft ground was touted as the excuse for a poor showing by Jockey P J MacDonald. My poor record at Pontefract continued nearly twenty years on. In truth though it was a great day out and we were well looked after by the Pontefract staff. It was a genuine thrill to be in the parade ring with my Dad, trainer Chris Thornton and other syndicate members on a fancied runner watched by my wife, my mum and my kids. Just a shame the hoped for visit to the winners enclosure was not to be.

This blog post is kindly sponsored by Guinness.

Uttoxeter Racecourse - Part One

Racecourse number: 18

First visited: 1990

Number of visits: 9

By my second year at university my interest in horse racing had become much stronger. Seventy five percent of my afternoons would be spent at the races or in the bookies. I was regularly doing two to three race meetings a week. Somehow my life had become a mixture of horse racing, playing football and drinking with friends (with the occasional lecture thrown in). Most of my studying involved racing form not my degree subjects. Leicester had regular race meetings but I needed more. The Midlands rail network allowed me to develop an additional small group of tracks which I attended regularly over the next few years. They were Southwell, Nottingham and Uttoxeter. Using my trusty student railcard I could cheaply and quickly get to these racing destinations. In the case of Southwell and Uttoxeter I was planted right at the racecourse entrance as the racecourses both have train stations adjacent to them.

Prior to 2015 my previous visits to Uttoxeter took place in the early 1990's. On my first visit in November 1990 I had £20 on a horse called Market Forces who won at 5-2. A couple of weeks later I backed him again when he won, this time at Leicester.  At the end of this first visit I helped myself to a Tote placepot poster which I displayed in my room at University for quite some time. For the next few years pictures of horses, copies of photo finishes, bookies posters and losing betting tickets would be my room decorations of choice. My biggest Uttoxeter winner from this time was Captian Dibble who easily won his first novice chase there. I had £50 on at 6-4 and he was never in any danger.  A couple of years later he would win the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. A year earlier I had witnessed his novice hurdle success at Leicester, beating my selection that day Upton Park. These form connections would be a prominent feature of my mini Midlands circuit.

In the winter of 1991 I saw Stay Awake trained by Jonjo O'Neill run on three consecutive occassions. First was a gallant second at Cheltenham on Mackeson Gold Cup Day (My first visit there). Then a cosy success at Leicester. The third run was at Uttoxeter and the race was somewhat memorable, particularly for me. There were only four runners in what was a top novice chase contest with Stay Awake a marginal favourite over a couple of strong rivals. My involvement in the outcome of this race was both unexpected and ironic. At this time in my gambling journey I would often go to the races and have one big bet or no bets at all. On this day like the previous run at Leicester Stay Awake was my one selection and I had £50 on at 5-4. Positioned at the second last fence I watched the race unfold. Going racing as often as I did at that time I enjoyed mixing up where I watched each race and was not content to simply watch in the stands. From early in the race I could tell this would not be my day. Stay Awake did not jump with the previous fluency I had witnessed and jockey Mark Dwyer did well to keep the partnership intact and keep the horse in contention as they turned for home. As the runners approached me at the second last the three leading contenders were locked in battle but with Stay Awake clearly under the most pressure, but still with a chance. As the three of them jumped as one Stay Awake made another mistake and crumpled on landing right in front of me catapulting Dwyer forward into the turf. Unusually the horse simply stood up and did not follow the other runners allowing horse and jockey to be quickly reunited. Now stories of my interaction with jockeys are few and far between but a most interesting and unexpected one then took place. In a surreal twist it became very clear Mark was coming over to talk to me. Surely an apology was not necessary, these things happen in racing! Holding Stay Awake by the reigns he simply asked if there was prize money for fourth place. Somewhat flustered I checked and confirmed that there was. He was somewhat unconvinced and pressed the matter. I again confirmed and was then supported by another race goer who had joined the conversation. Finally satisfied Mark remounted, jumped the last and claimed the fourth place prize money to the ironic cheers/geers of the crowd. Should he have known? Certainly this was an unusual circumstance and of course today he would not be allowed to remount.

There are two other significant memories that stand out from my visits to Uttoxeter. The first was witnessing the filming of a scene for Coronation Street. In it Don Brennan enjoyed a visit to the races with his new redhead girlfriend. I was very close to one scene (Don placing a bet with an on course bookmaker) but on the wrong side of the camera! In 1995 I would attend the first Sunday meeting with on course betting. Desert Orchid was the star of the show, there on parade to promote the big day. Racing seven days a week is so much taken for granted these days but I was there when it all began.

Exeter Racecourse

Racecourse number: 7

First visited: 1986

Number of visits: 1

My summer holiday in 1986 was at Pontin's Torbay holiday camp in Devon. Simply fantastic. Even better, this gave me a prime opportunity to visit, with my Mum and Dad, one of the local racecourses. Like trips to the races, holidays to Butlins and Pontins were a big feature of my childhood. At some of the bigger camps there were on site bookmakers. At Torbay the arrangements for placing a bet were simply fantastic in there outdatedness. You would write out your bet at reception and hand over your stake prior to 11am. The camps collective bets would be taken and placed at a local bookies and winnings picked up for collection the following day. There was racing on TV at York that week and I remember my Dad collecting his winnings following a success from an old favourite, Triptych. This was in the days when newspapers and teletext were the main source of racing news and information. In fact, without teletext whilst on holiday, we nearly made the mistake of going to Exeter races a day early. We were all primed to go when I realised via the day’s newspaper that the meeting was the following day!

Exeter would be my seventh racecourse. Significantly, the notion of going to the races whilst on holiday would be the key to me attending so many courses throughout my life. This day was thus a catalyst for some brilliant trips to the races throughout Great Britain. Exeter is one of the largest racecourses in terms of its circuit distance so I was impressed when my Dad, having got us there quite early decided to walk the course. I must have decided against it for some reason. Certainly it was a warm day and the ground pretty firm. Past the winning post, I recall the massive loop the runners had to take before entering the back straight. A traditional looking course but a little more pear shaped than oval. Horses I remember from this day are Razzle Dazzle Boy, Britannicus and Melendez though in truth I cannot recall the winners, any betting successes, failures or otherwise. I have no help either from trusty racing online databases, as they do not go back quite that far. 

On examining the racecard, which I have kept all these years, I found a number of significant jockeys and trainers who were there that day of great interest. Riding in race one for example was future champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Training in race four was ex-champion jockey John Francome. Others with rides that day were Brendan Powell, Richard Dunwoody and Simon Sherwood. Martin Pipe had just the one runner that day in the last race. Within a few years, he would totally dominate such southern jumps meetings with runners in every race and most of them as favourite. Possibly of most interest in the racecard to me was that the commentator was Mr. L McKenzie. I am assuming this was a very early call from Lee McKenzie who I have seen at the races as an announcer or commentator many times over the years. Indeed nearly thirty five years later so many of these names or their children remain a major feature of today's horse racing circuit. Like me, they and their families keep coming back for more.

Chepstow Racecourse

Racecourse number: 45

First visited: 2009

Number of visits: 1

One evening in the summer of 2009 my family crossed the Severn Bridge on route to Chepstow racecourse. This would be an ordinary flat meeting and in truth I would have preferred to go to a jumps meeting. I have always enjoyed the early ones in October which to me signify the start of the jumps season proper. Also the Welsh Grand National over the Christmas period is such a great race. However one big advantage would be the good weather. Given we were on holiday not too far away it was an easy decision to go. An evening at the races and another racecourse off my list.

On arrival we were struck by the vastness of the track and its facilities. As it was a low key meeting there was only a small crowd and there ended up being very little atmosphere in truth. The course has the  parade ring in front of the stands which I think is a nice feature in general but on this night it contributed to the "where is everybody" feel. Undaunted we began with a chippy tea to set us up for a great night. Chepstow has a play area tucked away behind the stands which was ideal for my two kids and they visited quite a few times over the duration of the evening in between races.

On the betting front it would not be my night. Sometimes there is just nothing you can do. The early indicators were not good. I picked the wrong one of two fancied runners in the first then saw my selection in the second beaten a head. Not to worry, I knew of a sure thing in the fourth. Criticize, for trainer Roger Charlton, owner Khalid Abdulla and jockey Richard Hughes would turn things around for me. Backed from 8-11 to 8-15 others obviously agreed. Not a great price but at least I would have a winner. The Racing Post analysis probably reads something like this: Criticize, settled in behind, travelling well two out, found nothing. My certainty finished fifth of six and nothing is what I would find in my pocket at the end of this evening. Incredibly things got worse in the next race. Watching the runners walk around the paddock for race five I was anxious to identify the winner and had not given enough focus on the needs of my then toddler Jake. I was holding him up to watch the horses go past when his pull-up overflowed and my t-shirt got pretty wet. Like many of my selections that night I was a bit slow to react! Sensibly we did not stay for the last. 

It is always disappointing not to have a winner but not many downtrodden punters get pissed on by their son as well. Cheers Jake. One positive on the night was the picture above which is one of my favourites. Too rarely do we have a full family shot as usually you have to rely on the kindness of strangers. So thanks to whoever took this picture. Four years later it looks so dated, but I remember the evening and the period in our lives fondly. Hopefully I will go back and appreciate the Chepstow I know best at a national hunt meeting some time soon. You never know I might even back a winner.

Goodwood Racecourse

Racecourse number: 50

First visited: 2013

Number of visits:1

Goodwood is self billed as the worlds most beautiful racecourse. A bold claim indeed, but quite quickly after arrival at this grade one track it is clear the claim may have some merit. The immaculately presented parade ring and winners enclosure are only outdone by the amazing backdrop to the course which itself has impressive stands and spacious viewing areas. Truly an impressive racing set up. Thinking about it I am uncertain I have been to a more beautiful racecourse. Best in the world? Possibly.

This lovely sunny Friday evening in May began well with a winner in the last race at Catterick's afternoon meeting. A loyalty bet on one of Philip Kirby's horses Just Paul was rewarded. Earlier I had had £2 on Betfair at around 25-1. This 14-1 winner set me up for a great evenings betting.  My wife however on hearing the news of my early success was somewhat dissappointed to learn the winnings were on Betfair and not real! I can't complain too much though. Once again she had worked her magic and lined up a great deal by pre-ordering online. We saved a few pounds on entry plus received a free racecard, a £5 free tote bet and a £5 food voucher. This deal looked even better when my £5 free bet on Balmoral Castle in the amateur riders race resulted in my first Goodwood winner on course. It would not be my last. Later though I would be less thrilled with the deal when my £5 food voucher reduced my £26 bill for three burgers and a portion of chips. How much!

My betting progressed nicely. Firstly, with an odds on winner Wahaab for Richard Hannon. More enjoyably a bit later a £20 bet at 2-1 on Stock Hill Fair produced a great family winner. Selected by my five year old Jake, jockey Keiron Fallon was seen at his best when employing great front running tactics to hold off all challengers and complete a double for him on the night. The cheering from our group as Fallon held on was worth much more than the £60. It is great getting the kids involved with selecting a few horses and cheering them on. Especially on this particular night as there was no kids entertainment. We went straight down to the winners enclosure to welcome back the victorious pair. Over a month later Jake still talks about Stock Hill Fair.

This was no ordinary race meeting though and certainly no ordinary racing crowd. The majority of racegoers had come to watch Rudimental play a DJ set after racing. The first of 'Three Friday Nights' when racing and music would go hand in hand. Another growing trend at modern race meetings. Many turned up with only a race or two to go which seemed bizarre to me but totally normal to hundreds of southern party goers. By the end of racing the hardy racegoer was outnumbered four to one by the youngsters with many already quite drunk. A strange but happy atmosphere prevailed as the meeting drew to a close. We did stay to see the start of the after racing show but were disappointed both by the long wait and the dire noise that ensued. Perhaps I am showing my age but it was total crap.

The final race of the night saw a classic Stoute versus Cecil clash in a typical Goodwood middle distance maiden race. I have watched a good few of these over the years and probably hundreds on the TV or in the bookies. From the moment the declarations were made it was always my intention to back debutant Integral for Sir Michael Stoute. When the vibes about her were positive on the day she became my bet of the night. Prior to the race all the money was for the more experienced Henry Cecil trained Magic Of Reality. With two furlongs left in the race it was looking likely to be a duel between the two betting principals (Integral having gone off at a generous 4-1). Suddenly Integral burst through on the rail and delivered a very impressive and decisive turn of foot to seal the race within a matter of strides. My tally of real money and Betfair money had swelled significantly. A horse to follow for sure. Sadly this would be the the last Stoute versus Cecil classic I would see as a couple of weeks later Sir Henry would lose his battle with cancer. I remember fondly his partnership with Steve Cauthon and horses like Oh So Sharp and Bosra Sham. He had a great attention to detail and was obsessed with things like the size of horses ears. The bigger the better apparently. On a happier footnote next time out Integral stepped up to listed company and again delivered the same decisive turn of foot, this time from last to first, again at 4-1. 

Did I back her this time? Is Goodwood beautiful! A wonderful course and a brilliant evenings racing.