Bad news for Barbury - Point-To-Points to cease

Written by Niki Hinman.

Point to Point at Barbury

Point to point races are to cease at Barbury.

The estate owners blame inflationary pressures: “We are saddened to announce on behalf the Barbury Castle Estate that a difficult decision has been taken to cease Point-to-Point racing at the estate this season and into the foreseeable future,” said a Barbury Castle Estate spokesperson.

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Ladies Day at Newbury Races this weekend (14th) - and the first female commentator ever to call a race will take to the microphone

Written by Niki Hinman.

Dani Jackson is to commentate on the very first race of the day, a charity race in celebration Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee to raise funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Racegoers will also have the chance to hear from some leading sporting figures before the live action starts with their Panel of Pioneers featuring, Lioness captain Katie Zelem, Gold curling medallist, Eve Muirhead and leading jockey, Hollie Doyle talking about their personal journey into their sport.

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Jane Holderness-Roddam talks to Niki Hinman

Written by Niki Hinman.

Jane Holderness Roddam CBEAs the dressage phase finished at Badminton, two time Badminton and one time Burghley winner Jane Holderness-Roddam CBE spoke to Niki Hinman about the ‘bette noir’ that is dressage, the value of smiling down the centre line, and reflects on the change in cross country courses since her day.

West Kington based Jane is one of the World’s leading eventing dressage judges, and admits that a nice smile from someone heading down the centre line is always welcome.

“Some do quite a cheeky smile,” she said. “Especially someone like Olly Townend. I think he thinks it will make a difference. But it doesn’t work with me Im afraid!’

She does admit that it is always worth a try and tells all her riders ‘for goodness sake smile at the judge.’

“There is nothing more soul destroying after a day in the box and some boot-faced person comes down the line. You don’t feel like giving them a good mark. So a nice smile makes a difference to me personally. It doesn’t necessarily change the marks but it puts me in a better mood.”

“You just love some horses. There is something about their whole expression. If they really look as if they are enjoying it and the rider is in total harmony that is such a pleasure to judge.”

“I’ve never judged at Badminton. I was asked once, but I wasn’t qualified, and they didn’t ask again. But I’d love too,” she said

But is she swayed in her marking by knowing the horse, or the rider and does she think any unconscious bias slips in to the judging?

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Ice cream, truck driving - and British Team ambitions

Written by Niki Hinman.

David Doel with GalileoDavid Doel is going to his first Badminton with a plan. He wants to make the British team.

His CV says it all, and this charmingly modest, mild-mannered farmer’s son sees Badminton as the next logical step in his hopes for team glory with the GB equestrian team.

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Doughnuts and Olympic dreams for Falco and Tim Price

Written by Niki Hinman.

Tim Price and FalcoFalco is fast becoming a super star, and tipped for the Olympic team in Paris. He’s now the number one ride of Marlborough-based New Zealand event rider Tim Price.

The 13-year old pocket rocket (he’s a ‘nuggety’ 16hh) certainly has diva-like tendencies to suit the big stage.

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Easter Weekend of Family Fun at Newbury Racecourse

Written by Niki Hinman.

Celebrate your Easter weekend with a trip to the races at your favourite Berkshire track, as the flat season starts with the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April and what an Easter treat for the family it will be.

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Andy Turnell, an ‘extraordinary trainer’ and great jump jockey dies at the age of 73

Written by Niki Hinman.

Andy Turnell, in his days as probably the most stylish jump jockey of his generationBroad Hinton based trainer Andy Turnell has died age 73.

Andy was the most stylish jump jockey of his generation and a key player from the golden era of 1970s hurdlers thanks to his association with Birds Nest.

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Tedworth Hunt Point to Point at Barbury

Written by Russell Smith.

Tedworth Hunt Point to Point is back at Barbury this weekend.

Somerset trainer Sam Loxton is hoping the ground will be suitable to let Virak take his chance in the JM Finn Tedworth Gold Cup Mixed Open at the Tedworth Hunt meeting at Barbury Racecourse on Sunday.

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