SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER OWNER INTERVIEW - DAVID CAREY

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)

At school I wanted to be an actor and had a place at RADA, however a certain female Prime Minister at the time (no names) wouldn’t fund it. So, I initially took up a place with a prestigious university to read English & Drama but then dropped out within months because I thought I’d end up teaching (no disrespect to teachers). A friend offered me a ticket to the Los Angeles Colosseum to see the Rolling Stones at the largest rock concert in history at the time and I went. We then pursued careers as Rock and Roll stars (which was clearly successful). Ironically, we named the band Sahara because we thought Oasis was a terrible name for a band (roll on 20 years later). I then spent 2 years as a ‘bum’ travelling the world before returning to the UK and applying and being accepted as a pilot in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. After that I flew commercially on the North Sea (and other locations) before retraining in medicine at 30 years. I was recruited by the British Army (surgery) for 10 years and then returned to the Royal Navy to specialise in Aviation & Diving Medicine (Surgeon Commander). After, over 20 years of military service I left and set up Templar Medical, specialising in niche areas of medicine and offering consultant led referrals to other consultant specialists. I also retrained as a Barrister, being called to the Bar of The Inner Temple I n 2016. I live on the Welsh-Shropshire borders (a graveyard of ambition) with my wife Kathryn (an accomplished horsewoman) and our gundog Paddy (Korthall Griffon)

 

How did you first get involved in Racing?

Brought up with it really. Horses when young and a regular at point to points. Rode out for a few trainers (some still around today). Then at Medical School in 1997 I was Founder and Chairman of St Bartholomew’s & The Royal London Turf Club which had 500 members and brought together medical students and consultants outside the clinical setting which facilitated communication between medical professionals, whilst also raising money for charity  (IJF, RFD, and others). The horse was named ‘Nearly a Doctor’ (by Nearly a Hand) and because medical students were ‘nearly doctors’. I designed the colours around the medical school colours and the horse was trained by Philip Hobbs. I appointed Richard Dunwoody as patron and I ‘roped in’ other members including Sir Richard O’Sullivan and Jeremy Irons. I went ‘on tour’ with the likes of Howard Wright, Paul Khan and Cornelius Lysaght promoting ownership. Whilst in the Army I rode fairly regularly with King’s Troop (RHA) and on the gallops. Things just developed from there and I’ve never really been out of racing. More recently I formed ‘Not The Turf Club”, the irony of which will clearly resonate with some of your readers. This NH season Templar Medical will be providing a Medical Support Vehicle to Ludlow Racecourse, in the form of the new Ineos Grenadier (of Jim Ratcliffe fame).

What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers

 ‘Nearly a Doctor’ with Philip Hobbs, ‘Gallop Rhythm’ with Robert Alner, ‘Even Stevens’ with Alistair Ralph and ‘Brendas Asking’ with Kim Bailey

What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?

I suppose it has to standing next to Guy Disney in the Winners enclosure when he won the Grand Military Gold Cup on Rathlin Rose at Sandown Park. Standing in-front of a roaring crowd, there was just a look between us acknowledging the difficult and long journey we’d been on to reach that point. Sorry to be sentimental (see below).

What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?

Sorry to be predictable but Cheltenham, although Ludlow (where I sponsor races) and Nuwara Eliya Racecourse in Sri Lanka (which I rode around while I was in the country conducting war surgery) come a close second.

How did you first get involved with Kim?

God Knows? Probably a bar somewhere. I had known Kim off and on for quite a few years/decades via other trainers and contacts. However, around 10 years ago I was involved with helping Guy Disney MBE in getting his race licence back after having his leg traumatically amputated by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) whilst serving in Afghanistan. Guy had been visiting the Royal Navy’s Institute of Naval Medicine (where I was working) in preparation for his ‘Walking with the Wounded’ expedition to the South Pole (and later North Pole), he spoke to me about his desire to return to race riding. However, the regulators (Jockey Club/BHA) would not sanction it. I decided to ‘take the case’ but ‘pro-bono’ (no fee) on the basis that I gave him his first leg-up if I managed to get him back into the saddle. Over the next 4-5 years I built a case with Guy for the Jockey Club/BHA culminating in a rather dense report supporting his appeal. However, that would not have been possible without the immense help from so many others including Kim. At Kim’s we videoed Guy on the gallops loosing and regaining his ‘newly engineered’ irons and jumping over fences. Eventually, The Jockey Club/BHA, to their credit, determined that they could not find any fault with any of the evidence and arguments we’d constructed and granted Guy his licence. As most of you will know in 2017 Guy went on to win The Royal Artillery and Grand Military Gold Cups back to back on Rathlin Rose. He then went on to compete over the Aintree Grand National fences in the Foxhunter’s Chase on Gallery Exhibition, trained by Kim. A TV documentary about the Guy Disney story, ‘Against the Odds – Moving Forward’ was broadcasted last year, in which Kim and I both featured. After that Kim and myself kept bumping into each other on the racecourse and at social events, then last year I asked him to help me buy a horse at the Cheltenham November meeting. Which I did; after a great deal of fizz and fine wine, not a good combination for attending an auction, and I acquired the filly Brendas Asking.

If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?

Almost everything. Well, not everything, but racing desperately requires help to change public perceptions and challenge misconceptions. I won’t get more ‘political’ than that; although I will if anyone wants to talk over a pint or a single malt; but be prepared to be bored regarding everything from prize money to the whip rules and going predictions.

Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

Bad days – anyone. Good days – no-one.

It might be interesting to ‘get into the head’ of Mozart, Hemmingway, Lord Carrington, or Spike Milligan but I think I’d settle for ‘Neil Armstrong’ (preferably on 20th July 1969); although it might be more productive to get into the head of my local builder or wife.

 If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?

Kim, of course. Although on second thoughts: Jesus –  I’d be interested to hear his historical take on events, or if he could predict the winner of the two-thirty at Sandown Park. Leonardi di Vinci – someone who could challenge the above. I would also be interested in his aviation and medical concepts. Fair chance he might be able to predict the winner of the two-thirty at Sandown Park. Darth Vader – might throw an interesting spanner in the works on religion with regard to the ‘dark side’ and ‘the force’. Might also have a chance of predicting (or ensuring) the winner of the two-thirty at Sandown Park. Dave Allen – More theological input from an Irishman that certainly ‘didn’t come up the Liffey on a bike’; and I’m half Irish (probably the best half). Certainly, the best predictor of the winner of the two-thirty at Sandown Park. Jessica Rabbit – always good to hear a female perspective, although her relatives are destroying our gardens and face assassination at present. She probably wouldn’t give an accurate prediction of the winner of the two-thirty at Sandown Park.

Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?

It would depend on the wine, but generally savoury; especially game, including rabbit (sorry Jessica) and of course David Bass (I mean sorry vegans rather than I want to eat Davy).

What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?

Food – from Michelin star to an East End Lahore curry,

Restaurant – too many to choose from but there was an excellent restaurant, Au Peit Riche in Paris that we ‘slipped into’ where the President was private dining (with armed police outside), we had outstanding L’escargot followed by Lamb Sweetbreads, washed down with 1996 Ch Leoville Barton and a 1990 Ch Brane-Canternac. Holiday – I’m lucky to be very well travelled in my youth and the military, so difficult, anything from to an English Country Summer to Cuba (a favourite haunt). TV – a real case of more is less. I barely ever watch it only to see what the news doesn’t know. Occasionally, over the decades, ‘jems’ do occur such as Cracker, Sherlock, Peaky Blinders or Blackadder. Otherwise it’s for access to Sport. I also like watching the MGM lion roar for some reason (ask a psychiatrist) and I’m a real movie buff – to a boring extent.

If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

I couldn’t possibly tell you (nor anyone else, including HMRC or the Crown Prosecution Service); for a hint watch the Thomas Crown Affair and/or The Sting.However, casting a fly on the Tweed or walking along a deserted beach with Kathryn; both would be accompanied with an aged Islay Single Malt and a Hoyo De Monteray Epicure No:2

What are you most looking forward to?

Tomorrow. I think. But ask me tomorrow, I might feel differently. A winner would be nice.

 

JULY & AUGUST OWNER INTERVIEW - TIM CAVEN

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)

I currently live in Rugby, home has always been on the border of South Leicestershire & Warwickshire. Commercially I am still involved in the UK Sales and Marketing for a large packaging business based in Hong Kong. My work has always been connected with this industry, for many years in manufacturing. The orchestrated demise of making things in this country I still feel is deeply flawed.

Linda and I share 5 children. Binka, No4, the last to marry twelve months ago. Between them they have produced a wonderful group of children that bring great delight and keep us in touch with the world as it evolves, although I don’t think either of us would claim to fully understand.

How did you first get involved in Racing?

Leicestershire with its history of fox hunting has always been a presence in the Point to Point world. In the 60s and 70s these were wonderful social events. The best were held on a Saturday after the rugby season had finished and provided exceptional entertainment, the Atherstone at Clifton on Dunsmore a particular favourite. It was the era of roaming car boot picnic indulgence and great fun.

What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers

I first had an exploratory tickle with Early Bonnet which didn’t do a great deal, then tried again with Fizzy Dancer who delivered improvement if not a result. In 2015 a place in the syndicate linked to Younevercall was suggested. With 5 kids the name appealed, the horse and I also shared the same April birthday.

We had considerable success with YNC and a great deal of fun with the syndicate. General Hubble and El Rio are the current standard bearers.

What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?

With YNC we had some great times but sadly the most memorable for me is neither funny nor the best. We ran at Kempton during Covid, only two passes permitted. A strange experience, a sparse, almost silent, gathering. I still have the image on my desktop of YNC being beaten into second by less than a nostril having lead from the off – this to everybody present’s total amazement, other than the line judge. Seems I muttered the B word every five miles of the 100 mile journey back to Rugby, but was otherwise silent.

Thankfully there have been other occasions to celebrate, most recently a win at Ascot with El Rio, but it seems Kempton will always rankle.

What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?

Ascot and Sandown have looked after me very well and have an impressive aura about them. Perth was a delightful, friendly, experience. I have a strong affinity with Norfolk and enjoy Fakenham as much as any racecourse I have visited to date.

How did you first get involved with Kim?

My brother in law, Nick Cook introduced me to Kim at Towcester where Cinderella Rose duly performed, prompting great celebrations. An invitation to Kim’s September owners day followed, a full on event at the yard in where an extended lunch took place in a marquee. I’ve not missed the event since.

 

If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?

For a day I don’t think I would look to change anything really, I thoroughly enjoy the whole experience. For NH racing as a whole, fewer meetings, better prize money leading to larger fields and more competitive racing would seem to make sense. Flat racing holds little attraction for me, not sure why, maybe because it is over so quickly and in the summer there are other things to do.

Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

My wife Linda. She seems to have not a care in the world, produces great art, grows wonderful vegetables and creates exceptional food – all this whilst going through money with barely a pause. I’d love to know how it feels – but only for a day!

If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?

Barry Humphries, George Melley, John Inverdale – all great wordsmiths. 

Maddie Hinch, the gold medal winning goalkeeper of the GB Ladies Hockey team. Her performance in particular galvanised the nation during the Rio Olympics, the final getting 9 million viewers on BBC. Not easy in a minority sport. Judi Dench. In the late 50s my father shared a table with her in the dining car of a train from St Pancras, he came home smitten. In ‘68 I saw her play Sally Bowles at the Cambridge theatre London and have admired her work ever since. To ensure my guests enjoyed their time and felt stimulated I’d like to invite additional ladies whose honesty and integrity is sure to impress and entertain. Monica Lewinski, Mandy Rice-Davies, Ruby the Heart Stealer, Jennifer Arcuri and of course Stormy Daniels should ensure all present go home better informed.

Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?

Savoury for sure – although Mrs Cook does create some cracking puds.

Mr&Mrs Partridge ran the French Partridge, a gem. just south of Northampton.

Their menu changed monthly, a savoury was always included amongst the options for the final course.

Not something you find so often these days but a great way to finish dinner.

What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?

 Langoustines, Keltic Seafoods in Scotland supply them live overnight – incredible.

All fish and seafood other than oysters, which disagree with me; most offal.

Holidays, skiing has to be the best. In summer anywhere beside water in the sunshine.

Restaurants – We haven’t found a replacement for Le Caprice - so many good times there to remember, businesswise and socially. Les Peupliers in Le Praz for the skiers amongst us, although its been a while now. The Ring of Bells in Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon owned and run Binka. Recently Emilia in Ashburton near Newton Abbot, they do sharing plates and offer an offal of the day dish. When we lunched it was bone marrow risotto, so good we had a second plate for desert.

TV, The Night Manager, anything involving George Smiley, Slow Horses on Apple tv but for a relaxing view it has to be Vera. The Geordie sleuth reminds me so much of Linda. It’s not just the gait that they share, the way her hat sits or the steely glare; more the way she has an answer for everything, stands for no nonsense and invariably gets her own way - pet.

One of us sits and knits whilst the other chuckles quietly.

If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

 Have the whole family together for lunch somewhere sunny.

What are you most looking forward to?

On November 22nd 2013 playing the 16th hole at Whitefields Golf Club, Warwickshire I recorded a hole in one. I still have the ball, with the detail noted.

A repeat performance, any hole, any course, is what I’m looking forward to most.

The simplest things always deliver the best and longest lasting memories!

FEBRUARY OWNER INTERVIEW - CHARLOTTE & TONY FOLEY-PALMER

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)

Charlotte is a Director of Capital for a large multi-academy Trust, and has one son, Ben. Tony is retired, with one daughter, Gemma. We both live in Ossett, West Yorkshire.

 

 How did you first get involved in Racing?

Tony has always enjoyed racing as a spectator sport, and Charlotte used to do county level eventing up to her 30s and 40s and enjoys anything equestrian!

What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers

We have two young horses with Kim in their 1st season, Isle of Gold and General Hubble. We previously shared a horse trained by Nigel Hawke for several seasons, Some Detail, who is now trained in the USA.

What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?

Best experience so far was being an owner at the Cheltenham festival. Winning is always nice as well!

What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?

The Cheltenham festival is hard to beat as an owner. Charlotte was used to continual disappointment growing up as Worcester was regularly flooded! Now we enjoy the Yorkshire & Northern courses, going regularly to Catterick, Wetherby, Thirsk and Haydock.

 How did you first get involved with Kim?

We were looking for one or more horses to share in a syndicate when our previous syndicate decided to sell Some Detail, and we talked to a couple of trainers. We had initially wanted a horse with a Northern trainer, but Kim was very much in form, he and Peter were so friendly on our first visit, and the syndicates were so well run that we decided it had to be KBR!

 If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?

 Reduce admission prices to encourage more people to go

Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

Charlotte would like to be a viking shield maiden. Tony would like to be J P McManus

 If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?

 Tony would invite: Luke Harvey Geoff Boycott Kim Bailey Tia Leone Allison Janney

Charlotte would invite: Kate Middleton

Thomas Tuchel

Lewis Hamilton

Aidan O’Brien

Michelle Obama

 Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?

We both prefer savoury

 What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?

 We both love Chinese food & chateaubriand, visits to the USA and Northumberland, French bistros and Miller Carter steakhouses. TV programmes are hard – we rarely watch terrestrial but Happy Valley was amazing! We love West Wing, Madame Secretary, and Game of Thrones.

 If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

We would like to go to the Breeders Cup in USA. Charlotte would like to ride on and preferably win, the Yorkshire Grand National

 What are you most looking forward to?

Lots of success with Kim. Charlotte would be happy to see our horses placed regularly and doing their best

JANUARY OWNER INTERVIEW - ED HAWKINGS

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Background/a little about yourself...

I am married to my wife, Kashy and have two children Georgina, 27 who works as a business manager for a large legal practice. She rides out and schools for Chris Gordon daily and has recently started pointing. Jimmy is 24 and works for a recruitment company in the City but would rather be playing football which, he does to a pretty good level!

I am an Insurance consultant specialising in International mining. We live in Bramdean ( between Winchester and Petersfield) in an old Farm house , we have 2 dogs and a varying horse population depending on injuries and time of year.

How did you get involved in racing? 

Initially in the 1980’s on the flat with Nicholas Wrigley homebreds trained by Jimmy Etherington .

Then I was introduced by Teddy Beckett to Mark Smyly in Lambourn with whom we had a couple of horses.

  • Pendine Sands who actually managed to win a race at Chepstow
  • Drumstick, who managed a decent 2nd at Beverley before being cut and being sent over obstacles under a very brave Ronny Beggan. Mark Smyly then retired from training and recommended us to a young up and coming trainer called Kim Bailey .

What horses are you/have been involved with both Kim and other trainers?

When Drummy moved over to Kim and the tender care of Higgy at the start of 1990 little did I know that this flat bred ( Henbit /Salustrina ( Sallust)) horse would become such a superstar. Drumstick , despite two bowed tendons 3 wind operations , whilst in Kim’s charge ran in 16 hurdle races winning 2 and placed in 7 others and 60 chases winning 16 and placed in 25 others before retiring at 11 to go Pointing and Hunter Chasing . In his career he ran in 106 races! Such a tough horse, he finally was fully retired at 16 and lived on in happy retirement well into his 20’s

After Drumstick there was a natural break , unlikely to ever have such a horse again , and school fees . Then I got tempted back into horses by Paul Henderson with whom I have had a couple of decent horses.

  • Kylenoe Fairy , won 5 races and came 2nd in the Summer Hurdle rated 134.She then retired to my paddocks because of injury and had 3 foals before dying giving birth to the 4th .
  • Crossley Tender , won 5 races and came 2nd in the Eider rated 130 . Sadly cut off before he had reached his best when killed at Newton Abbott at the start of only his second season chasing.

My ownerships are in partnerships of between 2 and 5 people and I manage all the administration for them. Currently we have 7 horses in training as follows;

 Talk of the Moon( bought as a foal ) – Kim Bailey

Coronado Joe ( homebred)- Chris Gordon

Storm Hill ( bought from pointing in Ireland)- Paul Henderson

Our Champ ( bought from pointing in Ireland )- Paul Henderson

Megalodon ( bought from pointing in Ireland)- Paul Henderson

Tzunami ( homebred) – Paul Henderson

Kylenoe Dancer ( homebred)- Paul Henderson .

 I get a lot of satisfaction in finding relatively cheap horses from the pointing field in Ireland with the assistance of Aidan Kennedy, so far, I have bought 9 and only one has failed to win but he was rated 120, placed multiple times including in the stayers final at Haydock , he is now my daughters pointer as he can compete in Maidens.

 

What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse? 

Watching Drumstick win at the Cheltenham September meeting from the Royal Box - not surprising I was never asked back as I made a lot of noise!

 

What is your favourite racecourse or race meeting? 

Newton Abbott, I have had a lot of success there and there is nothing quite like winning.

 

If you were in charge of racing for a day, what would you change?

  • Adapt the race programme more towards the horse population , a substantial proportion of the horses in training are rated 100 or less although this is not reflected in the races for them.
  • Come up with a standardised measure for Going , Clerks understandably want to attract entries, Trainers want to protect their charges and there is nothing more frustrating for an owner than to travel to a racecourse only to arrive and discover your horse is a non-runner because the going is not as described.

 

Now away from racing - if you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

My son Jimmy, I would love to play football like him and it would be good for him to see things from my perspective and make sure he enjoys life to the full.

 

If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?

Jack Whitehall , Prince of Wales , Velodymyr Zalenskyy, Mark Harris ( partner in Drumstick),Bernard Cornwell.

 

Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?

Savoury.

 

What is your favourite food, holiday and restaurant?

Fruit de Mer, Sicily and Chesil Rectory.

 

What are you most looking forward to?

Having a winner!!

DECEMBER OWNER INTERVIEW - STEVE JAGGARD

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)

I live near Norwich, Norfolk with my wife, Deb and two dogs in a money-pit of an ancient farmhouse which we’ve been renovating and extending for 21 years. Both our daughter and son have settled back in Norfolk and we have two amazing little grandchildren of 2 and 4 years. Having sold my digital marketing business in 2020, I now spend my time mentoring young business owners and until last month, spent nine years as Trustee/Board Director of Norwich Theatres. Over the past year I have started working as a digital and creative consultant on ‘visioning’ projects for the arts, culture and leisure sector, reimagining how galleries, museums, visitor experiences can bring themselves up to date and make themselves into more engaging, exciting and immersive experiences. I love to learn new things!

 

 

How did you first get involved in Racing?
 
Brought up around Newmarket, we would now and again take the afternoon off school to walk down to the Rowley Mile or July Course – until one day one of the clan was spotted by his housemaster on the TV coverage! (What was a teacher doing watching racing on TV during classtime?).   Also having a builder as a father meant I was helping to paint stable doors, starting stalls, even renovating houses - for trainers and jockeys including Lester Piggott, Patrick Haslam and James Fanshawe, so I suppose racing was always there. Patrick Haslam was actually kind enough to give Dad two 50% shares in two very decent horses with Patrick’s mother, which was a wonderful gesture which meant so much to Dad who could never have afforded them. God bless you, Patrick. Lester never knew as he was away, but I once knocked down his wall while climbing up it trying to get a peek at his swimming pool. (Dad was not best pleased as he came running to find me and a mate on the floor amidst a pile of bricks and mortar!)  So I suppose racing has always surrounded me, but it wasn’t until I got married and moved away to Norwich with my work that I actually got the bug properly myself. Having had a few shares in very moderate flat horses, the defining moment came when I met ‘The Major ‘  –  the late Richard Wilson and his wife Rachel at a dinner party who bred and owned a few horses.  Richard encouraged me to get involved with him in an enormous grey called Combe Castle and I compiled the stats and we sat down together to select a good jumps trainer whose yard was accessible to us in Norfolk – not an easy one, of course.  At the time, early 2000s, Kim was based near Daventry and his record spoke for itself so that’s where the story began with jumps racing and Kim Bailey Racing. We would drive the 2 hours or so fairly regularly on a Saturday morning to the yard, but soon realised that Combe Castle, gorgeous as he was, would be no world beater (even though he did get his head in front once at Towcester on bottomless ground). Two decades later, the story continues but with Kim long having moved to Thorndale, a little way further from Norfolk.
 
What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers?
 
I have had shares with horses with Kim ever since the early 2000’s, the best of which came early on with another big grey chaser which Kim bought and trained for The Major (and I with a leg) named King of Gothland. Having won a couple of thrilling chases at Huntingdon it was a very sad day when Kim rang us in tears to say he had had a heart attack on the gallops.  Since then I believe I have had shares in over 20 of Kim’s partnerships. In recent years, I’ve not had the best of luck shall we say – in fact, it’s amazing Kim and Peter haven’t banned me from their partnerships altogether.  Lord Apparelli and Chazza were the last two that retired early without being able to show their obvious ability on the racecourse.   Right now, my hopes are with the stunning Phantom Getaway, who won first time out recently at Ffos Las, following three 2nds in his first season. A lovely staying chaser in the making. Fingers crossed. While jumps are my first love, I have always had shares in flat horses with good friends in Newmarket, as well as Rachel Wilson. We have had two good ones in the past decade in the shape of the recently retired Coverham (won 8 times) and the adaptable dual purpose Wily Fox (won 5 times) including over hurdles.  Both were trained by the now-retired James Eustace in Newmarket.  His son, Harry, has recently taken over at Park Lodge and is an extremely smart young trainer, so we have continued with him and currently have just a young 2yo filly named ‘Between the Covers’.
 
What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?
 
My best experience on a racecourse has to be as a winning owner – and that very first win of King of Gothland’s in November 2005 at Huntingdon was my first – and so far – best ever jumps winner. A thrilling race he scythed through the field from last to first on the final circuit. What a thrill made more special by having The Major and Rachel there, but also my family. I couldn’t stop the tears, I have to admit.  As for the funniest experience on a racecourse, well I’ve seen a few while travelling up and down the UK to watch racing, including having a horse that once veered off the racecourse to follow a tractor across a field, to screaming home Wily Fox in heavy snow at Market Rasen before going to collect my £25 from the young bookies assistant in her tiny pink mini skirt.  They are a hardy bunch in Lincolnshire!
There was also my first Cheltenham, sitting in a packed restaurant in town after racing next to a table of extremely well-oiled Irishmen. One of them had literally fallen asleep in his untouched steak and chips. When the bill came the leader of their party asked to see the manager arguing that his meal should be taken off the bill. It caused quite an argument - and a stir!  We were in roars of laughter as the chap slept through the whole thing and knew nothing of the fracas and was carried out by his mates having had the bill sorted. 
 
In terms of ownership, I love to hear the jockey comments when they come back in – especially the excuses. Having a certain J Spencer ride for us at Pontefract on the flat one day, he came out with a classic after a poor showing ;  ‘he obviously hated the ground but went really well over the road’ – thank you, Jamie, such helpful insight. The list of tales goes on, but I’ll stop there so as not to bore you, but that’s the beauty of racing, so many incidents, so much history, so many characters. It’s not all about the winning, but the being there.
 
What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?
 
On one level I love my local track, Fakenham, but have never had a horse run there that could handle the tight bends.  At the other, while I love the amphitheatre that is Cheltenham, Haydock and Ascot have to be favourites. They also know how to look after owners.  But I have many jumps courses still yet to try.
 
If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?
 
An awful lot, especially for owners, which is why I have put myself forward to the ROA and have recently been asked to join two new working groups, for ‘Owners’ and for ‘Communications’.  Rather than moan, which we can all do really well in the UK, especially the keyboard warriors, I thought I’d try and challenge the status quo and provide ideas for change. It's not just about prize-money, but how owners are brought into racing and once there, how they are looked after on-course and retained. You just have to look at other countries to see the difference in how they look at things regarding ownership, especially for small owners and syndicates, which have to be a big part of the future.  My fear is that racing will continue to tinker round the edges rather than think out of the box and embrace the radical thinking that is so needed. The ROA is a tiny team but they now have people with fresh thinking who do want to improve things, so fingers crossed. Will recent changes in stewardship of our sport really change things?  I sincerely hope so, but doubt it given the different agendas of self-preservation that continue to exist.  If only we could start again with a clean sheet of paper and open minds? 
 
Now away from racing - if you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
 
Michael Eavis, so I can finally get myself 2 tickets to Glastonbury after too many years of unsuccessful attempts.
 
If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?
 
David O’Doherty, Jason Byrne, Kerri Godliman, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Why have a ‘quiet’ night?
 
Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?
 
Savoury tooth - when it comes to Indian food!  
Sweet tooth when it comes to great ice cream!
 
What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?
 
Food: Indian
Holiday: Gili Air, Indonesia
Restaurants: ‘Core’ by Clare Smyth, London ‘La Tupina’, Bordeaux  plus various in Kerala
TV programme: Afterlife                         
 
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
 
Enjoy a leisurely day’s fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.
 
What are you most looking forward to?
 
Racing-wise, having a runner at one of the big Festivals – Cheltenham preferably - but Aintree or Punchestown will do! Life-wise, staying happy and healthy enough to continue to share fun times with family and great friends. Keep smiling everyone!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NOVEMBER OWNER INTERVIEW - GARRY AND TRACY BETLEY

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)

We are very fortunate to live in the beautiful village of Broadway, in Worcestershire and have been married for 33 years. I am an Estimater for a local Joinery company and Tracy works part time for a local leather retailer.

We have two grown up children, Jordan, who’s a graphic designer and lives with his fiancé Meg and our daughter Hannah who’s a primary school teacher and is married to Matt and not forgetting our cocker spaniel called Lennie.

How did you first get involved in Racing?
I have been interested in horse racing for a long time and have been a member at Cheltenham since 1985. As a young lad my dad had racing greyhounds so racing of one sort or another has always been in my blood. 
 
What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers
Phantom Getaway is our first venture into horse ownership.
 
What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?
In March 1988, we had our first visit to the Cheltenham festival together, in what is now known as The Best Mates side. Whilst standing at the back of a very rickety stand watching the Mildmay of Fleet handicap chase, we were left as the only two people in the stand, cheering as Smart Tar began to pull away from the other  two challengers. Rounding off a good day £400 in profit!   Still to this day the most I have ever won!!!
 
What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?
It has to be at Cheltenham, Festival trials day, great racing without the festival crowds.
 
How did you first get involved with Kim?
Having followed Kim’s blog for many years, when we decided to get involved in racehorse ownership, Kim’s was our obvious choice.
 
If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?
It would have to be prize money and more reasonable entry fees.
 
Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
The winning jockey of the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup, why? What a feeling it must be!
 
If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?
Paul Heaton, for the music, the late Barney Curley, Henrietta Knight, Peter Kay for the laughs and James Martin the Chef, what a mix!!!
 
Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?
Tracy likes to bake, but thinking of my figure, I think I have a savoury tooth.
 
What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?
Favourite food is sea food of all kinds,  
Favourite holiday, our recent holiday of a lifetime to Canada and Alaska and equally nearer home walking in South Devon
Restaurants, The Hook at the Fish Hotel, and The Cricket Inn Beesands and for pub grub the homemade pie at The Star, Ashton Underhill
TV programme, horse racing of course and a good crime drama
 
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
Bring peace to the world
 
What are you most looking forward to?
Phantom Getaway having a long and successful racing career and a long retirement.
 
 
 
 
 

OCTOBER OWNER INTERVIEW - ROY AND LOUISE SWINBURNE

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BACKGROUND - A little bit about yourself

Louise and I live in Pattingham, South Staffordshire with our son Scott. Our three elder children ages 30, 35 and 37 have flown the nest. I am the MD of PBR Abrasives based in Willenhall, West Midlands

How did you first get involved in Racing?

Occasional visits to point-to-point meetings at Eyton on Severn and Weston Park sparked my interest and a chance meeting at Ludlow races with an owner was the start of owning horses back in 1999. All weather racing initially then National Hunt racing which is my passion. 

What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers?

Hollies Pearl (Peter Bowen) has been our best and we have just purchased her 2yo filly by Blue Bresil. Wells De Lune was a three time winner for us. Others include Deadly Move, Sam Noir, Catch The Rhythm, Casher Society, Latzod'Alm was our Cheltenham Hunterchase winner and many more.

What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?

Winning the mares listed bumper at Aintree on Grand National Day and winning the Cheltenham Intermediate Hunter Chase with Latzod'Alm - now a great 22yo and lives with us. 

What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?

Day one of The Cheltenham Festival is our favourite day. Our favourite racecourse is Ludlow followed by Bangor on Dee and Haydock

How did you first get involved with Kim?

Only recently in 2021. We were keen admirers from a distance. Kim has a good record with mares so we decided to send Time For Hollie to Kim. We were not disappointed as she won at Uttoxeter, placed second twice and finished third in four runs. 

If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?

The prize money. It needs increasing drastically

Now away from racing - if you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?

Vladimir Putin so the dreadful war in Ukraine can stop

If you could invite any five people for dinner who would it be?

Matt Chapman, Peter Savill, Denise Coates, Sir Mark Prescott and Kim Bailey

Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?

Savoury

What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?

Food - All types of fish

Holiday - UK touring holidays in our motorhome

Restaurant - The Potted Lobster in Abersoch, North West Wales

TV Programme - Frozen Planet

If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?

I would buy Constitution Hill and win the Champion Hurdle followed by the Gold Cup!

What are you most looking forward to?

The 2022/23 National Hunt Season proper

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH OWNER INTERVIEW - GILLIAN CLOUGH

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)
 
Born in Wroughton, Wiltshire, many moons ago, I have spent most of my adult life overseas in South Africa and the U.S. The circle of life has brought me back to live in Prestbury, Gloucestershire for the past four years. My son, Michael and his wife Reggie live in Cheltenham and my daughter Sarah and grandkids Tyler and Meghan reside in Naples, Florida. With my semi-retired status (HR consultant) I now divide my time between my home in Naples, Florida and the lovely village of Prestbury.
 
 
How did you first get involved in Racing?
 
Horses are my passion in life and although my horse background is in eventing both my grandmother’s were avid horseracing fans. I have fond memories of school holidays spent with my maternal grandmother glued to the TV watching Saturday racing. She was a very knowledgeable punter and very serious about her racing! My mother shared the same passion of horseracing with her favourite horse Desert Orchid. She would call me in the US everytime “Dessie” raced.
 
What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers
 
This is my first venture into racehorse ownership with Does He Know. I am thrilled to be part of a great syndicate and to watch the development of this talented young horse. I know first hand how difficult it is to train a horse and bring out the best of their abilities. How fortunate am I to find a sympathetic trainer with a superb team at Thorndale.
 
What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?
 
Best is very hard. But my most memorable is sharing a day of racing with my mother at Kenilworth racecourse, just outside of Cape Town, South Africa. A lovely venue with the majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop.
 
What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?
 
Well, it has to be Cheltenham. Attending, for the first time, the first day of the Festival and to hear the roar of the crowd was exhilarating. Probably, I do prefer the quieter November meeting. Although, attending the Derby at Churchill Downs, Kentucky was very special too.
 
How did you first get involved with Kim Bailey Racing?
 
I was fortunate to meet two lovely ladies during my first raceday at Cheltenham at an October meeting. We discussed horse ownership, while visiting the Champagne bar, and although they were point to point owners they suggested I call Kim and visit Thorndale. After a tour of the yard with Kim, I met with Peter Kerr and voila! I came home that day as a racehorse owner!
 
If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?
 
I would endeavour to bring all the governing bodies in racing to the table to have an honest discussion about the future of the sport. Better promotion of horseracing would be a good starting point.
 
Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
 
David Attenborough. What a wonderful life of travel and animals.
 
If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?
 
Rick Stein (though I might prefer him to be presiding in the kitchen)
Michelle Obama
Melvyn Bragg
Sting (for after dinner entertainment)
Mick Fitzgerald (sorry David)
 
Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?
 
Savoury, though I love dark chocolate
 
What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?
 
Fish, seafood
Mauritius, beautiful island, with beautiful people
Charleston Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland. A fabulous fusion of French and Southern Low Country cuisine expertly cooked by Chef Cindy Wolf
I don’t watch much TV but I have enjoyed Michael Portillo’s Great Railway Journeys
 
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
 
Right at this moment see the faces of my two grandkids who are experiencing snow for the first time in their lives. They set off today on a skiing trip to Vail, Colorado.
 
What are you most looking forward to?
 
Apart from continuing to be part of Does He Know’s racing career. I am looking forward to more travel adventures and sharing the exhilarating thrill of jump horse racing with my partner, a non-horse person ( a New York City guy) when he next visits the UK.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

JANUARY OWNER INTERVIEW - JOE GOLDRING

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)
 
I am 32 years old and live in Essex with my partner Caitlin. I currently work in the Advertising industry, where I have been working for over 10 years. Alongside racing, I enjoy playing golf, socialising with friends and try to keep fit via boxing/exercising. I also enjoy travelling and would like to do more of it, but like many have put this on hold due to the current circumstances.
 
 
How did you first get involved in Racing?
 
My first memory of racing was going to Kempton Park on Boxing Day to watch the King George as a teenager. I was fascinated by the excitement of the betting ring, the different jockey silk colours, horses of different shapes and sizes and the buzzing atmosphere you get at a racecourse.  As my passion grew throughout my teens, I decided to enrol in an Apprenticeship Scheme in Racehorse Care, in Newmarket. This was an eye-opening experience for me, where I learnt a lot about the industry and the practical side of the sport. I now work in Advertising but have never lost my passion for racing and pore over the Racing Post most days!
 
What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers?
 
This is my first venture into racehorse ownership, having bought a share in Firth Of Gold last year. I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I originally thought the excitement of being an owner would all lie at the racecourse but being able to visit the yard regularly and see the continued progress of FOG on the gallops gives me great pleasure. The friendly, welcoming team at Thorndale have made me feel at home from my very first visit.
 
What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?
 
It would probably be my first trip to the Cheltenham festival with a good friend of mine. I was down to my last £20 on the final day of the trip, which I bullishly placed on a 40/1 horse called Medinas in the Coral Cup, who I had pencilled in all week. He had just won the Welsh Champion hurdle on bottomless ground and I knew that the Coral Cup took some getting, being run at such a fast pace. Luckily, he prevailed. The beers were on me that evening and it felt good to be standing in a pub in Cheltenham afterwards, with the readies stashed in my pocket!
 
What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?
 
The New Year’s Day meeting at Cheltenham. In the summer it would have to be Goodwood - I don’t think you can beat that view from the stands. 
 
How did you first get involved with Kim?
 
I reached out to Kim through the website and was introduced to Peter Kerr who runs the syndicates at the yard. Peter made what was initially a daunting decision easy, providing full transparency and honesty from the outset.
 
If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?
 
I’d try and find a way of ensuring larger field sizes throughout the season. Personally, I get much more enjoyment from watching a 20+ runner handicap with multiple form angles than a two-horse match race with an odds-on favourite.
 
Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
 
Not sure… probably a professional golfer like Tiger Woods. I grew up watching Tiger in his prime and as a golfer I’d love to have his mindset and mental strength standing over a golf ball under pressure.
 
If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?
 
Aidan O’Brien (if Kim wasn’t available), A P McCoy, Ant Middleton, Ricky Gervais, Frank Bruno.
 
Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?
 
Savoury
 
What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant, tv programme?
 
Italian Food, the Caribbean, Piccolos (a local Italian to me), Ozark.
 
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
 
Go abroad for some winter sun.
 
What are you most looking forward to?
 
Firth Of Gold running… and becoming a top class chaser. The dream is still alive…
 
 
 
 
 

NOVEMBER OWNER INTERVIEW - NEIL BROOKE

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BACKGROUND – A little bit about yourself (Occupation, where do you live, family etc)
I am 60yrs old having recently retired after 40yrs as an electrician and have now moved to Chichester with my wife Jo. I have a son and daughter, David, and Laura along with two stepsons, David is an anaesthetist in Perth Australia and Laura is an events manager. My two stepsons Tom and Stevie are involved in finance and landscape gardening.

 

How did you first get involved in Racing?
During school holidays in the early seventies, I was shipped off for the summer to my grandparents in Findon, which is where the late great Ryan Price trained. I was taken by Grandad to soldiers fields where his great old horses Kilmore (who won the Grand National) and What A Myth (Whitbread Gold Cup) spent their retirement. Also, my dad took me to Lingfield, Epsom, Sandown and Kempton at an early age and I’ve been hooked ever since.
 
What horses are you/have you been involved with both with Kim and other trainers
With Kim, myself and Jo have two horses Percy Veering and Firth of Gold. Various others over the years include Diamond Max with David Evans, Venturatormenta (bred by Kevin Blake and won The Papin in 2020) with Richard Hannah, Aldryin with David Pipe and The Gatekeeper with Mark Johnston.
 
What was your best/funniest experience on a racecourse?
Attending the breeders cup at Santa Anita and seeing Richard Sambora of Bon Jovi Fame being asked to sign a photo by a fan, the photo being taken many moons previously, as he signed it, I remarked “F**k me Richie that’s a few years ago son”, he stormed off……
 
When Diamond Max won his listed race at Longchamp, we were all rather vocal in the winner’s enclosure, John Gosden who had won the previous Group race with Mount Abu had a massive bottle of champers, came over and said, “this is more suited to you, enjoy!” a nice touch from a true gentleman.
 
What is your favourite racecourse/race meeting?
Best Course: Goodwood on a dry day, the most picturesque course in the World.
National Hunt: Cheltenham
Abroad: Santa Anita, the backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains is superb.
 
How did you first get involved with Kim?
Viewing the website and then speaking to Peter Kerr and realising how friendly everyone was. So much so that when we visited for the first time to see Percy Veering, we returned the next day to purchase a share in Firth of Gold.
 
If you were in charge of racing for a day what would you change?
Without a doubt prizemoney, it must be increased now. Far too much racing so I’d reduce meetings to six races per meeting, No Sunday racing either to give the staff a day off.
 
Now away from racing - If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
I would trade places with Gareth Southgate then transport myself back to the euro finals night and ask myself why I left Mason Mount on for so long when Jack Grealish was available. Also why did I not put Calvert-Lewin on to take a penalty as he had scored all four he took for Everton that season. Then like Jim Carey in Liar Liar I would give myself a good thrashing.
 
If you could invite any 5 people for dinner who would they be?
Ian Bothan, John Gosden Dave Grohl, Sir Geoff Hurst, Nigella Lawson – great stories, hopefully some tips, music and food.
 
Do you have a sweet tooth or a savoury tooth?
Both
 
What is your favourite food, holiday, restaurant?
Favourite food: Pie, Mash and Liquor
Favourite Holiday: Perth Australia
Favourite Restaurant: 34 Bar Grill Mayfair and Rock Stein’s Seafood restaurant in Padstow
 
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
Get rid of all electric cars!
 
What are you most looking forward to?
My son’s wedding in February 2023 in Margaret River Western Australia. Hopefully we will be able to travel by then. Also, Percy Veering making his racecourse debut.
 
 
 
 
 

Bailey’s Blog

20-09-2023 22:01:45 in General by Admin
Plus 18 and dry when waking in Gallipoli.. Todays blog guest is Rebecca Davies.. I first got to know Kim well after a visit Thorndale Farm, when I asked if he could spare time for a coffee having heard he wasn’t enamoured with experiences at one of ARC’s Racecourses.  He was the Trainer of Grand National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winners and he wasn’t happy&hellip...

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