F EATURE JON PULLIN
For the first time in 23 years there is a new name above the door of the Clerk of the Course’s office at Cheltenham Racecourse, Jon Pullin Clerk of the Course T his year’s Festival will be Jon Pullin’s first in charge of the track, but he is certainly no stranger to ‘Jump Racing’s Olympics’. Pullin succeeded Simon Claisse,who took up the JON PULL IN
role in 1999 and clocked up 22 years until leaving The Jockey Club afterThe NovemberMeeting earlier this season. Taking up his newposition at Cheltenham was something of a homecoming for Jon,whowas born and raised in nearby Evesham. Consideringwhat attracted him to such a demanding role, he explains: “Forme personally being Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, the Home of Jump Racing, is the ultimate job. Taking ultimate responsibility on the racing side for a venue as iconic as Cheltenham Racecourse is obviously a big task but one that is also hugely exciting tome.” Clerking at The Festival requires experience, knowledge and a calm approach, qualities Pullin has acquired and honed since starting in the racing industry from an early age. He continues: “When I was still at school, I startedworking atweekends and after school for John Suthern. Johnwas still a jockey at the time and had a livery yardwhere he used to do pre-training. I enjoyedworking for John as often as I could and he used to take me racingwhenwe could fit it in. I will be working alongside John once again as he is the advanced flag operator here at Cheltenham. “I went on to ride as a conditional jockey from 1987 to 1993 and spentmost of my timewith JohnMcConnochie. Hewas previously assistant toMercy Rimell and on her retirement he took over some of her string andmoved toAlscot Park, just outside Stratford. John had some success at Cheltenhamwith both Golden Friend and Gala’s Imagewinning the GoldenMiller Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s April Meeting during the time I worked for him. I loved being involvedwith Gala’s Image during my timewith JohnMcConnochie. Hewas a real Cheltenham specialist havingwon the Arkle forMercy Rimell back in 1987, and hewas just a joy to have around. “When I first finished riding I actuallywent towork for
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