F EATURE SIMON CLAISSE
Simon with Trainer Willie Mullins
Simon with Ben Hastie, Head Groundsman
A ppointed as Clerk of the Course in 2000, head-to-heads, including the Denman Vs Kauto Star era, see all six of Quevega’s incredible Cheltenham Festival wins and welcomed Desert Orchid back into the Winners’ Enclosure alongside her majesty the Queen, Simon even saw the Olympic flame be carried down the famous track by Zara Tindall ahead of London 2012. Two decades of achievements, stories and historic moments. We were lucky enough to sit down with the Cheltenham great and relive a few of his favourite memories. “I feel like you’re writing a eulogy,” Simon joked as we asked himwhere he wanted to begin when discussing his time at Cheltenham. Many will know Simon to be a fantastic Clerk of the Course – the best in the business in fact – but what they may not know him for is his quick wit and sense of humour that echoes throughout the Prestbury Park offices. “There has been so much over the past 20 years, it is hard to put it all into words.” While Simon has been a permanent fixture on course over his time, he has seen many greats of the sport come and go. “It was a privilege to play a small role in racing’s biggest stories. From the great partnerships of Sir Anthony McCoy and Martin Pipe, which saw AP develop into the Champion that we all know him as now, to the dominance of Walsh and Nicholls, and then Ruby and Willie Mullins, not forgetting the wonderful team of Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson. Racing at Cheltenham also provides incredibly special moments – I will never forget Mick Winters rolling on the Parade Ring turf celebrating his win here on ITV. We’re very lucky that here at Cheltenham, the season meets its crescendo so we are able to witness the greatest horses, jockeys and trainers at their absolute peak.” Simon has seen The Festival™ grow from three days to four during his tenure as well as provide the perfect sporting arena for famous Simon’s relationships with participants is something he has always been able to pride himself on and is lucky
enough to live next to Ben Pauling’s new establishment, a few miles from Nigel Twiston-Davies and mid-way between Jonjo O’Neill, Kim Bailey and Fergal O’Brien. Although there may be grumbles from one raceday to the next, would it ever be possible to have a racecourse with a Going to suit all 80 horses running that day – I think we all know the answer to that, there is rarely a personal criticism of the man. Former Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson was full of praise for himwhen he announced he was standing down. Nicky said, “In all my training career, I have only known two clerks of the course at Cheltenham, Philip Arkwright and Simon Claisse. Life is never easy as a clerk of the course – and since Simon took over from Philip, he has done a wonderful job. Simon has exemplified the two most important things in his role – he has always been incredibly helpful and always truthful. I have much enjoyed working with him, and wish him all the best for the future.” Simon’s first and final Festival ended with a sense of irony. The Festival 2001 was cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth pandemic. “My first Festival never happened. Foot and Mouth started mid-February and we thought we were able to go ahead, then just about a fortnight before The Festival, Government guidance changed, which ruled The Festival out in March but looked hopeful for April. We prepared for two Festivals in 2001 and neither happened. Fast forward to The Festival 2021, which unbeknown to all would be Simon’s last in his current role, was held behind-closed-doors due to the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic. “The build up to this year’s Festival was something we never thought we’d have to work through. As well as the usual battle with the elements, and the rainfall meaning we didn’t race at all in January, we were working with ever-changing guidance, rules and restrictions to try and get a huge sporting event on.”
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