MORSE CODE The Official Magazine for Cheltenham’s Annual Members
OCTOBER 2022
Welcome to the 2022/23 Season
What is everyone looking forward to in the next few months? For me it is simple. It’s seeing the current crop of chasing stars venture back out on to the track, one by one, as they commence their pathway towards the crown jewels of the sport, right here at Cheltenham. I love the way season unfolds and there is genuine excitement in my soul, as I hear through the grapevine that “this horse” is likely to start here or “that horse” could potentially head there. Some trainers naturally re-introduce their horses quietly, but this is just not possible with the heavyweight chasers. They are forced into the limelight, there is no hiding for these giants. I do like it though that trainers are often creatures of habit. What are the chances that the Tizzards will release their stable stars at Exeter on Haldon Gold Cup Day? On that note, watch out for War Lord who has allegedly progressed nicely since his novice season last year. Could he the next Native River or Cue Card? In Ireland the big guns start to appear at Down Royal at the start of November in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, a race won last year by crowd favourite
Frodon and in years gone past by Gold Cup winners, Don Cossack and Kauto Star. The legend, Kauto Star has his name on the trophy of the first Grade 1 Jumps race in the UK as well, the Betfair Chase at Haydock, where last year’s Gold Cup winner, A Plus Tard, under Rachel Blackmore, advertised his ability in no uncertain terms demolishing the opposition, much like he did the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. I’ve never felt more sure that a Gold Cup winner will go back-to-back as I am this year, despite many people promoting the merits of the dashing Gallopin Des Champs, who’s fall broke hearts a plenty last year in the Turners Novice Chase with the race seemingly at his mercy. But how interesting would it be if Allaho was given a chance over the extra half mile? What an occasion that would be. Just imagining it gets my heart racing. Whatever it is you are looking forward to in the months ahead, I hope you derive as much enjoyment out of it, as I know I will.
Andre Klein Customer Experience and Community Engagement Project Manager Cheltenham Racecourse
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Farewell to Chris Bell
Around the time of The Showcase meeting, the Cheltenham Racecourse Membership team will bid farewell to its most loyal and long-serving team member. Chris Bell, who joined The Jockey Club in August 1988 has decided to draw to a conclusion what has been an outstanding innings tirelessly servicing our customers. Chris has been the “go-to” man for so many of our members and his name is forever being highlighted in correspondence for delivery of excellent, conscientious and quality service. The legendary Desert Orchid was the winner of the first Gold Cup during Chris’s time in the office. This win, along with the success of Norton’s Coin who famously won our big race at 100-1, are his most cherished racing memories despite witnessing hundreds of races at the home of jump racing. It goes without saying that Chris has built not just rapport but incredible friendships with many of our members and his knowledge of what they “have” and what they “need” will be something that our team will be working hard to replicate. Chris did not just look after members, he also delivered the requirements of many ticketing agents, both in England and Ireland who could rely on him to provide exactly what they needed, when they needed it. His departure will leave a big void and when he leaves the grandstand for the final time in a few weeks’ time, we will be saying farewell to one of the great characters of our team. A man with a brilliant dry sense of humour, a kind heart and outstanding work ethic. He will be missed massively by his colleagues, and I don’t doubt by hundreds of our members as well.
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Your chance to experience… The Second Biggest Thrill In Racing
It’s hard to argue that the biggest thrill racing can offer is reserved for the jockey, who is fortunate enough to clear the last fence and pull away from those in pursuit, charging up the long hill at Cheltenham in the gaze of adoring fans. Sadly for most of us this is somewhat out of reach! However, the second biggest thrill in racing is available to us all. Cheering home a horse you can call your own. Welcoming it back to the winner’s enclosure in the company of friends. Soaking up the success and the celebration that follows. This is the dream we are promoting with the Cheltenham and South West Racing Club, which has launched in the last few months. Why Join? Reason 1: Experience the thrills of racing by joining the jumping journey of three exciting horses in work with three of the country’s best trainers; Fergal O’Brien, Emma Lavelle and Joe Tizzard. Charles St
brother, Egbert, is in work with Alan King, and was placed in two bumpers at the tail end of last season on his two racecourse outings. He is virtually ready to run the moment the ground turns. Hugely handsome, with a kind eye, he is bound to be a favourite amongst our members. Flight Of Freedom
This 4-year-old sister to the OR:114 rated Valentina Lady is closely related to quality jumpers Coko Beach (OR:146) & Torn And Frayed (OR:139). Her
pedigree is peppered with black type appeal. She was purchased with the assistance of bloodstock agent, Gerry Hogan in Ireland from the well-regarded Marie Harding (Glen Stables) who has had great recent success. At Aintree this year, two of her graduates were victorious. Most notably Noble Yeats in the Randox Grand National and Lookaway in the Weatherbys Grade 2 Bumper. She arrived at Emma Lavelle’s yard in early September and looks a lovely mare who should give us a lot to look forward to. Other Benefits All members of the Racing Club receive Full Annual Membership at Cheltenham Racecourse for two seasons. Don’t worry, if you have already joined as an Annual Member this season, we will remove what you have already paid from the joining fee of the Racing Club. You will also enjoy membership at our neighbouring courses Warwick, Exeter and Wincanton and all the reciprocal meetings they have at other courses around the country. Members of the Racing Club also get to enjoy every day of the Festival from an exclusive facility in the heart of the tented village. And of course there will be visits to the yards, pro-rate share in net prize money won, regular race day ownership experiences when our horses are running, social get-togethers and a lot more...
Charles St was purchased at Tattersall Sales in Newmarket with the assistance of leading bloodstock agent, Anthony Bromley. The three-year-old son of
Outstrip was trained on the flat by George Boughey, where he was hugely consistent. Nine starts resulted in a win and an impressive seven placed efforts over distances that indicated a future over jumps. The only time he missed the frame he came home fourth. After leaving Newmarket he was sent to Jason Maguire, who has been teaching him how to jump. Good news is, he seems to really enjoy it. Soon he will head to Fergal O’Brien with a view to tackling the road to the Triumph Hurdle. Moonlight Artist
Joe Tizzard purchased this handsome 4-year-old as a store horse last year and on viewing he was instantly considered a standout by our Racing Club team.
He is a half-brother to no fewer than seven winners, including the Listed hurdle winner Benson. His full-
To find out more please email: cheltenhamracingclub@thejockeyclub.co.uk. Give yourself a chance of enjoying the second biggest thrill in racing!
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Dublin Racing Festival EXCLUSIVE CHELTENHAM MEMBERS TOUR
Includes:
The popularity of the Dublin Racing Festival continues to rise, especially when it comes to identifying winners for our own Festival in March. Vauban, Facile Vega, Honeysuckle, Sir Gerhard and many others advertised their credentials last year before making their mark at our Festival in March. Some say it is where legends are born before they achieve the status at Cheltenham. We thought some of our members would like to take the opportunity to enjoy the occasion this year in each other’s company so we have put together and exclusive opportunity with Racing Breaks to make this possible. Nothing like some good social time in the company of fellow racing fans.
• Return airport transfers to the hotel • Three nights' accommodation at the 4* Maldron Hotel Merrion Road, Dublin • Breakfast each morning • Exclusive Cheltenham Members Only Friday Night Preview with special racing guest at the hotel • Return transfer to Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday & Sunday • Molly Malone's Hospitality on Saturday of the Dublin Racing Festival • Premium Enclosure Ticket on Sunday of the Dublin Racing Festival
Friday 3rd February - Monday 6th February 2023
Price per person: £499.00 Based on 2 people per room
Price per person: £664.00 Based on 1 person per room
For more information: Email: william.hopkins@racingbreaks.com Tel: 0203 933 8041
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Emily Johnson Fine Art Cheltenham Racecourses Official Artist in Residence
Had it not been for a fruitless, last-minute scramble for a suitable birthday present, resulting in a hastily sketched portrait, Emily Johnson might never have become an artist at all. She hadn’t painted since school, and even then, only for her studies; she was happily embedded in a new, farming life in rural Gloucestershire. Yet here she is, about to embark on her first season as Cheltenham Racecourse’s official Artist in Residence. A passing glance at one of her pieces is enough to understand why. Emily welcomes new paths and takes the passage of life as she finds it. A scientist by training, she is the daughter of a designer, who had always encouraged an academic route, while her much-loved, ‘fat cob’, Molly, pulled her ever further into the world of horses. Through both equine science and Molly, she found her clan in Gloucestershire, and through them her passion for a rural life, full of animals, fresh air, and hard graft. Thoughts of art were far behind her. Still, life, as always, finds a way to bring us all back to ourselves. Thanks to a quirk of fate, Emily found herself sketching in every moment of her free time from her farm work. It gradually took over her life, and she was finally able, and ready, to call herself a qualified, fine artist. Since then, a veritable lifetime has passed, and Emily is now one of the finest artists of her generation. Her art is testament to both her passion and her education. Her clinical eye sees much that others wouldn’t notice, and her paintings quietly whisper of muscles and sinews that could only be recognised with a profound understanding of equine anatomy. Emily is deeply humble. She knows that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the love and support of her family in Sussex and her farming family in Gloucestershire. She openly acknowledges that a struggling artist would have gone nowhere without bed, board, and a space to explore her gift. But, just like Molly thundering along behind the string each morning, Emily is completely unstoppable. She might not have been bred for this particular race, but with the right yard, the right partner and her own, unique talent, she’s winning it all the same. Just like a cob on the gallops, Emily has embraced being an outsider in every aspect of her life. She is a first-generation horsewoman, farmer, and fine artist.
Drawing of the Cheltenham & SW Racing Club trio of horses. L-R - Flight of Freedom, Charles St & Moonlight Artist
As a result, she has retained a childlike curiosity that is infectious, and she does not hesitate to explore every corner, every angle, and every new path in pursuit of her art. Her ‘first-day’ viewpoint and her inquisitive nature mean that she is fascinated by things that others would consider mundane, and rediscovers things that have been long forgotten. Brought to life anew in every piece, her art speaks of a world relived, to be enjoyed all over again. As Artist in Residence, Emily has an access all areas pass. She will be just as likely to be sketching horses at rest in the stable yard as taking rapid speed reference photographs from the vet’s car. She will be found somewhere on the racecourse at every meeting throughout the season; sometimes exploring hidden corners, and sometimes giving public demonstrations. Equally happy painting from commissioned briefs and from her own, vast inspiration, Emily will be available to talk about her work throughout each day and will showcase select pieces which are offered for sale. But what is it all really for? Well, the ‘what’ is the most important part of the whole story. Emily’s residency is another way that Cheltenham is supporting WellChild. Her many months of observation, immersion and exploration will culminate in one, singular, unique piece that will be auctioned in aid of WellChild. Work that she sells through the racecourse will also contribute to the overall donation, so she is committed to selling as much as she can. And when Emily Johnson sets her mind to something, you can bet she will achieve it, with clear air to burn.
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Chosen Hill Rugby Club Sponsorship Vanessa Watkins is a popular member of our small Membership Team, and her two sons, Arthur and Sam are both budding young sportsman. Sam is one of the star players in the local Chosen Hill Rugby club under 14s, so we decided to sponsor the team’s shorts this season. The racecourse sponsors a number of sports teams around town, the longest standing has been our sponsorship of Saracens Football Club, where we are first team kits sponsors.
Metal Badge Holder Most of you will have now received your membership packs. You will see this year your pack comes with a holder for your metal badge. Please keep these holders safe this season as they are a great place to keep your badge safe between meetings and also if this is given back to us next year, we will re-use them to post your badges to you next year with a discount off your membership.
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Horses to Follow You heard it here first - three horses to follow from Rachael Blackmore, Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty
Rachael Blackmore
Bob Olinger Rachel has gone for Henry de Bromhead’s star novice chaser and winner of the Grade 1 Turners Novice chase at The Festival, based on last year, he has a very exciting season ahead of him.
Ruby Walsh
Gaelic Warrior Gaelic Warrior previously campaigned in France, has only run once for the prolific Willie Mullins, where he finished a nail biting second in the Grade 3 Boodles Juvenile Hurdle at The Festival. There looks like there is a lot more to come from the latest Susannah Ricci owned star.
Barry Geraghty
Banbridge Barry has gone for the Joseph O’Brien trained Banbridge, the winner of last year’s Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at The Festival. He has already made his season debut, when landing a beginners chase at Gowran Park by an impressive eight and a half lengths.
There’s more than racing at Cheltenham Racecourse - Upcoming Live Events
WORLD GRAND PRIX OF SNOOKER 16TH - 22ND JANUARY 2023
JON RICHARDSON 10TH FEBRUARY 2023
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Seat For The Season Get your own seat for the duration of the season! This new offering is exclusively available to annual members and represents great value for money. Essentially, you will be presented with your own exclusive seat that remains yours for each and every meeting from the Showcase to the season finale, on Hunter Chase evening. Seats are located in the Annual Members grandstand in front of Insurance and Night Nurse bars.
Membership Packs The team are working through a high volume of membership packs. Due to postal strikes if yours hasn’t arrived by Friday, please head to the Hall of Fame desk and one of our membership team will be able to assist you, thank you for your patience. Members Grandstand Seating and Insurance Bar Access Both can be accessed using your membership pass card and metal badge throughout the season except on the following dates where an additional badge is required to gain entry: Friday 11 November - £10 Access to the Insurance Bar and Members Grandstand (seating unreserved) Saturday 12 November - £35 Access to the Insurance Bar and an allocated seat in the Grandstand The Festival 2023 all 4 days - £340 Access to the Insurance Bar and an allocated seat in the Grandstand Saturday 10 December - £10 Access to the Insurance Bar and Members Grandstand (seating unreserved) Sunday 1 January - £10 Access to the Insurance Bar and Members Grandstand (seating unreserved) Saturday 28 January - £10 Access to the Insurance Bar and Members Grandstand (seating unreserved) Please note on the above dates you will not be permitted access to the Insurance Bar unless you have purchased a badge.
Reciprocals
We are hoping to create a long list of new reciprocals for our members to enjoy and to add additional value to your membership. We hope to publish a complete list for 2023 in time for The November meeting. Remaining Fixtures you can enjoy racing this year, at other venues:
October 28
Newmarket
November 6
Aintree
December 4
Kelso
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Stay up to date with the latest news and information by ensuring that we have your up to date email address and contact information. If you have any queries or concerns regarding your Membership, please contact the team on 01242 537662.
CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH Telephone: 01242 513 014 Ticket hotline: 0344 579 3003 Email: cheltenham@thejockeyclub.co.uk THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/CHELTENHAM
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