THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF THE JOCKEY CLUB Kalendar
L I GHT
THE JUMP RAC ING SEASON DAWNS The 2020-21 season dawns at the Home of Jump Racing
CHELTENHAM EXETER
WARWICK WINCANTON
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WELCOME
CONTENTS Season dates Where to watch The two Jonjos Three days of magic The wait is over Meet Chanelle, the real McCoy The Syndicate A beacon of hope
exciting project. Of course, we look ahead to our next two race meetings and give you the insight on the best places to catch the sport online and from your own home with our dedicated Racing Hub. Plus, you can read
We are thrilled that Jump racing returns to its spiritual home this month and look forward to hosting world class sport at both The Showcase and The NovemberMeeting. Although it won’t have
the same feel as a traditional race meeting, it is fantastic that the sport is able to continue and we are pleased to welcome owners to watch their horses run up the famous Cheltenham Hill. We will, of course, be missing a buzz from the familiar Cheltenham crowd and look forward to when we are able to open our gates to our loyal fans once it is safe to do so. Although you are unable to be with us to watch the racing on course, please do enjoy the Fantastic show that the ITV racing team will be putting on for all our racedays before the New Year. We are delighted to present our rst of three editions of Kalendar magazine which will be distributed throughout the season. Within our opening digital version, we caught up with Jonjo O’Neill Snr and Jonjo O’Neill Jnr., as well as well as hearing how life in lockdown was for the McCoy family as Chanelle shares with us her new
about what we’ve been up to within our local community over the past few months. We recently shared the good news that Paddy Power will return as lead sponsors of our three day November meeting. The leading bookmaker previously sponsored the popular November Gold Cup from 2003 to 2015. We are delighted to be able to welcome them back. I would also like to express our thanks to all our sponsors and partners as we head into a challenging season. Finally, thank you to you for all your support over the past few months. We look forward to more quality sport gracing our course this year and hope to be able to welcome you all back to the Home of Jump Racing one day soon. Take care and best wishes,
CheltenhamRaces thehomeofjumpracing CheltenhamRaces
DESIGNED AND PRODUCED FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB BY: NEWHALL PUBLISHING LTD New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ newhallpublishing.com THE JOCKEY CLUB thejockeyclub.co.uk All prices and dates in the magazine were correct at the time of going to press. The contents of this magazine are owned by the publisher and may not be reproduced without permission. © Newhall Publishing Ltd 2020.
Ian Renton Regional Director, South West region of The Jockey Club
I NFORMAT I ON SEASON DATES
Don’t miss out on the key dates in the 2020-2021 Jump Racing Season S EA SON DAT E S
S E PT EMBER The Heart of England Two Day Race Meeting MONDAY Grand Season Opener TUESDAY The Warwickshire Food & Drink Raceday Warwick OC TOBER THURSDAY The Great Autumn Meeting Warwick THURSDAY Season Opener Exeter THURSDAY Season Opener Wincanton TUESDAY Best Mate Beginners Chase Day Exeter
JANUARY FRIDAY New Year’s Day Racing Cheltenham FRIDAY New Year’s Day Racing Exeter
SATURDAY The Showcase Cheltenham SUNDAY Racing Welfare Raceday Wincanton NOVEMBER TUESDAY Haldon Gold Cup Day Exeter FRIDAY Sporting Icon Raceday Warwick SATURDAY Badger Chase Day Wincanton WEDNESDAY Midweek Racing Exeter The November Meeting FRIDAY Countryside Day Cheltenham SATURDAY
THURSDAY Afternoon Racing
Wincanton SUNDAY Devon Air Ambulance Raceday Exeter DECEMBER THURSDAY Afternoon Racing Wincanton FRIDAY Festive Raceday Exeter THURSDAY Eventmasters Christmas At The Races Warwick The International FRIDAY SATURDAY
SATURDAY Festival Trials Day Cheltenham
MARCH The Festival™ TUESDAY Day One WEDNESDAY Day Two THURSDAY Day Three FRIDAY Day Four Cheltenham
Cheltenham TUESDAY Afternoon Racing Wincanton SATURDAY Boxing Day Wincanton THURSDAY New Year’s Eve Racing Warwick
SUNDAY Cheltenham WEDNESDAY Winter Warmer Warwick
*Sadly, all dates are subject to change
FRIDAY The Showcase Cheltenham
throughout the season
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LARA TELFER REINED IN CHARITY ALBUM
I NFORMAT I ON WHERE TO WATCH
Due to current Government Guidelines, we are not able to welcome our racegoers on course for our opening meetings of the season. That does not mean that you need to miss out on the racing action! WHE R E TO WAT CH
I TV RAC I NG The ITV Racing teamwill be back at the Home of Jump Racing with all the action for both days of The Showcase and three days of The November Meeting. Located in the Parade Ring, they are in the heart of the action and you won’t miss a beat with Ed and the team .
RAC I NG TV For avid racing fans, the Racing TV channel will be showing all our races for all our race meetings. With top racing pundits and analysis, Racing TV is the perfect place to mark your card and hear the most in-depth post-race breakdown. OUR RACEDAY HUB Head online to our Raceday Hub at thejockeyclub.co.uk/ cheltenham and get all the latest news from the course, re-watch historic races and bring the raceday into your home. Enjoy exclusive Preview Nights live on Zoomwith an expert panel including our very own Simon Claisse, Gold Cup-winning jockey Barry Geraghty and many more. Keep an eye out online for more information.
SOC I AL MED I A CHANNE L S Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get all the behind the scenes news.
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F EATURE JONJO O’NEILL SR. & JONJO O’NEILL JR.
Carrying the name of a horse racing legend brings with it extra attention and expectation. However, there is currently nobody cooler in the saddle than Jonjo O’Neill Jr. The two Jonjos
A proud dad – and now boss – sits with a wry smile when asked to talk about his namesake and son: “We didn’t really think of the potential pressure when we named him! I never really expected he would become a jockey.” Jonjo O’Neill Jr. jumped onto the racing scene in 2015 when, as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, he had his first winner under rules. “The name does bring scrutiny but I have never really felt the pressure. I’m one of five from dad and none of the others, apart from AJ (Anthony Joseph, the youngest child of Jonjo and Jacqui who assists Jonjo Sr. with the training and holds an amateur
licence), are really involved in the sport. So it wasn’t like I was born to follow in my dad’s footsteps so to speak. I was never pushed into it at all. Luckily now that I have had a small bit of success, it’s quite nice that we do have the same name and it’s a privilege to carry it on.” Acknowledged with a chuckle, Jonjo Sr. adds: “There was never any pressure. I am delighted he did choose this path though. All I had ever said to themwas whatever you choose to do, make sure you enjoy it like I do and you give it your very best shot.” As with many jump jockeys, injury risk is high, and for Jonjo Jr. a string of injuries hampered any consistency
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F EATURE JONJO O’NEILL SR. & JONJO O’NEILL JR.
The name does bring scrutiny but I have never really felt the pressure
I didn’t really lose it the right way. I think it was a big factor in me getting fractures to my back through osteoporosis. If I had the chance again I wouldn’t have done it that way, but you live and you learn.” While Jonjo Jr. was enjoying success on the rugby field and settling into his senior school, Cheltenham College, his father was enjoying his most fruitful period as a trainer with a Grand National victory in 2010 with Don’t Push It, followed by success with Synchronised in the Cheltenham Gold Cup two years later. “It was around this time, when I was about 12, that I knew I wanted to be a jockey,” says Jonjo Jr. “I was fascinated with studying the form of both flat and jump racing at school. I was fanatical about racing and should have probably done a lot more school work than I did!” In spite of that, the most important lessons came back at home at Jackdaws Castle when riding out in the string with the likes of AP McCoy, Noel Fehily and Dominic Elsworth on his 13.2 racing pony from the age of ten; a schooling that is the norm for many children of racehorse trainers. Jonjo Sr. fondly remembers a young Jonjo spending time on the gallops. “He was away at boarding school so never really on the yard that much, but when he was, he was always out with the jockeys or in the jeep with me, watching and learning from them.”
or progression during the early stages of his career; although all the signs were there of what a talented rider he was. Now aged 22 – and with a couple of injury-free seasons behind him – he has built up a huge reputation as one of the finest young jockeys in the UK, tipped by many to reach the very top of the sport, and is often compared to the great AP McCoy. Yet, it all could have been very different. “To start with I loved arenacross (indoor motocross),” Jonjo Jr. says, “and, although not doing much of it at all, I always wanted to do that. It was always going to be something competitive within sport.” “At one point rugby was much more the focus,” Jonjo Sr. chips in. “I would say it was 50/50 between both sports for a while.” Nodding in agreement, his son adds: “I was playing rugby at school as well as riding. They’re not really sports you can do together and I knew deep down that I wasn’t going to make it in rugby properly. I always thought I had a good chance to make it as a jockey if I sorted my weight out. “I was over 12st in my last rugby match and got down to 9st 4lb as an amateur the following year, and rode at 9st 7lb which I was no good at as it was far too light for me. I did 10st regularly and had winners off 9st 11lb so I lost over 2½st. To be honest it was all muscle and
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F EATURE JONJO O’NEILL SR. & JONJO O’NEILL JR.
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River in the Denman Chase at Newbury in the absence of the horse’s regular partner, Richard Johnson. If he felt any pressure from the racing world watching his every move, he definitely didn’t show it. He calmly, confidently and maturely got the job done. “That was definitely the biggest win of my career. I was very lucky to be asked to ride him. Dad has always encouraged me to ride for other people and I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I get.” “If you want to make it as a jockey you have to ride for other people,” adds Jonjo Sr. “You have to learn the different ways that trainers do things and listen to their advice. It is great that other trainers are giving him the opportunities to ride big winners – it’s a
To the outside eye Jonjo Jr. looked to have an upbringing that could only mean one thing for him. “I didn’t know anything different. I was very lucky with the amount of jockeys riding out all the time. My pony, Highmead Chatterbox, was really difficult and it was thought that if I could ride her then many of the horses would be a lot easier! You don’t really realise how much you are subconsciously learning from them all. “I was more or less learning alongside Richie McLernon throughout his whole apprenticeship, and at that time AP was riding lots for dad and was having loads of success. It was a great time and I know how lucky I am to have been in that position.” The last decade has seen a lot of changes at Jackdaws Castle. Jonjo Jr. is now his father’s main jockey and brother AJ assists Jonjo Sr. with the training of the
competitive game and it’s down to his hard work that gets him those chances.” They are separated by 44 years, but their appetite for success and passion for the sport is indistinguishable. When asked how the forthcoming season could look for the team, Jonjo Sr. couldn’t hide his excitement. “I feel hungrier unquestionably witnessing a future Champion Jockey. “I know everyone says they want to be Champion Jockey, but I really do. It’s something I have been trying to work towards, but I’m also very aware how hard it will be. You need a huge amount of support and the next couple of years will be about laying the foundations to put myself in the best position to achieve this.”
If youwant to make it as a jockey you have to ride for other people
horses. “We don’t argue too much,” jokes Jonjo Jr. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to say I work with both of them. It’s a special situation and we all have different views… Sometimes they’re even right!” It’s a system that is certainly blossoming, and
perhaps one that has helped recapture some ambitions for the elder Jonjo. “I have always been a quietly ambitious person,” he says. “However sometimes the odds don’t come out in your favour. The last few seasons it has definitely helped having AJ assisting me. And seeing Jonjo riding winners on horses that shouldn’t win gives me a great kick.”
than ever and am ready to give this season, and many more, all we have. We have lots of lovely young horses, a brilliant team in the yard, and wonderful owners.” And what does the future hold for Jonjo Jr. with the racing world at his feet? If he can steer clear from injuries we are
Although the 2019/20 Jump racing season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jonjo Jr. still managed to ride 61 winners, 26 more than his nearest rival and a number that saw him comfortably win the British Champion Conditional Jockey title. In February he was entrusted by Colin Tizzard with riding former
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THE NOVEMBER MEET I NG NOVEMBER
The November Meeting marks the start of the ‘proper’ Jump racing season. Mud ying, crowds roaring and top-class athletes return for our largest meet before Christmas, and this year Paddy Power is back as our lead sponsor THR E E DAY S OF MAG I C
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T he biggest names in sport will descend on Prestbury Park, many for the rst time since March as we begin three days of quality racing action, featuring the Paddy Power November Gold Cup on Saturday 14 November 2020. The prestigious handicap was won in ne style last year by Happy Diva for trainer Kerry Lee and jockey Richard Patrick. The pair held on strongly up the Cheltenham hill in muddy conditions with the famous green and gold silks worn by Barry Geraghty breathing
of the meeting due to the loss of the opening day thanks to 37mm rainfall in just 18 hours. For the rst time, proli c French trainer Emmanuel Clayeux landed the rst and second place in the unique race. Charlie Deutsch piloted the popular grey Diesel D’Allier to clear victory in the race, ahead of stablemate veteran Urgent De Gregaine under Felix de Giles. Trainer Emmanuel Clayeux hasn’t always specialised in Cross Country horses, he has nurtured the likes of De Du Seuil, Apple’s Jade and Grands Crus through their early careers, and he also
down the eventual winner’s neck aboard Brelan D’as. The November Meeting traditionally welcomes around 75,000 racegoers through the gates over the three days with the opener having an international feel with the rst cross-country race of the season. Historically, the Glenfarclas sponsored chase never fails to draw a crowd as the punters are able to cross the course to witness the unique fences and course up close. With runners often travelling from France, 2019’s rendition of the race was moved to the third day
THE NOVEMBER MEETING IS THE FIRST ‘PROPER’ JUMP RACING MEETING OF THE SEASON, WITH THREE DAYS OF MUCKY MUD SPLATTERED MAGIC
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THE NOVEMBER MEET I NG 13-15 NOVEMBER 2020
March. Punters who were there to witness the victory in a rainy and mud-splattered November may have backed the horse at The Festival™ when the mare went on to win the Arkle Chase for the team at a price of 16-1. Although March wasn’t as many had hoped for the popular JP McManus horse, Defi Du Seuil laid down his marker for the season in the Shloer Chase under Barry Geraghty. The pair justified their
bred dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo. Charlie Deutsch said of the win: “He was brilliant and gave me a great spin. I rode one for Mr Clayeux here two years ago and he jumped brilliantly. I got a phone call off him last week and I just said, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’- I didn’t even know what it was. He gave me a great spin and these French horses jump so well. “It was a great buzz. I probably went
a bit overboard, but I was having a good time! You’ve got to enjoy it because you don’t know when you’ll get a winner round here next, and I had a dream run. Later in the day, the Arkle Trial lived up to its name as Put The Kettle On and Aidan Coleman came home in front for Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead. Beating hot favourite Al Dancer by a convincing two and a half lengths, the duo set the scene for how things could turn out in
YOU’VE GOT TO ENJOY IT BECAUSE YOU DON’T KNOW WHEN YOU’LL GET A WINNER ROUND HERE NEXT, AND I HAD A DREAM RUN
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THE NOVEMBER MEET I NG 13-15 NOVEMBER 2020
the pace isn’t that strong, and there was a lack of room there, though he managed to push out of the gap. “Although he obviously stays very well he’s got loads of pace. And he’s very brave, isn’t he. He does dig deep.” The November Meeting is the first ‘proper’ Jump racing meeting of the season, with three days of mud- splattered, quality action and magic. The November Meeting is where the real season begins.
11/8 favouritism in the Grade 2 2m Chase by finishing just over one length clear of the eventual 2020 Betway Queen Mother Champion Chaser, Politologue. Defi Du Seuil clearly has a very special place in the Hobbs household, and the trainer admitted to having a frog in his throat as the six-year-old battled up the hill for a 12th career success from 18 starts. He said: “I’m delighted he managed to win, as four runners is never ideal for a horse like him, especially when
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THE SHOWCAS E 23-24 OCTOBER 2020
THE WA I T I S OVE R
After a long summer we all begin to crave those winter nights with the fire roaring and your gloves defrosting on the stove after a day at the races. The weather turning can only mean one thing… Jump racing is back
T he last weekend in October the season. Champion trainers, jockeys and owners will travel to the place we like to call home for a shot at glory over the meeting. Although this year is going to look a little different, with no crowds present to roar the racing stars home, one thing is for sure, the magic of Cheltenham is still around. The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of racegoers as they flooded through the gates on Day One in 2019. The opening meeting of the season has a local feel, with racecourse friends and neighbours travelling to Prestbury Park welcomes The Showcase meeting. Two days of quality Jump racing action, marking the ‘real’ start to
lovely for him to come back. He won first time out for us a few years ago, missing all last season through a back injury, and he has just done brilliant today. The owners have been so patient, anyone else could have given up on him.” Fergal’s third and final winner of the day came in the last race, with Connor Brace landing the Matchbook Betting Exchange Podcast Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle aboard 5/2 favourite Benny’s Bridge. Under a very cool ride from Connor, the pair finished an impressive eight lengths clear of the field. Fergal said of his two younger jockeys, both celebrating their first Cheltenham successes: “Paddy walked the track with Liam and Connor this morning and told
to get the Jump racing season started ‘properly’. Local trainers always receive a fantastic reaction, and the crowds around the famous Parade Ring light up, and October 2019 was no different. Local trainer Fergal O’Brien was on fire as he clocked up a treble courtesy of Champagne Well, who went off the 13/8 favourite under Paddy Brennan in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The FOB Racing team then had to wait until the penultimate race of the day, the Cheltenham Business Club Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase, for young Liam Harrison and Petite Power. This was the horse’s first day back on the track since 2018 having missed the previous season with a back injury. Fergal said: “It was
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THE SHOWCAS E 23-24 OCTOBER 2020
I WAS PROBABLY IN FRONT A TOUCH LONGER THAN I WOULD HAVE LIKED BUT I AM JUST DELIGHTED TO WIN Tom Cannon after winning on The Condi t ional
Festival early on in the season was Harry Whittington-trained Saint Calvados. The popular chaser justified favouritism under Gavin Sheehan and held off his rivals by a length. Fast forward five months, and the seven-year-old gelding was beaten by a neck in the Grade One Ryanair Chase on Day Three of The Festival by the Willie Mullins-trained Min. The Showcase welcomes Jump racing back to its spiritual home with open arms, and although you may not be able to see the biggest names on show in person, you are sure to be able to mark your card with eye-catching performances ahead of the season with live coverage on ITV Racing.
Tom said: “It’s tough going. We are splashing through a lot of water and it’s obviously on the heavy side. I got a great ride from The Conditional and he handled the conditions. He jumped well and it was one of those races when everything went right from start to finish. “David Bridgwater told me not to be in front too soon and I was probably in front a touch longer than I would have liked but I am just delighted to win. It’s not often that I get a chance on a day like this and it is great.” The Conditional went on to enjoy success at The Festival™ under Brendan Powell in the Ultima Handicap Chase, giving David his first success as a trainer at The Festival. Another to lay his cards out for The
both of them it’s a long way home, the ground will be testing, just ride the finish – and that’s what he’s done.” The locals had more to cheer about on the opening day as promising Novice Chaser Al Dancer lived up to his hurdling hype for father-son duo Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies. The Novice Chaser went off as the 10/11 favourite in the squareintheair.com Novice Chase and looked a very promising type over fences. The rain didn’t stop play on day two of The Showcase, with seven quality races on the track. The Conditional defied the odds and held off 4/1 favourite West Approach in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase under Tom Cannon for trainer David Bridgwater.
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THE F E S T I VAL 16-19 March 2020
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F EATURE CHANELLE MCCOY
THE REAL MCCOY Wife, mother, and extremely successful business woman, Chanelle McCoy looks like the woman that has it all, but it has not been without dedication, hard work and obsession for success – does that sound like another McCoy you know? Meet Chanelle
E scaping the August heat, Chanelle enjoyed a video call with TV presenter and friend of Cheltenham Racecourse, Lee McKenzie, to talk life in lockdown, being married to racing’s biggest superstar and her exciting new business venture. After a few rounds of “you’re on mute”, Lee and Chanelle were embracing the new normal and chatting with a coffee. Lady Chanelle McCoy is arguably best known for being married to 20-time Champion Jockey Sir AP McCoy OBE, but there is much more behind the glamorous Cheltenham outfits than people may think. “Probably 90% of people didn’t know I had a job or worked,” Chanelle explains, “because, through no fault of theirs, when you meet them at racing or a social occasion, they just want to talk about AP. And I was okay with that because he was the star of the house and obviously I am incredibly proud.” Chanelle oozes confidence, a smile on her face and approachable to racegoers, fans and anyone she encounters. “I think that comes with self-confidence. Not having that need to shout about what you’re doing because people aren’t really interested.” The tables began to turn in 2015 when the legendary Sir AP McCoy hung up his boots. As he was waving goodbye to the Weighing Room, Chanelle was beginning a new journey of her own overseas in Ireland. “I became an investor on Ireland’s series of Dragon’s Den and it certainly surprised a few people!” Despite having worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 18 years, building her family business into multi- million pound global company, many of her friends had no idea about the level of success she had achieved in her own right. “Being a Dragon was really nice; it meant that I was able to kind of shine a little bit after AP retired. He is incredibly supportive, he finds it really interesting and if I’m honest, if you’d asked him during his career what I did in my job, I don’t think
he would have had any idea – he’d just say ‘she does something with pharmaceuticals!’” Now, having been locked down together he has been hearing her on conference call after conference call as she launched her new CBD product for her company, Pureis. CBD is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. It is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. With over eight million people using CBD products in the UK each year, it is a rapidly growing market, and Chanelle and her team are delighted to be able to claim that they are the first CBD food supplement to come on the market that is clinically safe and ultra-pure. “Having been in the family business for so long, it was nice to venture out and do something on my own.” Chanelle co-founded the medical side of the family business with her father in 2000, which together they got into 96 markets around the world. “I drove that for 18 years so I have a lot of experience with knock-backs and trying to break into new markets as well as understanding the regulatory hurdles.” Chanelle emphasises how proud she is of what she achieved in the family business but in 2015 it felt like the right time to do something for herself, which led to research into the healing properties of CBD. “I was inspired by listening to a number of mums, and one particular parent in Ireland whose children suffer from multiple seizures. CBD at a high dosage is very good to control these debilitating seizures. These parents were trying to get access to CBD and they couldn’t and were ending up needing to re-mortgage their houses to afford the products. I thought, with my background in pharma, I am in a really good position to be able to bring out a really good quality CBD product that is accessible. It is all about values before dollars. We love hearing that we have helped people; that is what we wanted to do.” Although Pureis’ initial product is a food supplement, Chanelle explains that this is only step one of the
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F EATURE CHANELLE MCCOY
journey. “Ultimately we want to do lots more clinical studies and get it as a prescription drug at a much higher dose as well as retaining the food supplement. “Pureis customers have been telling us how the products help to ease joint pain, how their sleep has improved, how it has increased calmness – it’s really great to hear that it’s helping people.” With children, a husband, home schooling and her new business taking off, there was rarely a dull day for the McCoy family. “Look, we are so blessed where we live. We are in the countryside, we have a bit of land, and we’ve got the ponies and horses so there’s lots to do. AP loved it. He isn’t the biggest social butterfly anyway and has only really ventured to the golf course since.” Like for many, the change in pace has been tricky to adjust to as we have been forced to take a pause. Chanelle had her concerns for AP and filling his time as the yard was quiet. But the phrase ‘boys and their toys’ springs to mind as he headed to the local Plant Hire to hire a digger to fill his void. “I am really impressed with what a good digger driver he is! He has totally refined our gallop. He was out and gone in the morning and didn’t come back until the evening. So that was him, I was thinking great, he is mentally going to get through lockdown with him and his digger!” Chanelle and AP have two children, Eve aged 12 and Archie aged six, who were housebound and adopted two different approaches to home-schooling. “With the home-schooling Eve is good as she’s old enough to just want to get on and do it. She loves her showjumping, she’s got herself to the top of the Gold league for 13.2hh ponies, which ranks her number one in that category in the country, so she had her ponies to keep her entertained.” Eve’s showjumping has taken off over the past few months, and she looks set to follow in her father’s footsteps to the very top in the equestrian world. “It is all she wants in her career, to be a professional showjumper. She read Nick Skelton’s book and said to me, ‘You know mummy, if I make the Olympics when I became an investor on Ireland’s series of Dragon’s Den and it certainly surprised a few people!
I am 18, I can get 12 Olympics in during my life because Nick rode at the Olympics until he was 60 so I have it worked out.’ I am so delighted that she doesn’t want to be a jockey. That would have been my worst nightmare. I would never want to stop her or get in the way of what she wants but when you go for 18 years and watch the injuries that your husband has had and the hospital visits and you just think I don’t want to do this all again. I don’t want my child to go through this. So I am delighted she is in to the showjumping. I mean, whether she will continue to have the talent, let’s wait and see!” With a dad with a nickname ‘Champ’ and a mumwith a business rationale like Chanelle’s, it wouldn’t surprise many that Eve has the determination to go all the way. “AP isn’t tough on her but he certainly keeps her very level. It is funny watching the dynamic between them because he is very economical with his praise. “If she has a pole down, I am just like ‘You are just amazing Eve, I just think you’re the best’ and he says ‘Well she’s not, because she didn’t win. You did okay Eve, but why do you think you had that pole?’ He says you’re only amazing when you either do your very personal best or you win.” However, when the praise does come, it makes it much more worthwhile. “She really tries to impress him and obviously recently when she won, then he was like you are amazing, you are top of the league so she was delighted, she’s been waiting for it for a long time!” While Eve was able to dive into school work, and spend time with her ponies, Archie found it a little harder to fall in love with lockdown life. “Archie is six
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We love hearing that we have helped people; that is what we wanted to do
and had no interest in home-schooling. It was just a constant battle for a fewweeks and I just thought you knowwhat, he is learning so much being out in the digger with AP and out in the yard with the lads. So why not let him get on with that? “It was really interesting to see because he would have been quite a shy, withdrawn kid but he has really blossomed. I think having AP and I around for all these months has meant he has been able to relax. He knows we aren’t going anywhere so he isn’t worrying about where we are, or who will be taking him to school in the morning. It has been lovely.” Chanelle is the first to admit that in the early years of Eve’s life in particular, she found it difficult to find her work/life balance. Spending a lot of her time travelling between Ireland and London, the past few months have given them time as a family. With Pureis set to take the CBD world by storm, and AP still in control of his digger alongside his work with ITV Racing, not forgetting Eve who looks set to soar to new heights in the showjumping world, and Archie could be ready to follow in his father’s footsteps or whatever direction he chooses, lockdown life with the McCoys’ doesn’t sound too bad at all. You can find out more about Pureis and its range of products at pureiscbd.com
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THE JOCKEY CLUB OWNERSHIP 2020/22 CHELTENHAM AND SOUTH WEST SYNDICATE EVER FANCIED A SHARE IN A RACEHORSE? A UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE SYNDICATE FOR THOSE WHO TRULY LOVE THE EXCITEMENT OF JUMP RACING AND DREAM OF OWNING A FESTIVAL WINNER
A FEW OF THE BENEFITS OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP:
“The Cheltenham and South West Syndicate is a particularly exciting opportunity for racing enthusiasts as it includes full annual membership to Cheltenham, Exeter, Wincanton and Warwick. It really is a great way to experience the joy of racehorse ownership.”
• Three top trainers including Nicky Henderson, Harry Whittington and Kim Bailey • Prize money and increased value of horses dividends • Organised stable visits and trips • Two year complimentary membership to Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick, and Wincanton Racecourses • An exclusive members facility at The Festival™ • Meet our Ambassadors Ed Chamberlin, Adam Henson, Lee McKenzie, and Jonny Bairstow • Exclusive events, updates, and newsletters • Racing Manager integration
Ed Chamberlin ITV Racing Presenter & SW Syndicate Ambassador
MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW FOR JUST £3,250pp FOR TWO YEARS JOIN US TODAY BY CONTACTING HANNAH ON (+44) 07790 356820 OR EMAIL CHELTENHAM.SYNDICATE@THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK OR VISIT WWW.THEJOCKEYCLUB.CO.UK/CHELTENHAM
F EATURE THE CHELTENHAM AND SOUTH WEST SYNDICATE
Thanks to life in lockdown the remaining months of The Cheltenham and South West Syndicate were not quite what we might have expected The Syndicate
U nable to see them on a (and let’s face it, entertained!). The ‘Zoom Stable’ was established so we could hear from our ambassadors Ed Chamberlin, Lee McKenzie and Adam Henson, but also as a way for members to meet the trainer of our nal addition in the newly launched 2020-22 Syndicate, Harry Whittington and Docpickedme. Based in Lambourn, Harry is now in his eighth season of training, and has already saddled a Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winner in the shape of Simply The Betts, who won the Browne Advisory racecourse or visit the horses at home, like others we used technology to keep informed
champion trainer Nicky Henderson. He was slightly unlucky at the start of his career when sustaining an injury at home on the gallops. He came back into work last summer and had three impressive runs in bumpers. The best of which was when he nished second in a tactical race at Kempton, where he was beaten by just a neck. Covid cut short his season as Nicky had planned for him to have a run over hurdles before being put away for the summer. It was a winning start for our new syndicate courtesy of Diamond River who won a bumper at Uttoxeter ahead of an exciting season. All in all we have a very exciting trio of horses and yards behind us to go war with this season and no doubt Harry’s young team and up-and-coming pro le will perfectly complement his two older counterparts for the coming season. To nd out more about our syndicate and how to join, head to www. thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham.
and out of Hard Luck, an Old Vic mare. He won his Irish point to point in March 2020 showing lots of stamina and a turn of foot to beat talented sons of Shirocco and Coastal Path. Harry’s plan is for him to start somewhere like our Class 2 National Hunt Flat Race at The Showcase in October before hurdling for the rest of the season. As well as this new addition, we have Hes No Trouble, a two-time winner last season who is trained by the ever-hospitable Kim Bailey. He underwent a minor wind operation in February after a run on heavy ground at Ludlow exposed signs of a weakness.
Merribelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase. Our horse, Docpickedme, or ‘Derek’ as he is known, is a striking four-year-old chestnut gelding by Getaway
Our third horse, Diamond River, is a ashy individual in training with none other than the six-time
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F EATURE IN THE COMMUNITY
In times with darkness unseen in a lifetime, there has been a constant, enduring light… Abeaconof hope T he spirit of community has offered hope. Individuals coming together to make something hard a little easier, to work a little better, to feel a little happier. Cheltenham is football club, Cheltenham Saracens. Affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA, and currently members of the Hellenic League Division One West, the team plays at nearby Petersfield Park. Like Cheltenham
Racecourse, the Club is a central part of the local community and leads the way with local engagement. Triple jumper Joel Townley was a standalone athlete without the backing of a high-profile club or industry, so we were delighted to give him our support. His kit is provided by us, and we work with him to raise his profile and drive awareness of his position in this challenging sport. In February, Joel won gold at the Midland Championships in both long jump and triple jump. We look forward with great anticipation to see what this young sportsman will achieve next. We recently welcomed the challenge of assisting the Pittville community with their plan to enhance the area’s floral displays. We embraced the opportunity to support them with practical assistance and advice. Ben Hastie, our head Groundsman and local resident is working with the Cheltenham team to share their horticultural experience and expertise. The equine world is at the very heart of Cheltenham Racecourse, so we are always keen to find ways to support different areas of this vast community. None is more deserving than the Riding for the Disabled
honoured to be part of many communities, and we are proud to support each of them in any way we can. Our involvement is wide ranging. From offering tickets to local charities’ fundraising to channelling efforts into more complex initiatives, we ensure that we always work to support as many individuals and causes as we can. The unique circumstances of the pandemic have put unprecedented strain on the need for safe outdoor space. Our land has provided sanctuary for those walking dogs, exercising or simply being outdoors; the Racecourse is the perfect backdrop for a moment’s solace. At the other end of the spectrum, the high energy of Battle Bootcamp’s need for sufficient space has been equally well served. We provided a suitable environment, ending the uphill struggle for organisers to secure safe space. Diversifying like this, using the Racecourse and its buildings in ways never considered before has been a silver lining to the cloud of Covid. As a proud sporting venue, we are committed to supporting other institutions, clubs and athletes. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of our local
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As a proud sporting venue, we are committed to supporting other institutions, clubs and athletes
F EATURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Association. With its incredible stories of bravery in the face of remarkable challenges, the RDA reminds us that horses and ponies provide not just the exhilaration of racing, but a calming, therapeutic support to people of all ages who live with a disability. We are tremendously proud of our relationship with the RDA, which can always be found on our family racedays making rosettes or colouring in with the hundreds of children who descend on the Racecourse. Without the racing community, institutions like ours would be lost. With no fans to fill the stands and no jockeys to provide the spectacle, the amphitheatre of Cheltenham Racecourse would have a very different soul. It is of fundamental importance to us that we support the next generation of racing enthusiasts, both on and off the track. As such we remain committed to our Junior Jumpers initiative, which goes from strength to strength, providing young racegoers to The Jockey Club in the South West with an identity and a voice. We are always looking for ways to diversify our programmes and an opportunity presented itself for Junior Jumpers in the form of Pony Racing. Offering a glimpse into the future, a springboard for aspiring young jockeys to experience hallowed turf, showcasing their talents at fixtures such as Cheltenham’s Good Friday meeting. It was here that we met Aamilah Aswat, a girl with perfect hands and posture. Despite getting the best from her pony, she was last. For a talented rider to be so well beaten was a shame. One of the wonderful things about being involved in our local community is that we come across people like Imran. While communities can make great things happen for good causes, this is the story of a good cause making great things happen for its community. Imran and his colleague Sarah support local children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to ride, have access to ponies and lessons. He is the soul of The St James City Farm; a hidden gem at the heart of Gloucester City, with chickens, a goat, a pot-bellied pig, ducks and a pony – and a girl who captured hearts on Good Friday. When we met Aamilah and Imran, we knew what we wanted to do. We would purchase a pony for Aamilah and the others at St James City Farm to ride and to race, and this time be competitive. Pony after pony was viewed and lost. Dejected but unbeaten, we enlisted Whetherwe are giving back or paying it forward, communitymatters
the help of Gold Cup-winning trainer Noel Chance to find a pony in Ireland. A great supporter of the Racecourse, Noel rose to the challenge. After hundreds of miles of searching, he found a hugely exciting prospect, Al Buraaq Zara, a pony with fantastic bloodlines out of Notepad by Zebedee, the progeny of stars Invincible Spirit and King’s Best. Zipping along gallops kindly lent by legendary trainer Kim Bailey, Zara began to bond with Aamilah. The pony was more than living up to expectation and Aamilah was proving that the great posture and hands we saw on Good Friday really were the marks of a budding professional jockey. Despite the challenges of lockdown, the partnership continues to grow. Aamilah keeps Zara in work, maintaining her fitness, keeping her ready for her next step, to race. So, with that in mind, Olympic Equestrian and Cheltenham Committee member Zara Tindall paid her namesake a visit. Greeted by the goat, Zara found Imran’s ponies hidden out of sight in spotless stables. Aamilah was quietly tacking up her perfectly groomed pony, their bond apparent. Introducing the two Zaras, Aamilah led them to the arena before Zara shared her experience and wisdom. As she left, Zara joked that there was little point in her coming as Aamilah is more than capable, and her little namesake is most exciting. Having such a giant of the equestrian world visit the farm was a glowing endorsement of the wonderful facility that the charity provides for its community. The visit was a great high for staff and volunteers at the end of a tough six months, a turning point with Aamilah and Zara now able to look forward to the season ahead. There is always more to do, but the excitement here is building as the seed of our community programme begins to shoot. Our Junior Jumpers will have a pony to follow for this season and for many more to come. Whether we are giving back or paying it forward, community matters.
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