Go Pointing 2024-25 - Volume 17 by GOPOINTING

GO POINTING

MAXIMUS MARCHES CLEAR ON TAKING DEBUT

COVER PHOTO: Maximus Oxo (Josh Newman) Div2 Larkhill PTP Flat Race Photo: Tim Holt

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CLAIRE HART

THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY ROSIE HOWARTH

By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent

Ballydonagh boy provided Yorkshire-based jockey Rosie Howarth with the first leg of a memorable double at Charm Park on Sunday. Howarth, aged 28 who lives in Wilton, near Pickering on the family run dairy farm completed the double aboard Ballydonagh Boy in the Ladies Open and Greater Glory in the Maiden. Both winners came from the Chery Coward yard where Howarth rides out four days per week.

Howarth grew up on the family farm and explains to me how her riding began: “I wanted to ride and Dad used to drop me of at the local gypsy camp on his way to market. I learned on the ponies and my love for riding grew. I went to college and studied agriculture because involvement in the farm was always going to be my vocation but growing up with horses in my life and hunting an involvement in racing was a natural path.” Working for flat trainers Julie Camacho, Roger Fell and then Mick Easterby led Howarth to where she is today. During this time Howarth had kickstarted her point-to-point riding career and started out on a maiden for Chris Barker. A first victory was recorded in May 2019 aboard Major Ridge who she trained at home on the family farm. Rossderin and Merrion Avenue provided further winners before an association with team ‘Coward’ struck and momentum gathered. “I was working for Mick Easterby and Jacqueline Coward approached me about a job, I went there and haven’t looked back. I rode a winner in a bumper on my first ride for them on Purse Price. They have been so supportive and I love working there.” She says. The statistics tell me nine winners in 2022 for Coward – that suggests being involved in the formidable team with Jacqueline as her mentor was a good move. Howarth’s riding accolades have seen her win the Yorkshire area Novice Ladies title in 2020,2021 and 2022 and the area Ladies Title in 2022 and 2023. The victories at Charm Park on Sunday were very special, she tells me: “I have been desperate to ride a winner at Charm, it is my local and also my favourite track. I was counting on Ballydonagh Boy and he yet again produced the goods. That was my eighth win on him. I love him to bits, he really tries and gives it his all, he has been very good to me.” She continues: “Isla John and I have shared the rides, she has also won on him. The cowards have been brilliant to us both.”

A perfect partnership - Rosie and Ballydonagh Boy at Sheriff Hutton in January

Photo: Tom Milburn

During our chat Howarth was in the car and driving to the family farm to milk the cows, I asked her about her weekly regime, she tells me: “I ride out four days a week and usually ride about seven horses, I then come back to the farm to milk cows and do whatever needs doing. We have 800 cows here so it keeps me busy.” Intrigue got the better of me and I questioned the commitment to the farm. “There is no expectation to work on the farm from my family. It just works and I enjoy it. It suits me, allows me to be flexible with the riding out at Cowards and I can enjoy the pointing. I have worked full-time in racing, but I genuinely wouldn’t have it any other way.” Naturally I pursued this and asked if there had ever been further ambitions to be a jockey “No, maybe if I was younger and the chance came along but I am committed to the farm and the pointing is something I love so much. Going each weekend, everyone is so friendly, it’s sociable. I actually don’t think I could sit in a car all week to ride each day- I love it being my hobby.” She confirms.

Howarth is full of praise for the formidable team she is based with, recognizes and appreciates the benefits of their way. Greater Glory who won the maiden on Sunday has clearly had his problems, “I don’t know how Sam [Coward, Cherry’s Daughter] got him there, he is a lovely horse and really deserved to win. Whilst the horses run in Cherry’s name, Sam is the backbone of the operation. She is an incredible horsewoman and due to Jac having now got the two children she keeps the ball rolling brilliantly. The horses live herd-style in barns and they are all so happy and relaxed. The Cowards really are amazing, Jac is my jockey coach and I always listen to what I could improve on. I am constantly thinking I want to be better.” She then adds laughing: “Cherry soon brings me down to earth, this morning, [Tuesday] she told me ‘you’re a good jockey on a good horse!’ they certainly won’t allow for my head to get too big! The three of them certainly keep me in check!” The association with the Cowards and due to Jacqueline holding a dual license under-rules, has allowed Howarth to venture down the avenue of a few rides on the flat. She tells me: “I have had a couple of seconds on Valley of Flowers, and I would love to win

summer.”

Of Howarth Jacqueline says: “Rosie has a wonderful calm way with horses and doesn’t interfere with them. A lot of riders can’t sit still and that causes problems. Her laid-back attitude compliments her saddle skills and that’s why she gets on so well with Ballydonagh Boy.”

I conclude by asking Howarth of any further ambitions, she says: “I guess a ride around Cheltenham- everyone wants to do that don’t they? And Aintree. That would be amazing but I do need to get my category B license for that though.” An air of realization echoed through Howarth’s tone as she said this and added: “I guess then I could also ride against the professionals.” Food for thought and we shared a giggle about her apparent laid-back way to which she explained: “I really am the most laid-back person you will ever meet, I have no worries. Cherry often says I am horizontal.”

Good thing or bad thing I ask? Laid-back she may be, but talented and committed also, attributes which clearly work for this young lady within a top team.

the Ladies race at York. You win your weight in champagne, being a Yorkshire girl it is a pinnacle event during the

Rosie and Rossderrin in action at Brocklesby - March 2022

Photo: Nina Edminson

A great team - with Greater Glory at Charm Park last weekend

Photo: Tom Milburn

IN THE FRAME

Maiden Race winner Huckleberry Sting and Gina Andrews at Didmarton

Photo: Alun Sedgmore

Ask Nile, Heidi Palin (1st) Ladies Conditions Race (Level 3) For Grass Roots Riders at Larkhill -

Photo: Tim Holt

Karaka de Thaix and Dale Peters at Charm Park

Photo: Tom Milburn

ON THE CLOCK

The Cheltenham Festival may be just around the corner but Aintree is also less than a month away. Bennys King (126) has been runner up in the last two renewals of the Aintree Foxhunters and seems set to defy his advancing years and give another fine spin this time around. The sprightly fourteen-year-old is consistency personified and he took some notable (and disappointing) scalps when running away with Leicester’s Cottesmore Hunters Chase; a performance that will have also buoyed Cheltenham hope Lift Me Up’s connections given that their horse had given weight and a beating to Bennys King at Warwick the time before.

Back between the flags there were again several small fields, some falsely run events and some form upsets – albeit with close and exciting finishes. This was not the case at Didmarton however where, on perfect going Crocodile Lounge (114) made light of his five-pound penalty to take apart a field of nine in the Restricted. He looks a strong stayer in the making and, although he may be more vulnerable in future to a rival with a turn of speed, he has the size and scope to continue on an upward trajectory. The re-introduction of penalties to Restricteds has been an outstanding success and Crocodile Lounge’s success was another in a division that appears particularly strong this year.

There was little of note on the clock at Ampton - L’Aventara’s storming success coming in the only truly run race in the card- but Crawter (104) and Two in Tune (104) fought out a good finish at Larkhill. The former was far less impressive than at the previous meeting, jumping rather hesitantly and appearing to be rather nursed home by his rider, but he still showed plenty of speed between the obstacles and should continue on the upgrade. Two in Tune improved substantially on his previous form and can find compensation.

Four of the six winners on the Charm Park card had previously appeared in this column but it was the performance of Carriglux (110) that drew the eye this time around. The nine-year-old who was always travelling well, quickened to the front three from home and had too much speed for favourite Cash or Card. Lightly raced, he can follow up.

There are now six meetings across the country this weekend and the Vaughan stable can land a double at the re-arranged Howick fixture with Designer Destiny and the classy Angels Breath. Whatudoing returns to Friars Haugh where he can take the Restricted while Where’s Willy can also put course form to good use in the preceding Maiden. There will be some unhappy punters if Hopping Mad Wife does not collect in the Maiden at High Easter where Red Maple can take the eight-year-old Conditions. Mumbo Jumbo has looked a class act this season and will start at short odds in the Intermediate at the Pytchley but the Pennock stable has now rediscovered its form and Trojan Du Berlais is a value alternative having run very well behind Designed to Win at Garthorpe. Kelly Morgan appears to have found the ideal opening for the hitherto disappointing Dusart in the Grass Riders race that ends the card. Holkham Hall catches the eye in the Charlton Horethorne entries having been runner-up to the useful Jet Smart last term while Ideal Du Tabert should win again at Bangor.

L'Aventara showed improved form following her seasonal reappearance in January. Photo: Neale Blackburn

LATEST RESULTS

DIDMARTON 01/03/2025

1:00 1. FIL D’ARIANE (FR) D. White 2-5F 2. MILTOWN BRIDGE (IRE) Miss C. Emsley 6-1 3. PALLADIUM (GB) D. Kyne 4-1 (6 ran).

1:40 1. CROCODILE LOUNGE (IRE) B. Gibbs 2-1 2. PERRYVILLE (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 4-1 3. DESERT FORTUNE (IRE) H.Crow 20-1 (9 ran).

2:15 1. DALAMOI (IRE) Edward Vaughan 11-8 2. I K BRUNEL (GB) Mrs I. Hill 5-4F 3. ENQARDE (FR) Freddie Keighley 9-1 (6 ran).

2:50 1. ALAPHILIPPE (IRE) James King 7-4F 2. DOC CARVER (IRE) Miss R. Pugh 8-1 3. WALK IN THE WILD (FR) W. Biddick 7-1 (13 ran).

3:25 1. WESTERN COWBOY (IRE) W. Badlan 9-4F 2. POWERSTOWN PARK (IRE) S. Mead 5-2 3. ASSASSINS LULLABY (IRE) Miss T. Little 20-1 (8 ran).

4:00 1. HUCKLEBERRY STING (GB) Miss G. Andrews 5-1 2. CELTIC HARMONY (IRE) W. Biddick 5-4F 3. TENNESSEE ORANGE (IRE) James King 9-4 (11 ran).

AMPTON 02/03/2025

1:00 1. CAPTAIN BIGGLES (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 1-3F 2. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (GB) T. Hutsby 4-1 3. TAKE TO HEART (GB) A.Chadwick 4-1 (3 ran).

1:35 1. L’AVENTARA (GB) Edward Vaughan 7-4F 2. MISTER SPLASH (IRE) R. Stearn 2-1 3. TOUCH TIGHT (IRE) P. York 5-1 (4 ran).

2:10 1. TULLYS TOUCH (IRE) Miss Ellie Holder Evens 2. LEARNTALOT (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 4-6F (2 ran).

2:45 1. PAPER MILL (GB) C. Case 1-2F 2. SHOAL BAY (IRE) T. Hutsby 5-4 (3 ran).

3:20 1. JASMIN DES BORDES (FR) Mrs V. Frost 5-1 2. PATRICKS HILL (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 5-1 3. SPORTS MAGIC (IRE) C.Buckle Evens (9 ran).

3:55 1. GALILEO SILVER (IRE) D. Cherriman 5-4 2. IMNOTTALKINGTOYOU (IRE) Cian Murphy 4-6F 3. CARROLLS COTTAGE (IRE) S.Mead 6-1 (5 ran).

4:30 1. JERSEY FROMENTIN (FR) Edward Vaughan 3-1 2. SOLDIER AT WAR (GER) Connor Baker 6-5 3. GOOD SOURCE (IRE) R.Stearn 4-6F (3 ran).

CHARM PARK 02/03/2025

12:30 1. GLENMOUNT (IRE) James King 5-4F 2. MOROZOV COCKTAIL (IRE) W. Easterby 7-1 3. CULLIN HILLS (GB) Paddy Barlow 7-1 (14 ran).

1:05 1. KARAKA DE THAIX (FR) D. Peters 13-8F 2. MARCH ON OXO (IRE) T. McCain-Mitchell 5-2 3. ALAN BRESIL (GB) B.Gibbs 9-2 (6 ran).

1:40 1. BALLYDONAGH BOY (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 11-10J 2. TAP TAP BOOM (GB) Miss P. J. Brown 8-1 (6 ran).

2:15 1. RED DELTA (GB) J. Dawson 9-2 2. JET OF MAGIC (IRE) B. Gibbs 5-4 3. CAMDONIAN (IRE) C. Furness 4-5F (6 ran).

2:50 1. CARRIGLUX (IRE) Joe Wright 7-2 2. HOLLYWOOD HARMON (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 14-1 3. CASH OR CARD (IRE) D.Peters 5-4F (10 ran).

3:25 1. GREATER GLORY (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 4-1 2. BEAN NORTY (GB) Miss L. Cooper 20-1 3. DERWENT DEALER (IRE) T.E.Easterby 5-1 (14 ran).

LARKHILL

02/03/2025

12:00 1. PALOMA BLUE (IRE) J. Newman 1-3F 2. SAKE OF SECRECY (IRE) J. Bament 6-1 3. PREMIER D’TROICE (FR) J.Earnshaw 5-1 (7 ran).

12:35 1. O’HALLORANS CASTLE (IRE) B. Lovegrove-Fielden 7-1 2. LUCARNE (GB) F. Philipson-Stow 16-1 3. AFRICAN LADY (IRE) M.McIntyre 8-1 (11 ran).

1:10 1. VIVA LAVILLA (IRE) M. McIntyre 8-11F 2. LARRY (GB) G. Gorman Evens (2 ran).

1:45 1. CRAWTER (IRE) J. Newman 4-6F 2. TWO IN TUNE (IRE) Charlie Sprake 6-1 3. BULLETOFEXPRESSION (IRE) J.Bament 6-1 (7 ran).

2:20 1. ASK NILE (IRE) Miss H. Palin 6-1 2. BLAGTHEBOOKIES (IRE) Mrs I Sankey 10-1 3. DOCTOR DOYEN (IRE) Miss T. Little 20-1 (8 ran).

2:55 1. AMATCHMADEINHEAVEN (GB) M. McIntyre 12-1 2. LILY MY GIRL (GB) W. Biddick 2-1 3. MY LOVELY HORSE (FR) S.Lee 6-1 (8 ran).

3:25 1. MAXIMUS OXO (IRE) J. Newman 11-10F 2. TRIGGER THE LIGHT (IRE) Miss L. Bradstock 2-1 3. CARACARA (GB) W.Biddick 4-1 (7 ran).

NATIONAL POINT-TO-POINT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25

SEASON LEADERBOARDS.

• Goffs Ladies’ Champion Jockey

• Tattersalls Jockey Club Sales Men’s Champion Jockey

• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Ladies’ Novice Rider

• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Men’s Novice Rider

• Foran Equine Champion Trainer

• Foran Equine Leading Trainer (6-14 horses)

• Oriental Club Leading Trainer (5 horses or fewer)

• Point-to-Point Racing Company Leading Owner

• Connolly’s Red Mills Champion Horse

In the event of a tie in any category, the winner will be decided by second placings. If it is still tied, third, then fourth placings will decide the winner. Walkovers will again not count towards any National Championship in 2024-25.