PHIL YORK Lands Penshurst Treble
VOL 19 20 / MARCH / 2025 READ HIS GRASS ROOTS STORY ON PAGE 4
COVER PHOTO: Phil aboard D’last Spez
Photo: Graham Fisher
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THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY PHIL YORK
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
Record breaking jockey Phil York rode a treble at Penshurst on Sunday and at aged 58 shows no sign of retiring and living life in the slow lane. Whilst one of Sundays winners was a walkover aboard Touch Tight who he trains for his wife Karen, an unseat in the last race when challenging prevented him from a possible four-timer. Quite the feat for a man who had his first ride in the early eighties when body protectors weren’t a requirement and safety factors were non-existent.
Home has always been Effingham in Surrey, York grew up on the family farm and started riding when he was two and enjoyed everything competitive to do with ponies and horses. He tells me: “I won everything; gymkhanas, mounted games, showjumping, eventing and even the pony club area dressage.” The beginning of a career riding in races was less than successful and York says: “Dad had point-to-pointed, and we decided it would be a fun thing for me to do. I was about 16 or 17 and I started on a five-year-old that I had broken in – I really shouldn’t have been starting on that! I was used to winning everything and in my first season racing I had eight rides resulting in six falls and two pulled ups. I thought everyone must be cheating because getting round was impossible!”
Intercooler Turbo and Phil win at Kingston Blount in 2018
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Having left home and bought a house aged 19 during a period away from the horses, York spent time working as a machine driver with a road working firm. At 23 he returned home to set up his own firm on the family farm. During this time horses had accumulated at home and York decided to pursue his race-riding. A ten-year-old unbroken thoroughbred gelding named Pootle Flump, aged 12 and on his debut provided York with his first completion! “He was a mad horse, Dad was supposed to ride him that day, it was Tweseldown in the Hunt race, but something happened and I ended up riding him.” I ask York more about the early days. “It was mad really, I rode four or five totally unsuitable horses, it was survival! Eventually Dad bought a schoolmaster for me at the sales, Paco’s Boy he was called, and he was perfect, he had run in the Grand National and knew his job.”
“In 1995 again at Tweseldown I had my first winner on him, we won next time at Parham then back to Tweseldown where we beat Yahoo ridden by Steven Astaire. He was a wonderful horse, him and I thought we were the kiddies! We won five together and had lots of fun. Without him I would have given up.” York was 28 when he rode that first winner and momentum was set to build and over the next 30 years as York became a well-known name within the British Point-to-Point circuit and National Hunt racing. Riding as an amateur under-rules for his father Raymond, who had a full license and then for himself when he took over under a permit has led to some fantastic achievements on the track.
However, over the years there has been lots of partnerships with classy individuals and multiple winners including Dante’s Storm, Freddie’s Return, Timmie Roe, Ringa Bay and Streets of London. York adds: “Imagine rocking up at Tweseldown on Valley Henry in a club race – he’d finished fourth in Best Mate’s second Gold Cup! Then there was Algan, he had been useful in France and when he ran pointing, he had been retired four years! He was 16 and he wasn’t actually thoroughbred, he was selle francais. He was a funny shape and looked pregnant. He ran six times in 2004 winning twice and being placed every other.”
He also struck up brilliant relationships with several other trainers, he remembers: “I beat Carl Llewellyn on Ollie Magern when he was a novice one day at Stratford on a horse called Can’t Be Scrabble for Chris Down. I met Chris because I had decided I needed to extend my contacts because in the Sandhurst/South East area I had achieved all I could winning championships and things so being ambitious I ventured into Devon and other areas. I rode Can’t Be Scrabble for him in a point and we won, he was just the sort I liked – bit hairy and needed some wagoning and that day at Stratford was brilliant.” In December 2020 at Plumpton, York rode a winner over hurdles on Legal Ok who he also owned and trained. Legal Ok was in the category of ‘mad’ horses and York tells me more. “I got him from Stuart Edmonds, and he was always a challenge. I won two point-to-points on him, the day he won his Restricted race at Barbury Castle he was two fences clear at one point! He was mad but in his old age he calmed down! He was the type we always had, won a couple of points but not good enough to go through the grades but that we could have some fun handicapping. There were lots of those –I rode a lot of winners on moderate horses but that’s how we did it.”
A number of trainers have used Yorks’ skills in the saddle and over the years Tim Underwood has provided him with the most winners. Underwood and York fall into the same characterful bracket and whilst one continues my assumption is so will the other. York struck up a brilliant partnership with Karen and Rory Lawther’s Caught In Time in the 2010/11 winning five races together and coincidentally the Lawther’s provided Phil with both his 250th and 300th career victories. Lawther says, “Phil rode several winners for us including five on Caught In Time, it was always a pleasure to put him up. Phil is a lovely man, always cheerful. When asked how are you, Phil? His usual reply is fanbloodytastic! His racing longevity is something else and the phrase ‘tough as old boots’ comes to mind.”
Reflecting on Sunday York says: “It was like old times, huge cheers when I rode in and I even gave it large as I went over the line for the walkover- hoping he didn’t spook and me fall off!” I ask York what have been the highlights so far of his long career? He humbly admits: “Riding horses I have bred, the ones I have been mid-wife too, broken them in and educated, that is very special. There are a few that I have
What a catch! Fishing is another one of Phil’s talents
ridden the grand-dam, the dam and even the sire- Amber life- a very rare stallion to have run between the flags. Winning on one of those is wonderful.”
Inevitably I wanted to know how long Phil will carry on riding in races and what keeps him going? His reply, “I am at the point where I am not sure the juice is worth the squeeze.” What a wonderful summary but he adds, “I still love it and have had wonderful times, but I am slowing down. At home we used to have 30 or more, we now have 5 to run. That is deliberate, but also horses retire, and we haven’t replaced them, owners die, and we haven’t replaced them either! I can fill my time with other things though and I think like cars, we have a certain mileage, I started late and have kept goingmy mileage will be higher than others! I rode for years with a one in three strike rate and was there or thereabouts in several national mens championships.”
I remind him that in the 2010/11 season he finished second to Richard Burton with 34 winners. York remembers: “Yes, we were level nearing the end of the season and went to Bratton Down where it rained hard and my firm ground horses finished second! I think I had 27 seconds that season.” York also still holds his Cat B amateur license and whilst getting through the medical is now ‘harder’ also admits: “It would be nice to have one more really nice handicapper to go with, I have recently been underbidder on one.” It is lovely to be assured the fire is still burning!
In 2023 York rode his 400th winner on Must Have Hope, on his 57th birthday at Pepper Harrow for Tim Underwood. Today his career total is 407 point-to-points and 37 under-
rules. Realising that 450 in total is not a million miles away could be the next celebrated landmark.
When we spoke York was in Cornwall with wife Karen, servicing his fishing boat ready for the summer. “We have been together since we were 17. We have the boat here and we enjoy it, you need a hobby don’t you?” York talks proudly of his two sons, Dan and Tom who didn’t follow in his horsefilled boots but have carved successful lives for themselves. York says: “Tom is a sportsman, he does Jiu Jitsu, and Dan is incredibly bright! They both rode as children but I think having seen me with me with so many injuries they decided to steer clear!”
Over the years many of us have been lucky enough to ride against and watch York and he has made a reputation for himself. He is known for his strength and bravery, and often will ride horses that others won’t. This in itself can be perceived as mad but in his case, he isn’t mad, he is a horseman. He confirms, “It is about understanding the quirks and working with them, I do seem to have attracted the tricky ones, it’s just about settling them down.” Clearly being blessed with the ability to read a horse and the situation has enabled him to reap rewards in the challenges he has been faced with. Looking back to those early days the time it took to succeed must have triggered the determination clearly instilled in York.
In his own words, “It’s impossible” but when impossibility became possible the creation of a legend within our sport materialised. Long may it continue Phil York – the Peter Pan of Pointing.
Must Have Hope, the horse which gave Phil his 400th winner Photo Tim Holt.jpg
IN THE FRAME
Good Boy Eric, Will Biddick (1st) leads Bobbarelli, Amber Jackson-Fennell (2nd) at the last, Restricted Race at Cothelstone
Photo: Tim Holt
Owner, trainer Purdy Peaster celebrates Rocheston’s win in the Hunt Members race with jockey Hannah Morgan and race sponsors at Cothelstone
Photo: Tim Holt
Duc de Beauchene, Rian Corcoran (1st) Conditions Race (Level 2) at Buckfastleigh
Photo: Tim Holt
IN THE FRAME
Maiden Race (NWFAA) runners pass the Buckfastleigh crowd
Photo: Tim Holt
Summerville Boy bright and cheery after his win in the feature Mixed Open at Hutton Rudby
Photo: Tom Milburn
ON THE CLOCK
Wonderwall (140) was a good winner of the St James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup. On average, the Hunter Chase is run around twelve seconds slower than the preceding Gold Cup; this year the difference was just eleven seconds. The presence of It’s On the Line (140) in second gives the performance further credence and, together with the third Willitgoahead (138), the placed horses should all run well at Aintree. Only two British trained horses finished in the first ten home - Music Drive (132) who stayed on through beaten horses, and Shearer (132) The latter made a bold fist of things out front, only giving way on the run to home, and replicated the form of his Taunton victory. Softer ground may have suited him more but this was his first defeat over fences and he can play a prominent role in future Hunter Chases this season.
Another reportedly going to Aintree is Famous Clermont (108) who, dropped in class, got his season back on track in no uncertain fashion at Cothelstone - never coming off the bridle. I had questioned his resolve following his disappointing re-appearance at the South Dorset where he appeared to pull himself up on the run-in, but am happy to hold my hands up and admit I was premature (the trainer now believes he was in need of the run); indeed, he seemed to positively relish being close to the pace this time. I recommend you take time to watch the excellent West Country video of the race as you will rarely witness such a fine display of jumping, particularly at the fourth from home.
Surprise Attack (116) can hardly be called consistent, winning or pulling up in equal measure this season, but he stormed home by twenty-five lengths at the Hurworth, his time figure fully reflecting that margin over the consistent runner-up Get With It. Surprise Attack had previously beaten a fairly strong field at Duncombe Park and further success seems likely.
It looked a relatively poor field beforehand for the Non-Weight for Age maiden at Buckfastleigh, a type of race where it’s always worth seeking out the unexposed type. Punch Perfect (94) had cut little ice when pulling up at Larkhill on his GB debut but a delve further into his back form revealed that he had once finished just twenty lengths behind BrighterdaysAhead in an Irish Bumper. In truth he probably beat little here, but for what it’s worth, he clocked a figure a few pounds higher than his form rating – probably good enough to take a weak Restricted.
D’Last Spez (104) had appeared in this column back in the 22-23 season following which he had been campaigned over hurdles. Fast ground and easy trips seem ideal and he can land another race in the South.
There is plenty of choice this weekend with eight scheduled fixtures. The Mixed Open at Garthorpe looks to be a race to savour with several multiple winners entered - although with the odds on Fier Jaguen likely to be prohibitive, punters are advised to wait for Largy Pearl in the Area Conditions. Two in Tune makes appeal in the Restricted at Milborne St Andrew - so long as Ultimate Survivor heads to Ston Easton the next day. Far Out West ran well at Cothelstone and can take the concluding maiden. The consistent Hollywood Harmon is preferred to Whatudoing in the Restricted at Overton whilst at Dalton Park, Diamond Flush is the selection in the maiden. Sunset On Fire, Desert Fortune and Loughan are others who make appeal on this card. Sforza Castle can score at the Siddington and Jet Smart makes a return after a short break at Kilworthy where faster ground would be in his favour.
LATEST RESULTS
COTHELSTONE
15/03/2025
12:30 1. ROCHESTON (FR) Miss Hannah Morgan 8-11F 2. FAR OUT WEST (IRE) W. Biddick Evens 3. SIZING CUSIMANO (GB) Miss T. Little 3-1 (3 ran).
1:05 1. JUST A GLANCE (GB) D. Andrews 7-2J 2. LEMON DRIZZLE (GB) James King 7-2J 3. DAVE’S SISTER (GB) S. Lee 5-1 (11 ran).
1:40 1. NORTON HILL (IRE) W. Biddick Evens 2. ASSASSINS LULLABY (IRE) J. Stenhouse 20-1 3. AMRONS SAGE (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 9-4 (8 ran).
2:15 1. GOOD BOY ERIC (GB) W. Biddick 2-1J 2. BOBBARELLI (GB) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 14-1 3. TALIMAR PEARL (FR) J. Newman 4-1 (11 ran).
2:50 1. FAMOUS CLERMONT (FR) James King 1-2F 2. ACEY MILAN (IRE) W. Higgs 5-1 3. PUNCHES CROSS (IRE) W. Biddick 2-1 (8 ran).
3:25 1. CATCH ME QUICK (IRE) Charlie Marshall 5-1 2. VALENTIN DE MAINE (FR) James King 4-1 3. FROGMAN (IRE) D. Andrews 6-1 (14 ran).
HUTTON RUDBY 15/03/2025
1:00 1. SURPRISE ATTACK (IRE) J. Dawson 11-10F 2. GET WITH IT (IRE) W. J. Brown 5-1 3. SULTANS PRIDE (GB) Miss L. Naughton 4-1 (9 ran).
1:35 1. GREATER GLORY (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 7-2 2. THE VILLAGE WAY (GB) J. Dawson 2-1F 3. GREAT NOTIONS (FR) W. Easterby 5-2 (8 ran).
2:10 1. SUMMERVILLE BOY (IRE) T.E.Easterby 3-1 2. RED OPIUM (GB) Miss R. Howarth 3-1 3. CULLIN HILLS (GB) W. Easterby 11-8F (7 ran).
2:45 1. LOUGHERMORE (IRE) Miss L. Fenwick 7-4F 2. FOXINTHEBOX (IRE) Miss Isla John 2-1 3. HUMPS AND BUMPS (IRE) Miss R. Wyld 5-2 (5 ran).
3:20 1. SUPREMELY LUCKY (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 5-1 2. FURAX (FR) Joe Wright 5-1 3. TANORA (IRE) J. Dawson 6-1 (6 ran).
3:55 1. CALI DREAMER (IRE) H. Crow 4-1 2. BEAN NORTY (GB) Miss L. Cooper 3-1F 3. KAVIAR WOOD (FR) Paddy Barlow 7-1 (11 ran).
BUCKFASTLEIGH 16/03/2025
12:00 1. DUC DE BEAUCHENE (FR) Rian Corcoran 11-8F 2. LAKOTA WARRIOR (IRE) J. Bament 2-1 3. DO WHATEVER (IRE) B. Treneer 20-1 (7 ran).
12:35 1. RELIGOUS CROSS (GB) J. Bament 7-1 2. THE SKY AT NIGHT (GB) James King 2-1 3. INDANNYA (FR) M. McIntyre 3-1 (6 ran).
1:10 1. MACKLIN (FR) W. Biddick 4-5F 2. IMPORTANT NOTICE (IRE) J. Newman 13-8 3. QUINTIN’S MAN (GB) D. Andrews 7-1 (4 ran).
1:55 1. CLONDAW DRAKE (IRE) J. Newman Evens 2. LUCKY LARA (IRE) D. Andrews 6-1 3. PING PONG PADDY (IRE) Miss F. Lindsay 20-1 (10 ran).
2:30 1. PUNCH PERFECT (GB) J. Newman 7-1 2. FONGS WAY (IRE) J. Shaw 3-1 3. WHAT’S UP HARRY (GB) Rian Corcoran 8-1 (14 ran).
3:05 1. FIRST LORD DE CUET (FR) Rian Corcoran 4-5F 2. DIDERO VALLIS (FR) Daniel Williams 7-4 3. HONESTLYNTRUFULLY (IRE) J. Stenhouse 8-1 (5 ran).
PENSHURST 16/03/2025
1:30 1. D’LAST SPEZ (IRE) P. York 11-2 2. JOE KIDD (GB) T. Hutsby 10-1 3. MONROCCO MOONLIGHT (GB) Mrs I. Hill 13-8F (6 ran).
2:05 1. DEFINITE DILEMMA (IRE) P. York 6-4F 2. AIKENBREAKINHEART (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 14-1 3. WIRELESS OPERATOR (IRE) O. Chamings 8-1 (7 ran).
2:40 1. DUNDRUM WOOD (IRE) Miss M. Reeve 2-5F 2. MONKEY PUZZLE (GB) Miss Mary Ashby 6-4 (2 ran).
3:15 1. MOVETHECHAINS (IRE) H. Carrington 7-2 2. IMPERIAL ESPRIT (IRE) S. Mead 5-1 3. JOY OF LIFE (IRE) W. Hickman 11-10F (5 ran).
3:50 1. TOUCH TIGHT (IRE) P. York (walked over).
4:25 1. CREAPAPY (FR) W. Hickman 4-5F 2. BOLBERRY DOWN (IRE) W.Rekert 5-1 (4 ran).
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.
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