RIAN’S WEEKEND TREBLE
28 / MARCH / 2025
COVER PHOTO: Liberty Rock & Rian Corcoran (white cap) at Kilworthy
Photo: John Corsan
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For Rita, Abigail Henry (1st) PPORA Conditions (Level 3) For Veteraan & Novice Riders
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY
ABBY HENRY
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
For Rita provided Abby Henry, aged 24, with her second career winner at Ston Easton on Sunday in the veteran and novice riders race. On this occasion there were only two runners, which, are always the hardest races to ride in and Henry credits Mark Grant’s advice in assisting with the victory telling me: “It was a surprise when only two of us declared but thankfully Mark was there to help. Rita can be keen and we are used to running in bigger fields. My plan was to jump off upsides but Rita decided against that and we were leading after the first fence. She kept finding more but it was still a shock to win – I really didn’t think we could lead all the way and not get caught! It was a learning curve!”
Henry grew up in Ludlow and had a horse filled childhood comprising of hunting, pony club and later eventing of which a successful standard was achieved at BE 100. After passing her driving test and whilst at college doing A-levels a part-time job within the horse world was desired and having been in pony club with his children a stint at Henry Daly’s ignited an interest in racing.
Photo: Tim Holt
The Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester was next stop to complete an Equine Science degree and during this time working for licensed trainers Fergal O’Brien and Nicky Henderson cemented the racing bug further.
The event horse was sold and For Rita was found!
Having started life in Ireland, For Rita took a while to warm up to the task and had as many letters as numbers by her name in her first nine runs. A couple of seasons under the training of Fran and Charlie Poste resulted in six wins and numerous placings creating an attractive profile and has since proved a most suitable partner for Henry. In 11 runs together the duo have weighed in nine times. “She is a star – so easy but typically opinionated like most mares, she does just as she likes but is incredible and the best school mistress. She is such a good jumper and really doesn’t want to let the opposition by.” Henry says proudly.
Henry is now based in Lambourn and works mornings for Mark Grant. An ex NH Jockey and now running a successful business breaking and pre-training, preparing breeze-up youngsters and training point-to-pointers. Grant says: “Abby has been working for me for the past four to five months, she is a great asset to the team, very easy to deal with and she rides very well.”
Previous to the association with Grant, Henry was attached to the successful Malcolm Bastard yard where she was in charge of a barn and over saw the slick day to day running of it. Here she became involved in the breaking and educating of young horses and enjoyed learning that side of things. “In a racing yard sometimes there isn’t much variation but in the pre-training and breaking yards like Malcolm’s and Mark’s my background in eventing can come into good use. I enjoy teaching the babies. It is very rewarding and I love watching them grow into individuals.”
Visiting Bitterley which was local to home as a child was Henry’s first introduction to point-to-pointing but she admits that jockey coach David Crosse was influential in encouraging race-riding exploits. “I went to ‘Crossey’ for some lessons because I just wanted to improve my position and he said he would give me a few lessons but after that I needed to get my license! He has been a huge help. I only want to do it for fun and for myself but I want to be as good as I can be. I look up to people like Gina and Izzie, they are brilliant and have both been very helpful and friendly.” She says. “Rita is 12 now and it would be nice to get another one but for now I wouldn’t have time.” She adds: “I have done some showjumping with her and she loved it so she should be a nice something else in her retirement.”
Henry’s parents whilst not racing orientated are always supportive, she tells me: “Dad is competitive, he races 210 karts, like go-karts and Mum is always on hand to help on race-day.” Henry is aware of how lucky she is and tells me: “Chloe Boxhall, a former amateur and point to point jockey, (who also works for Mark) has also been so helpful, I ask them about a million questions a week!”
Henry has vague plans to run Rita in a hunter-chase sometime because she jumps so well but needs to do the course to gain an amateur license. She also admits to doing it purely for fun with no ambitions to become a jockey but instead an equine physio. “I am currently doing a Masters in vet physio, it will take me three years to complete but I would like to focus my career on that.”
In her spare time Henry does some running to keep her fit and last summer enjoyed travelling around South East Asia and Sri Lanka, whilst there she worked to help the stray dogs and admits: “I wanted to bring them all home. It was nice to know you were doing something good but there are so many of them.”
Henry has a calm determination about her which has no doubt enabled her to focus on her hobby in a professional manner accumulating in success. For Rita has proved to be the perfect partner and it is clear Henry appreciates this. In a sport inclusive to all I hope she can inspire others to follow.
At Ston Easton, admiring the trophy before heading home
Since November 2023 “Rita” and Abby have competed 11 times in points
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IN THE FRAME
Buds Of May and Jake Bament lead the Flat Race
4&5yo field pass the Milborne St Andrew crowd
Photo: Tim Holt
Potters Magic, Jockey Tommie O’Brien and connections after winning the Restricted Race at Ston Easton
Photo: Tim Holt
Ahead of the Game and Sam Burton win the Grass Roots Riders Race at Siddington
Photo: Alun Sedgmore
IN THE FRAME
The Maiden Race at Fakenham
Photo: Graham Bishop
L to R – Silent Auction, James Shaw, Rosietoken, Rian Corcoran, and Echo Of Promise, James King (1st)
Photo: John Corsan
Jockeys for the Restricted Race at Siddington
Photo: Alun Sedgmore
Matts Commission and Lois Teal all smiles as they consider the race ahead of them at Dalton Park
Photo: Tom Milburn
IN THE FRAME
Morozov Cocktail and Tom Easterby in the thick of it at Dalton Park
Photo: Tom Milburn
When you have short legs this is the only way to watch races
Photo: John Corsan
These Dreams and Lowan Cruise Mills wins the 148cms & under Pony Race at Ston Easton
Photo: Tim Holt
The Big Lense and Rupert Stearn at Fakenham
Photo: Graham Bishop
More Than A Mule, Robbie David (1st) Flat Race 4&5yo at Milborne St Andrew
Photo: Tim Holt
ON THE CLOCK
Strike while the iron is hot is a sound maxim. Last week I highlighted the relative merit of Punch Perfect’s Maiden win at Buckfastleigh. That horse is currently for sale but the runner-up that day, Fong’s Way (100) made a quick return to the racecourse at Kilworthy and upset the odds-on favourite with a strong front running performance. This was Fong’s Way’s first win in nine outings, but he has run some fine races in defeat against all the right horses (Two in Tune & Clondaw Drake) and although, at the age of ten, he is unlikely to set the world alight, he showed enough on the clock here to be able to land a Restricted.
The prevailing dry spell severely affected field sizes at several meetings – most notably at Siddington, Milborne and Garthorpe though Shentri (116) posted a good figure at the latter. He has been running well all season and jumped particularly well here under his young rider. He may have been a little fortunate however as favourite Premier Fantasy (108) was given too much to do into the straight and just failed to get up. Premier Fantasy can find compensation.
Whats The Solution (104) has been a rather frustrating sort, heading the ratings on several occasions but just finding one or two too good. He finally managed to get his head in front at the Lanarkshire defeating the well backed Hollywood Harmon (100) and hopefully can now build on this success.
Nick Wright is having an excellent season (50% strike rate) and landed a double at Fakenham. His Red Maple (112) is a consistent sort and, still only nine years of age, seems destined for more success below Open company.
It’s another potentially busy weekend this week with seven scheduled fixtures so let’s hope we get some rain. Conditions will certainly be on the fast side at Larkhill where Fayrely Fruitful can take the Mares Maiden and Midnight Midge the Novice Riders. The Padfield horses do well at Parham and Can Daddy Dance can put his best foot forward in the Restricted. Earlier, Imperial Esprit can take revenge on his Penshurst conqueror Movethechains in the Open. In the North Loughermore can win his chosen event at Tranwell and Surprise Attack will hopefully take to the Askham Bryan circuit and not pull up!
There’s a large entry at the riverside course of Maisemore Park with Barely Famous favoured in the first and Ideal du Tabert the standout in the Restricted.
Snap Fish can return to form at Cotley following a rather tame effort last time while Scoresby will appreciate the drop in class to the Eight year and older Conditions. Finally, some old favourites appear in the entries at Trebuddanon where Dorrells Pierji and Quintin’s Man spike interest.
LATEST RESULTS
GARTHORPE 22/03/2025
1:00 1. COLIBRI BLEU (FR) W. Thirlby 1-3F 2. LUNA BLUE (GB) Liam Clarkson 7-4 (2 ran).
1:45 1. SHENTRI (FR) Miss P. Shaw 5-4 2. PREMIER FANTASY (IRE) H. D. O’Dwyer 10-11F 3. STEADY THE SHIP (IRE) Mrs V. Sollitt 7-1 (4 ran).
2:20 (0 ran). No declarations
2:55 1. THUNDERSTRUCK (IRE) D. Peters Evens 2. JET OF MAGIC (IRE) H. D. O’Dwyer 4-6F (2 ran).
3:30 1. LARGY PEARL (IRE) D. Peters 1-4F 2. GLEN CANNEL (IRE) W. Grant 6-4 (2 ran).
4:05 1. PILLAR ROCK (IRE) Jack Andrews Evens 2. TONY’S TIPPLE (IRE) W. Thirlby 4-1 (4 ran).
MILBORNE ST ANDREW 22/03/2025
12:30 1. TENNESSEE ORANGE (IRE) James King 1-4F 2. GIG IN THE PARK (FR) P. Summers 9-2 3. CASTLEMORRIS (IRE) H.Barfoot-Saunt 8-1 (4 ran).
1:05 1. CITY SILK (GB) James King 6-4 2. TWO IN TUNE (IRE) D. Andrews 4-7F 3. DORSET DIAMOND (GB) Miss L. Bartlett 6-1 (4 ran).
1:40 1. DR RHYTHM (IRE) W. Biddick (1 ran).
2:15 1. POWERSTOWN PARK (IRE) Rian Corcoran 1-2F 2. SHANROE SMOOCH (IRE) W. Higgs 5-2 3. GALLOW FORD (IRE) Miss C. Morris 4-1 (5 ran).
2:50 1. MOVE WITH THE BEAT (IRE) James King 1-7F 2. FINISHER (USA) Miss L. Bartlett 5-2 3. MUSTMEETFORAPINT (IRE) J. Bament 6-1 (3 ran).
3:25 1. MORE THAN A MULE (GB) R. David 4-7F 2. JACK TORRANCE (IRE) P. Summers 7-2 3. HE’S ALL TORQUE (GB) H. Moore 7-4 (4 ran).
OVERTON 22/03/2025
1:00 1. GLORY (GB) Shay Halton 5-1 2. ASHJAN (GB) Miss J. Walton 4-1 3. WHATDEAWANT (IRE) Miss L. O’Connor 1-3F (5 ran).
1:30 1. DEERSTALKER (IRE) Miss Isobel Mactaggart 5-2 2. VIVAS (FR) Miss Natasha Cookson 4-6F 3. PARK HIND (IRE) Shay Halton 12-1 (5 ran).
2:00 1. WHATS THE SOLUTION (IRE) J. Teal 5-2 2. HOLLYWOOD HARMON (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 2-1F 3. SOMETHING GOLDEN (IRE) Shay Halton 3-1 (5 ran).
2:30 1. WESTERN RUN (IRE) S. Cameron 6-4F 2. TANORA (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 8-1 2. PARAMARIBO (IRE) Shay Halton 5-1 (7 ran).
3:00 1. EAGLES ROCK (IRE) J. Dawson 2-5F 2. SHANTOU MOON (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 2-1 3. AVOID DE MASTER (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 4-1 (3 ran).
3:30 1. CLAPTON HILL (GB) Shay Halton Evens 2. DOYEN FOR A GIN (IRE) Joe Wright 5-4 3. FLYING SKIPPER (GB) Miss C. Tailford 4-1 (3 ran).
4:00 1. DIAMOND FLUSH (IRE) Miss L. Teal 2-1 2. SHE IS THE ENEMY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 7-4F 3. ECONOMIC EDITOR (IRE) S. Herdman 12-1 (7 ran).
SIDDINGTON
22/03/2025
1:30 1. BLOODSTONE (IRE) G. Henderson Evens 2. IT’S FOR ALAN (GB) Miss B. Walker 4-7F (2 ran).
2:05 1. AHEAD OF THE GAME (IRE) S. Burton 5-1 2. GRENADINE SAVE (FR) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 7-1 3. GALILEO SILVER (IRE) D. Cherriman 13-8F (7 ran).
2:40 1. SOUTHFIELD LILY (GB) Miss L. Bradstock 1-4F 2. INNISFREE LAD (IRE) Miss Tilly Dennis 5-2 (2 ran).
3:15 (0 ran). No declarations
3:50 1. TELLMESOMETHINGOOD (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 4-5F 2. O’HALLORANS CASTLE (IRE) B. Lovegrove-Fielden 3-1 3. MARTON ABBEY (GB) Miss M. V. Maude 6-1 (4 ran).
4:25 1. PAX (IRE) G. Henderson 6-5F 2. KING OF QUINTA (FR) Charlie Bell 4-1 3. CARRICKTRISS (IRE) Z. Baker 4-1 (5 ran).
DALTON PARK 23/03/2025
1:30 1. BLUE SANS (IRE) Joe Wright 5-2F 2. SUNSET ON FIRE (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 3-1 3. CONQUREDALOFEUROPE (IRE) F. Foster 4-1 (5 ran).
2:05 1. MOROZOV COCKTAIL (IRE) T.E.Easterby 5-6F 2. COURTING FLOW (IRE) C. Furness 4-1 3. FOXINTHEBOX (IRE) Miss Isla John 7-2 (6 ran).
2:40 1. MATTS COMMISSION (IRE) Miss L. Teal 5-1 2. RED OPIUM (GB) Miss R. Howarth 11-8F 3. BALLYDONAGH BOY (IRE) Miss Isla John 7-4 (5 ran).
3:15 1. DESERT FORTUNE (IRE) H. Crow 3-1 2. GREAT NOTIONS (FR) J. Dawson 6-4F 3. IL PADRINO (IRE) Paddy Barlow 8-1 (5 ran).
3:50 1. LARGY SHARK (GB) W. Easterby 5-2 2. PETE THE BRIEF (IRE) T.E.Easterby 6-1 3. EMIR SACREE (FR) Joe Wright 7-4F (6 ran).
4:25 1. ELUSIVE KNIGHT (IRE) Joe Wright 12-1 2. JARDIN CARRE (FR) Miss P. J. Brown 12-1 3. BOOM BOOM BORIS (GB) T.E.Easterby 12-1 (13 ran).
FAKENHAM
23/03/2025
1:00 1. RED MAPLE (IRE) Cian Murphy 6-4 2. BACK BAR (IRE) Miss Harriet Beeby Wynn 7-1 (5 ran).
1:35 1. COOLAGH PARK (GB) Mrs I. Hill 6-4F 2. GOOD SOURCE (IRE) R. Stearn 5-2 3. THE YELLOW MINI (GB) A. Chadwick 9-4 (5 ran).
2:10 1. CHEYTAC (FR) Miss G. Andrews 4-5F 2. GRAVESIDE LAD (IRE) A. Chadwick 7-1 (7 ran).
2:45 1. THE BIG LENSE (IRE) R. Stearn 8-1 2. ARAMAX (GER) A. Chadwick 4-6F 3. CARYTO DES BROSSES (FR) D. Peters 4-1 (5 ran).
3:20 1. NO RISK DES FLOS (FR) R. Stearn 8-11F (3 ran).
3:55 1. STEPPINGSTONE (FR) A. Chadwick 4-1 2. VALIDATION (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 4-7F 3. EASY RIDER (GB) Mrs I. Hill 4-1 (4 ran).
KILWORTHY
23/03/2025
1:00 1. JET SMART (IRE) Rian Corcoran 4-7F 2. ZALANDO (IRE) J. Bament 16-1 3. JOEY STEEL (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 3-1 (4 ran).
1:35 1. ECHO OF PROMISE (GB) James King 6-4 2. RIVER STORY (IRE) D. Andrews 5-4F 3. CARRY ON BEAUTY (IRE) H.Barfoot-Saunt 7-1 (7 ran).
2:10 1. FONGS WAY (IRE) J. Shaw 2-1 2. WISTMAN’S WOOD (GB) J. Bament 4-1 3. CALLAGHY (IRE) James King 10-11F (7 ran).
2:45 1. HUMANISTE (IRE) J. Shaw 4-1 2. PEACOCKS SECRET (IRE) P. Summers 5-1 2. DORRELLS PIERJI (FR) Rian Corcoran 10-11F (6 ran).
3:20 1. LIBERTY ROCK (IRE) Rian Corcoran 5-2 2. ARV WAY THERE (GB) H. Moore 4-1 3. HOLIDAY FUND (IRE) J. Newman 6-4F (7 ran).
3:55 1. A FORCE TO RECKIN (IRE) J. Veysey 9-4 2. LIWAH (FR) J. Newman 4-5F 3. EMBERSCOMBE (IRE) J. Shaw 17-2 (6 ran).
4:30 1. EL CAPITAINE (IRE) J. Newman 1-4F 2. DAISY YEATS (GB) J. Bament 4-1 3. CHAMPIONS HILL (IRE) W. Barnett 4-1 (3 ran).
STON EASTON 23/03/2025
12:30 1. FOR RITA (IRE) Miss A. S. Henry 1-3F 2. FAVORI DE SIVOLA (FR) Miss L. A. Williams 2-1 (2 ran).
1:15 1. SOGNA IN GRANDE (GB) W. Biddick 4-6F 2. SILVER FISH (IRE) D. Kyne 4-1 2. PETER DE L ORME (FR) Tommie O’Brien 5-2 (4 ran).
1:50 1. SWITCH HITTER (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 2-5F 2. MONTANNA (GB) Miss C. Emsley 5-1 3. EAGLE OF THE GLEN (GB) Miss L. Mager 4-1 (5 ran).
2:25 1. WALK IN THE WILD (FR) W. Biddick 1-4F 2. CORNISH WARRIOR (IRE) H. C. Billing 2-1 (2 ran).
3:00 1. POTTERS MAGIC (IRE) Tommie O’Brien 11-10F 2. MAD FOR ACTION (IRE) Miss L. Mager 12-1 3. MILTOWN BRIDGE (IRE) Miss C. Emsley 2-1 (5 ran).
3:35 1. FAR OUT WEST (IRE) W. Biddick 1-2F 2. PRICEFORLOVE (IRE) J. Neal 7-1 (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.
