MILLER’S MOMENT AT MAISEMORE
21 04 / APRIL / 2025
COVER PHOTO: Francesco du Clos (FR) & Gordon Miller (Red sleeves)
Photo: JTW Equine Images
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at AINTREE
By Paddy Barlow, Point-to-Point Correspondent
* This article was first published on pointtopoint.co.uk and the GB Pointing social media pages on Wednesday 2nd April. Read more from Paddy in this new column focusing on GB pointers, throughout the remainder of the season.
As we roll into Aintree and the only race now known in the calendar as the ‘Foxhunters’, we thought that with this seasonal highlight taking the majority of the pointing press’ attention, it would be a good opportunity to focus on some of the other highlights scheduled to take place in the next couple of days.
One of the highlights on Day 1 of the meeting is the Betfred Bowl Chase, and the British point brigade is represented by the brilliant yet infuriating AHOY SENOR, a 50k purchase from the GoffsUK Yorton Sale in November 2020. Unseating on debut at Didmarton in March 2020 before success the following autumn at Kimble for Mel Rowley and Alex Edwards we should’ve known that he would take us on a rollercoaster of a ride that has submitted the heights of Grade 1 victory over both fences and hurdles but been plagued by mistakes on the biggest stages. A faller once again in the Gold Cup, when racing with some of the verve that has seemingly been missing this season, he looks to bounce back at his beloved Aintree, a place where his two previous successes at the highest level have come. And whilst it looks a strong race of its nature, a replica of his previous two seconds to Shishkin and Gerri Colombe respectively, and a clear round of jumping could see him bounce back to the winners’ enclosure to claim a first success in open Grade 1 company.
With Tom Lacey’s impressive weekend winner IN A SONNET being the sole British representative in the Goffs select point-to-point sale on Thursday evening, it is prudent to hone in on this taking debut performance from the youngster. Despite being raw early he made most to run out a ready winner of the GoffsUK 4&5yo Maiden at Maisemore Park under Sean O’Connor, looking value for significantly more than the winning two and a half-length margin. From the powerful Lacey yard, he is the third spring 4yo to score this season – the second from the Lacey yard – and was a welcome first winner back for Sean on return from a nasty broken pelvis earlier in the year. A 40k purchase from the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale in June of last year, he is out of the Grade 3-placed and Listed winner Aimigayle, a half-sister herself to Listed winner Emmaslegend. Part of the second crop of foals from Boardsmill Stud’s up-and-coming stallion Poet’s Word, and with the yards previous winners of the maiden including the ill-fated Grade 2 winner Blackbow, he looks a fascinating prospect for the future from a deep-looking maiden.
The highlight of the entire week and for many the entire year, is the Grand National. The most watched global racing event in the world, it will play host to at least one ex-British point-to-pointer in the Ben
Pauling-trained, Beau Mogan-ridden, TWIG. A winner of five of his eight starts between the flags for Matt Hampton in the covid era, he provided jockey Beau Morgan with his first winner and has gone on to become one of the leading lights of the British pointing field on the staying handicap chase scene. With just short of 150k in prize money accumulated from a total of seven rules victories including take the biggest one of them all this coming Saturday. Sneaking in at the bottom of the weights, he will appreciate the better ground, and there will most definitely be worse each-way options should you pull his name out of the hat in the sweepstake at the weekend.
Other mentions must be made to the other Grade 1 representatives on Saturday, and whilst declarations are not yet known, if turning up, all would be of major interest. Former Dale Peters’ inmate MIAMI MAGIC and Station Yard Racing’s ROYAL INFANTRY, a 60k purchase at Tattersalls Cheltenham’s April Sale 2023, both hold entries in the Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Both will be trying the two-and-a-half-mile trip for the first time under rules, and with both being distance winners in their points at Charm Park and Edgcote respectively, should improve for the step up in trip and must be given excellent each-way chances. TOUCH ME NOT is the final horse in focus for our preview of Aintree, formerly of the Tom Ellis yard, now residing across the water at Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House. He has been a flagbearer for British pointing on both sides of the Irish Sea this season, with two Grade 1 placings alongside Grade 2 success this season, he has certainly made amends for his final fence fall at Charm Park back in March 2023. Subsequently sold at Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale for 150k, here’s hoping he can put a disappointing run at Cheltenham behind him back on a flatter track to resume his consistent showings once again in the concluding Grade 1 Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase.
In A Sonnet – in winning action last weekend
Photo: JTW Equine Images
THE RAINY BROWN MEMORIAL TROPHY
By Myles McNulty
The Rainy Brown Memorial Trophy is awarded to the leading rider at Friars Haugh, Kelso, every season and this is it’s tenth year. The late Rainy-Brown (pictured right, presenting Harry Haynes after a victory in his riding days) was a keen supporter of Point-to-Pointing and he was both secretary and treasurer to the Berwickshire Point-to-Point Committee for a number of years.
John Dawson (pictured below, centre) received the trophy, presented to him at Tranwell, 29th March, for the second time having been the leading rider at Friars Haugh in 2022, last season it was won by the 2024 National Leading Gentleman rider James King and the previous year by Jack Power who is doing really well under Rules at present.
John has ridden 15 winners so far this season 8 of which were trained by his wife Alice (pictured below, left) who is also responsible for John’s four winners at Friars Haugh. He rode a double at the Jedforest on The Village Way and Trust Me Nate and repeated the feat at the Berwickshire on the same two horses. Not to be left out Alice was presented with a fur bobble hat in the Dawson’s racing colours, by Myles McNulty, (pictured right).
Photos: Grace Beresford
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS
STORY SAM AND MORAG HERDMAN
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
The years rolled back at Tranwell on Saturday when Morag Herdman trained her first winner since 19th April 2009 in the grassroots riders race. Economic Editor who is owned partly by Simon Manners and by the Herdman family was partnered by her son, 16-year-old Sam who was having his first winner on his sixth ride and that made the victory even more meaningful.
Economic Editor and Sam Herdman lead the field, a first winner for Sam, trained by his mum Morag
Photo: Grace Beresford
The family who live half an hour north of Newcastle in the village of Edlingham run a busy farm comprising beef cattle and sheep. Sam even has his own flock of pedigree Texel and Blackface sheep.
Herdman explains: “I was lambing until 4am Saturday morning and Sam was busy doing the same before we went racing. Sam’s two younger sisters were left at home manning the sheep shed whilst myself, Sam and his dad Garry went to the point-to-point.”
Herdman not only trained but also rode in point-to-points, and accumulated 12 winners, the last being on Granoski Gala in 2007. She tells me: “I trained Granny for Rose Dobbin’s
parents. Rose was either injured or banned and asked me if I would like to ride her. Of course I did, however I had to hurry my licence through and go on a crash diet but she duly won so it was all worth it, she was a wonderful mare.” she continues: “Granny had a few foals but then developed difficulties being a broodmare so Duncan Davidson offered her to me and I jumped at the chance. She was a wonderful hunter and was amazing with the children’s ponies. We then tried breeding again and she had two foals successfully, who are now five and three and both by Dragon Dancer.”
The association with the Davidson family was life-long. The two girls had been in pony-club together and later Dere Street, who was bred and owned by Rhona and Peter Elliott and on whom Herdman enjoyed success whilst she worked for them was later sold to Davidson as a schoolmaster for daughter Rose to ride. She rode her first winner on him and that kick-started her career. Later in his career he provided Nick Orpwood with his first win. Herdman says of him: “Dere Street was a proper legend.” For many seasons Herdman trained lots of winners for the Davidson family.
Marrying Garry and having children have prevented involvement within point-to-pointing over the past 15 years but Morag admits being back in the sport is amazing. “Having children, we have three, Sam being the eldest and being a farm-wife took over life! Rose started training under-rules so Duncan no longer had the pointers with us and the training just came to a natural end. Weekends became filled with all things ponies and the farm is busy. Sam was a year old when I trained my last winner!” I ask of Garry’s involvement with the horses and she adds: “Garry is one of those annoying people who just can! He always looks good on a horse and can go months not riding and then gets on and away he goes!”
Economic Editor who is trained at home on the farm is not the typical schoolmaster on paper and in winning on Saturday lost both his Maiden and Restricted tag. Herdman explains: “During covid, Adam Nicol had just set up training and Garry and a gang of mates decided they were going to have a racehorse, I think they had decided before they even saw this horse that they were having him. He was a huge, raw,
gangly five-year-old who looked like he needed time. He had a twisted leg and a wonky pelvis too! They had some fun and he got placed a few times over hurdles and fences. He was then for sale and he didn’t sell – so he ended up here because the syndicate had got to the point they didn’t know what to do with him. He had one run in 2023, ran well in a Maiden and then re-injured himself, but this time with a very rare lateral fracture. When Sam turned 16 and was keen to have a go we talked about options and thought lets try ‘Ed’. Seems mad a 16 year-old on a maiden but Ed is the kindest, loveliest horse who I knew would be safe and sensible.” Mum knows best! “I trained him the old-fashioned, long slow way, lots of walking and roadwork and quietly built him up waiting for lameness but luckily it never came. Each run this season has been amazing and Saturday’s win was just unbelievable. Garry is the stats man and when he looked at the entries, he decided the race we won looked weaker than the Hunt Members that we were going for, so its all thanks to him.”
The eldest of three siblings, sisters Frankie and Millie are also both horse mad, Sam will turn 17 on April 11th and attends Bishop Burton College four days per week studying agriculture. He spends the rest of the time at home, working on the farm or hunting. He and Ed have enjoyed many days with the West Percy, for whom Sam also whips-in and recently had his last day of the season with them. A childhood filled with ponies and horses and many rosettes! Proud Mum tells me: “Growing up all my children had lots of naughty ponies and projects;
we were the northern family who everyone knew they could send their problem ponies too and it certainly taught the kids to ride. Sam is very laid-back but competed at pony-club championships in each discipline, he was in the top ten in the showjumping, he was even selected for the northern region team for British Eventing Youth Championships in 2023.”
Reflecting on the win Herdman says: “As Sunday was local it meant there were lots of people we knew so there was lots of cheering as we came in to the winners enclosure. John Leadbetter, who trained a Grand-National winner was there and he was so enthusiastic for Sam winning. He had to tie Ed’s tongue tie as I still haven’t nailed the technique!” She adds: “Throughout the whole process Nick Orpwood has been so helpful to Sam, he had ridden him the first time we ran him and backed up that he would be a suitable ride for Sam. I had a feeling all season that Tranwell may suit him! Sam had said it would be pretty cool to ride a winner aged 16 and his dedication impressed me because the night before the race he missed a rugby dinner!”
There is no doubt that the Herdman name will be cemented back within point-to-point circles over the coming seasons. If the two girls follow in the footsteps of their elder brother, I dare say Mum may have more than one to train in a few seasons time. A little birdy mused that a Granny offspring will hit the circuit sometime and what a lovely story that would be, proof that once again this sport continually puts smiles on our faces.
IN THE FRAME
Ellie Callwood takes one last look at her and Somptueux’s rivals before claiming the Ladies at Askham Bryan Photo: Tom Milburn
Francesco Du Clos and Gordon Miller lead the charge in the Members race at Maisemore Park
Photo: JTW Equine Images
Ask Nile, Heidi Palin (1st) leads Footloose, Arron Butterfield (2nd) PPORA Conditions Race (Level 2) at Larkhill
Photo: Tim Holt
Larkhill view from the Queens Building
Photo: Tim Holt
Hollywood Harmon and Pippa Brown lead the field before claiming the restricted at Askham Bryan
Photo: Tom Milburn
Sam Herdman catches up with reporter Peter Burgon, after Sam’s victory in the Grassroots Riders race at Tranwell Photo: Grace Beresford
Blue Skies Ahead and Tommie O’Brien rise to the challege in Div 1 of the bumper at Maisemore Park Photo: JTW Equine Images
Surprise Attack, John Dawson (nearest) at Askham Bryan
Photo: Nina Edminson
Titanium Bullet and Felix Foster at Askham Bryan
Photo: Nina Edminson
Winners of the veteran horse conditions race – Coeur Serein and Louis Hadfield
Photo: Grace Beresford
ON THE CLOCK
Josh Newman has been carrying all before him this season both as a rider and a trainer and last weekend saddled two potentially progressive maiden winners, Sparkling Duke (ridden by Will Biddick) and Buddah Castle. Buddah Castle (94), a five-year-old with plenty of scope, had shown promise on his debut and was the subject of strong support before his defeat of 7 rivals in the concluding event at Trebudannon. He still looked raw, jumping moderately and hanging on the run in, but can come on from this run and, being by a sire who was a top class two-year old, is likely to be inconvenienced by a sounder surface. Given his size however he might not be rushed.
Sparkling Duke (94) is a rather different type. He had had 8 runs over hurdles before his pointing debut at Maisemore showing enough to suggest he would be good enough to break his duck. He duly delivered, although having travelled sweetly in behind, he stopped rather abruptly on the run in forcing Biddick to become quite vigorous close home. It awaits to be seen whether Sparkling Duke can be effective on fast ground as he has yet to run on anything better than Good, but if so, he looks a useful recruit to follow through the second half of the season.
The prevailing dry spell is proving a challenge for ground staff and also providing slim pickings for those who study the clock - given the prevalence of small fields and tactically run races. There were several matches at Larkhill but the opening event was run at a decent clip and saw victory go to the Luke Price trained Inchidaly Robin (94). He was not winning out of turn having won only once from 13 outings in Ireland but had largely been confined to racing on soft. This fast ground suited him well however and given that his trainer specializes in producing this type of horse to take end of season events, he can carry a penalty to further success.
One of the fastest performances of the week came from Coeur Serein (112) in the Veterans Conditions race at the Morpeth. A first winner for his young rider, Coeur Serein was a thorough stayer for Jonjo O’Neill’s yard under Rules but one with some useful form (rated 144 at best). He seems best with some cut and can follow up if connections can find his ground.
Several horses have multiple entries this weekend with connections keeping their options open as to the going so it’s difficult to be precise on suggested selections. The Andrew’s stable has a strong entry at both Kingston Blount and High Easter with stable stars Fairly Famous, I’m Spellbound and Mumbo Jumbo entered at both courses.
Elsewhere others who can make the presence felt at their preferred engagements are Jeaux D’Eau, Great Valley, Ideal du Tabert, Fame and Concrete and Cash or Card Wild Romance can take the Grimthorpe Gold Cup and Lakota Warrior and Tip Top Mountain will be suited by ground conditions at Cherrybrook.
LATEST RESULTS
LARKHILL 29/03/2025
12:30 1. INCHIDALY ROBIN (IRE) James King 7-4 2. BOYS WILL BE BOYS (IRE) W. Biddick 1-3F (2 ran).
1:05 1. ASK NILE (IRE) Miss H. Palin 4-6F 2. FOOTLOOSE (GB) Arron Butterfield 4-5 (2 ran).
1:40 1. FIFTY SHADESOF BAY (IRE) James King 1-3F 2. FULL SEND (GB) H. Moore 3-1 (3 ran).
2:15 1. NORTON HILL (IRE) W. Biddick 1-4F (2 ran).
2:50 1. FIRST PREFERENCE (IRE) W. Badlan 7-4 2. SHANROE SMOOCH (IRE) Miss Molly Legg 1-4F (2 ran).
3:25 1. ELLE EST BEAU (IRE) James King 1-3F 2. MYNEIGHBOUR (GB) S. Lee 5-4 (2 ran).
PARHAM 29/03/2025
1:45 1. LARRY (GB) G. Gorman 5-6F 2. SOUTHFIELD ROYALE (GB) Jude Fernandes 6-1 (3 ran).
2:20 1. DEFINITE DILEMMA (IRE) P. York 4-6F 2. IMPERIAL ESPRIT (IRE) S. Mead 7-4 3. JEREMY PASS (IRE) Charlie Marshall 2-1 (3 ran).
2:55 1. RIGHT HAND OF GOD (GB) Charlie Marshall 8-1 2. JOY OF LIFE (IRE) W. Hickman 4-6F 3. TRAPPIST MONK (IRE) S. Mead 8-1 (4 ran).
3:30 1. PREMIER D’TROICE (FR) J. Earnshaw 9-4 2. MISTER TICKLE (IRE) Jack Etheridge 2-1F 3. SOLDIER AT WAR (GER) Connor Baker 5-2 (5 ran).
4:05 1. TIME TO UPGRADE (IRE) S. Mead 5-1 2. JAPON DE CARJAC (FR) Z. Baker 2-1F 3. BOLBERRY DOWN (IRE) W.Rekert 8-1 (7 ran).
4:40 1. PETITE MIKE (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 4-6F 2. JASMIN DES BORDES (FR) Mrs V. Frost 3-1 3. HIGHWAY HERO (GB) Miss E.Feakes 9-1 (4 ran).
TRANWELL 29/03/2025
1:30 1. SLANEY OPERA (IRE) Joe Wright 6-4F 2. LOUGHERMORE (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 3-1 3. WEST LAWN (GB) Miss C. Tailford 7-4 (4 ran).
2:00 1. LETS GO HARRY (IRE) J. Teal 5-1 2. HIGH ON THE HILL (GB) Miss C. Tailford 4-1 3. OUT ON HER OWN (GB) J. Dawson 7-2F (10 ran).
2:30 1. CLAPTON HILL (GB) Miss R. L. M. Duffy 6-4J 2. BLOUEBRAV (FR) Miss Natasha Cookson 6-4J (3 ran).
3:00 1. PARAMARIBO (IRE) Shay Halton 5-2 2. SHANTOU’S TEMPLE (GB) Joe Wright 5-2 3. DIABLE DE SIVOLA (FR) Miss R. L. M. Duffy 1-2F (4 ran).
3:30 1. COEUR SEREIN (IRE) L. Hadfield 4-1 2. KILLER CLOWN (IRE) Miss D. White 6-4 3. NOT THE CHABLIS (IRE) Miss J. Jubb Evens (5 ran).
4:00 1. ECONOMIC EDITOR (IRE) S. Herdman 7-2 2. CELLAR VIE (GB) W. J. Brown 9-4 3. BEARWITHMENOW (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 4-1 (6 ran).
4:30 1. SCAIRP DUBH (GB) Joe Wright 7-1 2. RED DART (GB) Paddy Barlow 5-4F 3. ROSE DU BERLAIS (GB) Miss Natasha Cookson 2-1 (7 ran).
ASKHAM BRYAN COLLEGE 30/03/2025
2:00 1. SURPRISE ATTACK (IRE) J. Dawson 1-3F 2. RIDELONGLIVELONG (IRE) Miss Isla John 7-4 (2 ran).
2:35 1. HOLLYWOOD HARMON (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 11-4 2. ARTISTE D’AINAY (FR) Miss E. Callwood 5-1 3. CALLMESUSIE (IRE) J. Teal 9-2 (6 ran).
3:10 1. POP THE QUESTION (GB) J. Dawson 5-6 2. TITANIUM BULLET (IRE) F. Foster 8-11F (2 ran).
3:45 1. SHALLIORSHARNTI (IRE) Miss Eleanor Clark 5-2 2. LOOK NORTH (GB) J. Dawson 6-4J 3. BALLYWHATSIT (IRE) W. J. Brown 6-4J (4 ran).
4:20 1. SOMPTUEUX (FR) Miss E. Callwood 5-4F 2. ROYAL CHANT (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 7-4 3. ROCCO STORM (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 6-4 (3 ran).
4:55 1. GET WITH IT (IRE) W. J. Brown 5-4F 2. TAP TAP BOOM (GB) Miss P. J. Brown 7-4 3. MEETUATNINE (IRE) Miss P. Shaw 5-2 (3 ran).
MAISEMORE PARK 30/03/2025
1:00 1. FRANCESCO DU CLOS (FR) G. Miller 7-2 2. BARELY FAMOUS (IRE) Z. Baker 1-3F 3. NELSON TASMAN (IRE) I. Herbert 8-1 (6 ran).
1:35 1. IN A SONNET (GB) Sean O’Connor 7-4F 2. IDAHO FIRE (IRE) W. Biddick 7-2 3. DOM RODRIGO (GB) D. Andrews 5-1 (10 ran).
2:10 1. ONE FOR ROSIE (GB) Tommie O’Brien 4-1 2. PINK EYED PEDRO (GB) Edward Vaughan 9-4 3. PAPER MILL (GB) C. Case 7-4F (7 ran).
2:45 1. MOUNT ANGLESBY (IRE) T. McCain-Mitchell 4-5F 2. BAUNMORE JET (IRE) Miss Molly Armytage 16-1 3. JEWEL IN THE PARK (IRE) E. Doggrell 3-1 (10 ran).
3:20 1. OCEAN DRIFTER (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 4-6F 2. ENQARDE (FR) Miss Molly Armytage 11-1 3. STRIKING OUT (GB) Miss Emma Williams 4-1 (10 ran).
3:55 1. SPARKLING DUKE (IRE) W. Biddick 11-10F 2. BENNETTSBRIDGE (GB) S. Lee 12-1 3. MASTER NERO (GB) F. Philipson-Stow 7-1 (15 ran).
4:30 1. BLUE SKIES AHEAD (GB) Tommie O’Brien 11-4 2. ABOUT TIME TOO (GB) W. Biddick 6-1 3. MY LOVELY HORSE (FR) S. Lee 8-1 (10 ran).
5:00 1. LADIES DAY (IRE) Jack Andrews 11-4 2. WILL TO POWER (IRE) W. Biddick 3-1 3. TUFTON (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 9-4F (11 ran).
TREBUDANNON 30/03/2025
1:00 1. QUINTIN’S MAN (GB) J. Newman 13-8 2. ITACARE (FR) Rian Corcoran 8-11F 3. SIZING CUSIMANO (GB) Miss T. Little 6-1 (5 ran).
1:35 1. DUC DE BEAUCHENE (FR) Rian Corcoran 5-4 2. MAKETY (GB) J. Bament 14-1 3. PALOMA BLUE (IRE) J. Newman 4-6F (4 ran).
2:10 1. CLONDAW DRAKE (IRE) J. Newman 2-5F 2. RUSSIAN INVASION (IRE) Rian Corcoran 9-2 3. GROVE ASH (GB) Miss Shannon Holmes 8-1 (4 ran).
2:45 1. THE KINGS WRIT (IRE) Miss Hannah Morgan 3-1 2. JOEY STEEL (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 9-2 3. DR RHYTHM (IRE) J. Newman 1-2F (4 ran).
3:20 1. AFRICAN LADY (IRE) Mrs J. Supple (1 ran).
3:55 1. BUDDAH CASTLE (IRE) J. Newman 7-4F 2. WALKING IT OFF (IRE) Miss T. Little 14-1 3. BANZIGKANE (FR) J. Bament 5-1 (8 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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