GO POINTING
KING MAKES HIS MOVE
22 11 / APRIL / 2025
COVER PHOTO: Weekend 4-timer sees James King firmly in the title mix. Pictured aboard I K Brunel at Kingston Blount.
Photo: Neale Blackburn
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NOTICE TO OWNERS
Reminder for Owners wishing to make entries for the Easter meetings, closing on Monday 14th April and then meetings taking place 18th April – 21st April.
The Hunter Cert deadline for all Easter meetings is MIDDAY THURSDAY 10th APRIL.
Owners and trainers are politely requested as much as possible to please make their entries online on the Monday (14th April) for Easter entries closing, in preference to ringing the PPRC office. We endeavour to answer all calls as quickly as possible but it’s likely you will be held in a queue. Making your entries online will avoid disappointment and delays in making your entry.
ENTRIES CLOSING FOR ALL EASTER MEETINGS:
MONDAY 14th APRIL – up to 12.30pm
Essex & Suffolk – Good Friday 18th April
Flete Park Races (Dartmoor Foxhounds) - Easter Saturday 19th April
Kimblewick – Easter Saturday 19th April
North Staffordshire – Easter Saturday 19th April
Pytchley with Woodland – Easter Saturday 19th April
Seavington – Easter Saturday 19th April – Abandoned due to firm ground
Worcestershire – Easter Saturday 19th April
Four Burrow – Easter Monday 21st April
Taunton Vale Fox & Taunton Vale Harriers – Easter Monday 21st April
North Cotswold – Easter Monday 21st April
Old Berkshire – Easter Monday 21st April
South Shropshire – Easter Monday 21st April
Tynedale – Easter Monday 21st April
These meetings are now open for online entries.
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY JO SUPPLE
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
Fueled on adrenalin, 42 year old Jo Supple rode her 100th career winner at Cherrybrook in Devon on Sunday for Leslie Jefford in the Restricted race on Conor’s Gift.
Supple is a household name on the West Country circuit and has won the Devon and Cornwall Area Women’s Title on 6 occasions and in the 2009/10 season finished third in the Women’s Championship. Later in the 2011/12 season she led the title race for much of the season but a broken ankle at the Cheltenham Hunter-Chase evening cost her any chance of winning.
Home is Wellington in Somerset and Supple is married to Gerry, former NH jockey who has established himself as ‘part of the furniture’ at Pond House working for David Pipe. Riding out and in charge of maintenance, looking after the schooling ground and often seen racing, making him an integral part of the team.
100 winners have been made up of 88 point-to-pointing, nine hunter-chases, one over hurdles and two on the flat; one of which was the LK Bennett Ladies race at Ascot on Crystal Casque, Supple explains: “I have been riding so long there is no record of my first three winners on the national website! Two have been walk-overs so it would be wonderful to actually ride two more proper winners, so I have achieved 100 by racing!”
From the age of five Supple had ponies and did a little bit of pony-club. “My grandparents hunted and when I was a teenager I kept my pony at Tim and Julie Longs. It was there I got my first taste of being allowed to ride the odd hunter or pointer. I used to watch the racing and get butterflies, so I set my heart on becoming a jockey” she explains.
On leaving school a job with Phillip Hobbs was secured and a first season pointing under the guidance of Polly Curling and Sam Rees. A first ride came at Holnicote in 2000 on Hilters Chance in Granville Taylors colours. She tells me: “I fell three out but I was absolutely buzzing and couldn’t wait to go again.” Some time spent in Ireland followed and she adds: “I had a few rides pointing over there, one on a fab little horse called Tomagatchy for Gordon Treacy’s father, Martin. But mostly I rode in bumpers there, I was only going to stay a few months but when it came to leaving Paddy Mullins offered to get my license and give me some bumper rides, so I stayed.”
That experience proved invaluable and Supple teamed up with Les and Lisa Jefford, a formidable team in the south. Over the years Jefford has been responsible for 36 of those 100 winners and is one of her biggest supporters, telling me: “Jo is a wonderful person, she always gives everything 100% and has been an invaluable part of the team for years. The owners love her, she is just a really nice person and has
The horse that re-sparked a passion for race riding – His Own Star & Jo at Cherrybrook (Mixed Open)
Photo: Tim Holt
become a good friend of ours. She thoroughly deserved to get to a hundred and for us to provide it for her made it very special for us.”
Associations with Master Baker, Dicky Bob, Theatre Diva, Wee Fly, Byerley Bear and Doof gained Supple multiple winners and when asked to reflect on her career so far she told me: “Theatre Diva was special, she provided me with a winner around Cheltenham, that was brilliant. Master Baker, he was so classy and the day he won a Hunter-Chase at Newbury was special. Ooooo and Dicky Bob; he was awesome.” Supple is quick to credit connections: “Jackie du Plessis, who owned and trained Theatre Diva was brilliant and supported me lots. Obviously the Jefford’s have been hugely influential, historically and now. Jimmy Cole has been instrumental over the years and looking back; my first ever winner; Urban Hunter for Anna Bucknell; Anna and I never stayed in touch and I have always appreciated that one, it would be nice to thank her again.”
Supple now rides out for dual-licensed trainer Rod Millman in the mornings before working in the afternoons as a Sports Massage Therapist. “I initially did a degree at Plymouth university from 2013-2016 to do Podiatry because I was interested in working in the lower limbs, the skeletal and muscular make-up and biomechanics. One thing leads to another and I did a part-time evening course during 2019 for the massage and I am now focused on the sports massage side of things.” She adds: “Osteopathy and Physio really interest me too, but it’s all an expense to train.”
Staying fit and healthy is a passion and participation in a charity Triathlon a in 2012 has led to success. She says: “When I am injured from a fall I have to do something to stay fit, so when I last broke my ankle I resorted mainly to swimming and
cycling to rehab myself and keep the fitness up. I did my first Triathlon and won the ladies category and that was it, I was hooked.” It must be mentioned that alongside her triathlons Supple also completed the 2021 London Marathon.
Supple’s enthusiasm is remarkable and remains thoroughly enthused about race-riding which has become her ‘professional’ hobby over the last 25 years and says: “Last season I did begin to question myself, the rides were getting less; I think that is mainly because I am picky
Crystal Casque winning the LK Bennett Ladies Race at Ascot
Photo: Megan Rose Photography
My special supporters – Dave Crocker, Gerry and Jimmer Cole – with gorgeous Joey Steel – 3rd place at Kilworthy 25th March
nowadays and also people don’t want me to get hurt, which I understand. I was slightly losing the love I suppose and then I was asked to ride a really nice horse called It’s Own Star for Stuart Sampson and boom, that re-sparked me totally! I thrive on adrenalin and whilst I love my triathlons, there is nothing like the thrill of race-riding.” She adds: “I am so grateful to all my many supporters and have been very lucky to ride so many good horses. There are so many wonderful people to appreciate. Vanessa Malone’s loyal faith in me is definitely one I am particularly grateful to because it was her who asked me to ride It’s Own Star.”
Supple is very pro-active about the future and making plans to ensure security and says: “I have recently become a part-time partner in a company called Utility Warehouse. We basically
bundle your bills together, so gas, electric, broadband and mobile bundled, can save you money.”
The weekends landmark winner was celebrated in the normal way in the Supple household; pizza and champagne; asked how this tradition began Supple tells me: “Well most of the time you win a bottle of fizz and then by the time we are on our way home the whole conversation ‘oooo what shall we eat? It’s late’ happens and that’s it really, it started years ago and has stuck.”
It is more than likely that Supple will reach the 100 ‘ridden’ winners and she is certainly and excellent example of the wonderful people within point-to-pointing, it is clear she loves the game.
Schooling for Mike and Sheila Watson at Hobbs Racing beginning of the season
Photo: Brian Phipps
Conor’s Gift, Jo Supple (1st) leads Testflight, James Shaw (3rd) and Liwah, Josh Newman (2nd) Restricted Race at Cherrybrook
Photo: Tim Holt
Dotre Dame and connections after her and Isla John’s Maiden victory at Sheriff Hutton
Photo: Tom Milburn
Crawter and Josh Newman (near side), far side Daranova and James King (second) battle it out at Bitterley
Photo: Alun Sedgmore
Didero Vallis and Daniel Williams in the Grassroots riders at Kingston Blount
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Gracchus De Balme with (L to R) Joe O’Shea, Laura Richardson, Derek Malam and Huw Edwards at Tabley Photo: Sweet Photography
Tzarmix and James King at Bitterley
Photo: Graham Fisher
Ask Nile and Heidi Palin flying high in the Hunt Members at Kingston Blount
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Lakota Warrior, Rian Corcoran (1st) nearside, jumps with Steel Express, Jack Stenhouse (2nd) Conditions Race (Level 2) at Cherrybrook
Photo: Tim Holt
Mysterious Lady and Nell Greatrex win the Holland Groundworks 138cm Pony Race at Tabley
Photo: JTW Equine Images
This year’s Randox Foxhunter Chase winner, Gracchus De Balme, popped by to say hello at Tabley
Photo: JTW Equine Images
IN THE FRAME
Jump On Board and Jos Lovegrove-Fielden take to the skies at Tabley
Photo: Sweet Photography
Koyli and Felix Foster glide stylishly over the birch at Sheriff Hutton
Photo: Tom Milburn
Zendaya and Jacob Lloyd-Hughes win the 148cm Pony Race at Tabley
Photo: JTW Equine Images
ON THE CLOCK
The week’s fastest figure was posted not by Gracchus De Balme (128) in the Randox Foxhunters but by Viroflay (132) at Kempton Park two days earlier. On the Clock had highlighted Viroflay’s potential back in January 2023 (“has a little tidying up to do with his jumping but looks very much a star in waiting”) since when he has garnered two Coronation Cups and only been defeated in one subsequent point to point (beaten two lengths). However thus far his record in Hunter Chases had been disappointing. A 34 lengths demolition of an in-form Captain Tommy put this record right with his time figure the fastest by a British trained pointer this season. It seems barely believable that Viroflay is still only eight years of age and, were it not for an apparent preference for a right handed circuit, I would be flagging him up for one of the season’s remaining top events.
That’s not of course to in anyway demean the performance of Gracchus de Balme who I had also referenced at the start of this season after success at Knightwick (“looks ready made for Hunter Chases. His previous record suggests heavy ground will pose no problems but that it may be prudent to campaign him over distances short of three miles”). It’s essential now to race close to the pace over the National course and Gracchus de Balme was always prominent, leading from the fifth until the last and then battling back on the run-in. This was in sharp contrast to hold up horses such as Famous Clermont (who ran a shocker) and Cheltenham third Willitgoahead who never got competitive. The overall level of the Aintree Foxhunters is normally a little behind that of Cheltenham and the presence in the first six of A Jet of Our Own and Eva’s Oskar holds the merit of this year’s renewal down. Equally though it boosts the merit of this year’s Walrus at Haydock with that winner, My Drogo (126), and third placed Jet Plane (128) both finishing in the first four. There will be other days for them.
With Good to Firm or faster going predominating, fields in many point-to-points have been decimated. Blue Sans (107) showed improvement to take the Grimthorpe Gold Cup at Sheriff Hutton but the race was well below its usual standard with several top horses not declaring. Extensive watering did however provide for a good surface at both High Easter and Kingston Blount. The former hosted one of the strongest Intermediate fields of the season and Mumbo Jumbo (112) ran out an impressive winner, replicating the sensational maiden figure he had posted at Chaddesley on his debut. He and Barton Snow look set for an intriguing clash at Cheltenham in the final.
Two other horses on the High Easter card posted time figures several pounds faster than their respective form ratings – Iconic Jack (94) and Call Me Early (100). The latter is quietly progressive, is still only five and has won three out of four this season- his sole defeat coming over two and a half miles (still had the measure of subsequent Hunter chase winner Slaney Opera).
Song for My Father (96) was an impressive winner of the maiden at Kingston Blount. Unsuccessful in over twenty outings in Ireland, he had though hinted at some ability and ran out an easy winner under evergreen Phil York. A half-brother to the useful Rolling Dylan, Song For My Father can take a Restricted before the season’s end.
The ground being what it is, this weekend it’s a matter of trying to find horses well suited to the conditions and who are likely to be declared. Coeur Serein went into the notebook last time and can take the Grass Roots race at Edgecote where Copshill Rock also stands out. He hasn’t run since Revesby in January but looked to have plenty of pace there. Far Out West can take the Restricted at Dunsmore and Midnight Midge his selected event. Shoal Bay was a long way winner at Shelfield a couple of years ago and can take the Men’s Open there. Others on this card that make appeal are Ocean Drifter, Shentri, and Drakes Well. Callaghy can give Luke Price a winner at Chilfrome and Boom Boom Boris can take the concluding maiden at Hornby Castle.
Finally, there is a very interesting Hunter chase at Stratford on Sunday featuring the re-appearance of Allmankind who has I’m Spellbound to beat.
LATEST RESULTS
BITTERLEY
05/04/2025
12:30 1. TZARMIX (FR) James King 4-7F 2. ECCO (GB) J. Smith-Maxwell 3-1 3. BESTFRIEND BARNABY (GB) G. Sankey 3-1 (5 ran).
1:00 1. CRAWTER (IRE) J. Newman 4-11F 2. DARANOVA (IRE) James King 9-4 3. HADMEATHELLO (IRE) Miss E. G. Stone 6-1 (3 ran).
1:30 1. ELLE EST BEAU (IRE) James King 11-8F 2. PUNCH PERFECT (GB) D. Cherriman 3-1 3. POCATELLO (IRE) C. Case 5-1 (8 ran).
2:00 1. FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY (IRE) H.Barfoot-Saunt 5-4J 2. CITIZEN JANE (GB) W. Badlan 7-2 3. SAKE OF SECRECY (IRE) Rian Corcoran 5-4J (4 ran).
2:30 Void – No declarations.
3:00 1. IS OUR OTIS (IRE) S. Lee 4-1 2. SHUILE WARRIOR (GB) Huw Edwards 8-1 3. COUNT FROLLO (IRE) H. Crow 14-1 (10 ran).
3:30 1. LORD CAUVELLIERE (FR) Z. Baker 7-2 2. EDDIE MY EAGLE (IRE) Huw Edwards 6-1 3. SILVER GALE (IRE) Miss C. Morris 8-1 (8 ran).
HIGH EASTER 05/04/2025
1:00 1. CLASHHILL (IRE) A. Chadwick 1-2F 2. WALLACE OLINGER (IRE) D. Peters 5-4 (2 ran).
1:35 1. RED MAPLE (IRE) Cian Murphy 5-2 2. RAGNAR LODBROK (IRE) A. Chadwick 6-1 3. PADJOES LEGACY (IRE) Jack Andrews 6-4F (6 ran).
2:10 1. TULLYS TOUCH (IRE) Miss Ellie Holder 6-4 2. FAIRLY FAMOUS (IRE) Miss H. Palin 1-2F 3. PRECIOUS BOUNTY (IRE) Miss M. Bealby 4-1 (3 ran).
2:45 1. LAW OF GOLD (IRE) D. Peters 11-10 2. ARAMAX (GER) A. Chadwick 1-2F (2 ran).
3:20 1. MUMBO JUMBO (IRE) Jack Andrews 5-4F 2. FAME AND CONCRETE (IRE) A. Chadwick 6-4 3. CASH OR CARD (IRE) D. Peters 3-1 (5 ran).
4:25 1. ICONIC JACK (GB) A. Chadwick 2-1 2. RED LETTER DAY (IRE) Sean O’Connor 5-2 3. KILLOMEROE (IRE) Jack Andrews 2-1 (5 ran).
5:00 1. CALL ME EARLY (IRE) Jack Andrews 1-3F 2. CAN DADDY DANCE (IRE) A. Chadwick 5-4 (2 ran).
CHERRYBROOK 06/04/2025
1:30 1. DAWN SUPREME (IRE) J. Shaw 5-2 2. FLAMING HENRY (GB) H. Moore 12-1 (5 ran).
2:05 1. CONOR’S GIFT (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 4-1 2. LIWAH (FR) J. Newman 1-2F 3. TESTFLIGHT (GB) J. Shaw 10-1 (5 ran).
2:40 1. RADDON TOP (IRE) J. Dawkins 15-8F 2. FOOTLOOSE (GB) Arron Butterfield 2-1 (4 ran).
3:25 1. TEESCOMPONENTSFLY (GB) J. Stenhouse 13-8 2. ROCHESTON (FR) J. Newman 2-5F 3. STADMALLEN (IRE) H. Moore 5-1 (3 ran).
4:00 1. LAKOTA WARRIOR (IRE) Rian Corcoran 1-3F 2. STEEL EXPRESS (IRE) J. Stenhouse 7-4 (2 ran).
4:35 1. HONESTLYNTRUFULLY (IRE) J. Stenhouse 4-6F 2. BALLINOULART (IRE) Richard Upton 3-1 3. SMITHSCORNER (IRE) P. Summers 9-4 (3 ran).
5:10 1. PEACOCKS SECRET (IRE) P. Summers 2-5F 2. CASPERS COURT (IRE) Miss Hannah Morgan 6-5 (2 ran).
KINGSTON BLOUNT
06/04/2025
1:00 1. ASK NILE (IRE) Miss H. Palin 6-4 2. WIRELESS OPERATOR (IRE) O. Chamings 6-1 (3 ran).
1:35 1. SONG FOR MY FATHER (IRE) P. York 4-1 2. BLUESCAPE (GB) Edward Vaughan 6-1 3. CONSTITUTION GROVE (GB)
Miss Ellie Holder 4-1 (7 ran).
2:10 1. DIDERO VALLIS (FR) Daniel Williams 1-4F 2. PRESENTING POINT (IRE) Harry Brown 2-1 (2 ran).
2:45 1. I K BRUNEL (GB) James King Evens 2. LOUGHAN (IRE) Miss Ellie Holder 11-10 3. KING OF QUINTA (FR) Charlie Bell 14-1 (7 ran).
3:20 1. COMMANDER OF TEN (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 8-1 (6 ran).
3:55 1. ON SPRINGS (IRE) James King 3-1 2. STRANGER DANGER (IRE) P. York 2-1J 3. NO REMATCH (IRE) S. Burton 10-1 (7 ran).
SHERIFF HUTTON
06/04/2025
1:00 1. ZHIGULI (IRE) Miss Isla John 1-3F 2. AGIRLCALLEDCHLOE (IRE) F. Foster 8-1 (3 ran).
1:35 1. EMIR SACREE (FR) Joe Wright 5-4F 2. GLOBAL FAME (IRE) J. Dawson 7-2 3. ARTHUR’S SEAT (IRE) W. J. Brown 5-2 (4 ran).
2:10 1. WHATS THE SOLUTION (IRE) J. Teal 1-2F 2. SUNSET ON FIRE (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 7-4 3. MICKTHESOLDIER (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 3-1 (3 ran).
2:45 1. BLUE SANS (IRE) T.E.Easterby 11-2 2. MYTH BUSTER (IRE) Miss L. Bradstock 5-4F 3. RIDELONGLIVELONG (IRE) Miss Isla John 10-1 (6 ran).
3:25 1. DOTRE DAME (GB) Miss Isla John 9-2 2. LONG HOP (IRE) W. Easterby 5-2F 3. BANNOCKBURN (FR) Miss C. Parker 6-1 (6 ran).
4:00 1. KOYLI (GB) Felix Barlow 4-6 2. APIECEOFTHEMOON (GB) Miss P. J. Brown 1-2F (2 ran).
TABLEY 06/04/2025
2:00 1. BUZZARD TRIX (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 3-1 2. FRONTAL ASSAULT (IRE) Huw Edwards 4-6F (3 ran).
2:35 Void – No declarations
3:10 Void – No declarations
3:55 1. RALEAGH FLORA (GB) H. Crow (walkover).
4:30 1. DUE REWARD (IRE) Miss M. Bealby 6-4 2. THE CREADAN ROGUE (IRE) Huw Edwards 4-9F (2 ran).
5:05 1. JUMP ON BOARD (FR) J. Lovegrove-Fielden 11-4 2. CRACKERJACK QUEEN (IRE) D. Cherriman 5-4J (3 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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