CHELTENHAM JOY
26 09 / MAY / 2025
Crawter leads Paddy Barlow to a first Cheltenham success
Photo: Neale Blackburn
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RAWLINS WALKING ON WATER WITH CRAWTER
By Carl Evans, Point-to-Point Correspondent
The phrase ‘walking on water’ could apply to Wiltshire farmer Stan Rawlins following the success of Crawter at Cheltenham on Friday evening.
Trained by Harriet Waight - who is joint-owner with Rawlins – six-year-old Crawter, ridden for the first time by Paddy Barlow, won the Venatour Sports Travel Intermediate Hunters’ Chase, landing Rawlins, a long-time owner in the sport of point-to-pointing, with £5,000 in prize money. The joy of a first success at the home of Jump racing probably meant more than the cash.
This morning, while on his way to South Hill in Somerset for this afternoon’s Devon & Somerset Staghounds’ meeting, Rawlins – a key member of the team which helps run Larkhill point-to-point course – said: “You can put all the praise down to Harriet. She trains on Salisbury Plain in the most unorthodox way, but she’s so talented. I buy them she trains them, and it’s been so difficult training on the Plain because it’s become rock hard in this weather. Luckily we’ve been able to box the horses up and take them to Richard Hannon’s to use his all-weather.”
The delighted joint-owner stopped in at Waight’s stable this morning, “a mile up the road” from his own arable and beef farm, to see Crawter who he said had eaten up and was in good form. “As Harriet put it, he came out of the race with
a smile on his face,” said Rawlins. Waight trains just two horses, Crawter and Sake Of Secrecy, both in partnership with Rawlins.
Crawter has now won five of six races this season, landing three at his local course of Larkhill, which is right-handed, before winning left-handed at Bitterley and Cheltenham. On his two latest starts he has jumped to his right, and very noticeably over the final few fences.
Rawlins said: “He jumps to his right, but he’s obviously got a bit of speed between the fences. When we left for the races I said I’d be happy if he got round. Two out I thought he might be third, then I thought he could be second, but I never thought he could win. After the race his ears were pricked and he was so full of himself.
“I wanted to run him a week earlier at Stafford Cross because it’s a flat, right-handed track, and now he’s won at Cheltenham. It’s not bad for a horse bought by accident.”
Crawter’s first two races were for Warwickshire trainer Fran Poste, for whom he finished second at Dingley and fourth at Upcott Cross in Devon in the spring of 2023.
Rawlins said: “We were at Upcott Cross and a race was put back three-quarters of an hour before Crawter ran.
Crawter, Josh Newman (1st) leads Two In Tune, Charlie Sprake (2nd) at the Larkhill in March (Restricted Race) Photo: Tim Holt
I watched Charlie Poste leading him round and I could see he was a nice horse.
“After racing we went back to the lorry park to see Josh Newman [who has subsequently ridden Rawlins’ horse four times this season, but was unavailable on Friday] and I mentioned Crawter to him and he said, ‘Let’s go and look at the horse’, and I said ‘No, no, I’d have to talk to the Paymaster General first’ – meaning my wife Sally. The following morning Josh rang and said the horse was for sale, so I phoned Nick Pearce [assistant trainer to Dan Skelton], who lives near the Postes in Warwickshire, and asked him to go and take a look. Nick rang back later that day and said ‘If you don’t buy him, I will’, so it was pure chance that we bought Crawter.
“I think that’s probably it for this season. There is a hunters’ chase at Newton Abbot, although nothing has been firmly decided.”
Other winners on the night included ten-time British champion Gina Andrews, who recorded a double on Music Drive in the Jonathan Neesom Memorial Open Hunters’ Chase and Latenightfumble in the mares’ race. The Kelly Morgan-trained Music Drive, who had run a fine race when fourth on his previous start in the St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase, was a spare ride for Andrews who was deputising for suspended Ellie Callwood. On this occasion Music Drive proved too strong for runner-up Gracchus De
Balme, who arrived at Cheltenham having won Aintree’s Randox Foxhunters’ Chase.
Andrews brought up the double on Latenightfumble, who she also trains. That side of the victory must have given her a heap of pleasure for the mare – who is owned and was bred by her mother-in-law Pippa Ellis – had not run for two years and three months having been given time out to successfully produce a foal. Latenightfumble got up in the shadow of the post to catch the Will Milburn-trained Cullin Hills.
Despite defeat for Gracchus De Balme, Cheshire trainer Joe O’Shea did not leave the course without a winner for his Barton Snow had landed the two-mile hunters’ chase under James King. The last-named rider got to within half a length of a double when riding Glenmount in the Junior Jumpers’ Open Hunters’ Chase, but that combination had to give best to consistent Douglas Longbottom from Bea Coward’s stable, which is based near Mere in Wiltshire. Will Biddick, deputizing for injured Martin McIntyre, rode the winner.
Hung Jury became the sole winner on the night for a licensed trainer when scoring for Martin Keighley’s yard in the four-miler under Jack Wilmot, while Norfolk farmer David Kemp maintained his uncanny ability to saddle winners on key occasions when his Rebel Dawn Rising won the two-and-a-half miler under Dale Peters.
Stan Rawlins
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY ELIZABETH FEAKES
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
Elizabeth Feakes, aged 34 from Shipley in West Sussex rode her first winner on Saturday at Godstone aboard her own Highway Hero on her 47th point-to-point ride. A Chartered Surveyor for Knight Frank, Feakes is a true amateur competing in a sport she loves whilst juggling a professional career.
Winning on Saturday was a life-long ambition and in doing so beat the legendary Phil York aboard Ask Nile, a horse who had not been beaten on his last four starts. Turning for home Feakes and Highway Hero looked beaten but the duo ran on up the hill to win by a short-head. “I wasn’t sure we had won, having never been in that position before I wasn’t sure I had got there.” Feakes says.
Feakes who grew up on a farm, hacking ponies around and doing pony club activities had her first ride at Black Forest Lodge in Devon in 2010 whilst on a gap year. She remembers it well: “I was living with my Aunt, Sarah Clarke, she and her daughter, my cousin Hannah, who is married to Charlie Marshall, helped me so much to get going. I was clueless, not a notion of how fit or prepared I ought to be. I missed the start, then I lost both stirrups at the first, jumped the second without and galloped past the third! The form books have an ‘R’ by my horse’s name but it wasn’t his fault, I just sailed past the fence it out of control! It was carnage, I just put that behind me! Polly Gundry was in the race and she was so friendly.” That horse – Just A Touch is now 29 and still lives with Feakes. During this time Feakes rode out for the late John Dufosee who she credits as being a “wonderful man.”
A few seasons passed whilst life took over, completing a
Masters degree and starting a professional career. In 2018 Fayre Enough provided Feakes with her first completion and by this time realisation had set in as to the level of fitness required, Feakes explains: “Whilst at uni I got into rowing, I loved it, really enjoyed fitness and that has helped no end with my riding.”
As a partnership, success eluded Feakes and Fayre Enough but she credits him for being a brilliant schoolmaster and says: “We had lots of fun, he missed a few seasons because he got a blackthorn in his leg on hound exercise but we had lots of fun. We were eighth in the Newmarket Town Plate in 2022!”
Oscar O’Scar was Feakes next horse and in 16 races together two placings were achieved in 2022, one race was a run in a ladies hurdle at Fakenham, where the finishing result may not have seemed a highlight, Feakes excitedly tells me: “It was the best spin ever, I loved it and would love to ride over hurdles again.”
In search of her next horse during summer 2023, Highway Hero was spotted in the sales catalogue and Feakes purchased him from Harry Ryall. A Five-year-old maiden winner with some form in restricted races he looked a nice prospect. “Harry and Robbie David who rode him for Harry have been so helpful when I need them. There were times last season I wanted to give up as it wasn’t going to plan.” Saturday’s win was so very special, surrounded by friends and family at a local track. “We celebrated at the pub where I work occasionally and the landlord and landlady, Belinda and Kenny who were there on Saturday are big supporters of mine. We drank fizz from the trophy and danced on the tables.”
A true bond of horse and rider –heartwarming scenes at Godstone
Feakes explains to me how she juggles her full-time job with training Highway Hero, “It’s crazy, I ride him before work and use the downs and extensive local fields. On a Friday and Saturday I get up at 4.30am to do Hero, then I ride out two lots for Gary Moore before working from home. I do sneak a little ride on Hero in my lunch hour on a Friday! Riding out at the Moore’s has been good for my fitness and improving my riding. Josh and Jamie have been so helpful and they kindly allow me to use their gallops and schooling facilities.”
Reflecting back, I ask Feakes where the desire to race-ride came from. “Mum did a lot of showing and hunting, most of my family have racing roots. Bob Champion is my greatgrandads’ brothers’ son – work that one out” she laughs and continues “Mum wouldn’t let me pony race so I was determined I was going to ride pointing.”
Feakes represents a sector of participants within our sport who share the dream of being competitive and successful whilst also living a life outside of horses. For them it is hard work and Feakes puts heart and soul into her hobby. “I have
learned so much and want to continue to improve. Hero is different to my previous horses; they were very much schoolmasters with a mind of their own where I just played passenger to a degree. Hero has taught me far more, he needs me, he is sensitive and I have had to learn how to ride him. Each race is different, at Parham earlier this season he was very keen and jumped badly so the following week I team chased him, he was brilliant and in our next race he was much more rideable. He has a short, sharp burst of speed; I was mortified watching my video back of my finish Saturday but that showed his speed at the end, but it did feel like we were finally in sync and I now understand him.”
Of his character she adds: “He is a pet, Mum can groom him and pet him! He wanders around the yard helping himself to the feed room and just being cool. We have a very laidback set up. He does a bit of everything, I hunt him, he has even won a dressage class with my friend Sophie. He is a total superstar!”
Future options remain uncertain, hopeful of another run this season if the ground is suitable but also some interesting plans going forward. Feakes confirms: “I would love to ride over hurdles again so maybe I put him in training and do that? I am also in the process of joining the Army Reserves, my medical paperwork is just going through. The military races at Sandown would then be a goal.”
We wrap up our chat concluding that the win on Saturday has captured deeper enthusiasm, Feakes says: “It makes it all so worthwhile, the crazy early starts, the horrible winter weather, the overwhelming tiredness and the huge financial tie! It’s madness but I love it. My wonderful long-suffering boyfriend, Dan Howick who I barely see is so supportive and to own/train and ride a winner was magical.”
We need more Elizabeth Feakes’ in our wonderful sport, in possession of a determination and level head, she is proof that dreams do come true and with hard work and relentless perseverance winners are possible.
Highway Hero relaxing in his paddock
Selfie time – Hero & Elizabeth
Elizabeth is ably supported by her boyfiend Dan
IN THE FRAME
The Restricted Race runners at South Hill showcase the beautiful Somerset countryside behind them
Photo: Tim Holt
Sunset On Fire and Rosie Howarth against the backdrop of Witton Castle Photo: Tom Milburn
CHELTENHAM – Music Drive and Gina Andrews (spots on sleeves), Jonathan Neesom Memorial Open Hunters Chase
Photo: Neale Blackburn
IN THE FRAME
Do No Wrong and Natasha Cookson take on the challenge from an unseated Killer Clown, at Witton Castle Photo: Tom Milburn
Galileo Silver and Daniel Cherriman take flight at Eyton Photo: Sweet Photography
Molly Legg shows her delight at taking the Members race at Mollington, with Young Rich Photo: Neale Blackburn
Harry O’Dwyer and Premier Fantasy receive a warm welcome home, after their victory in the Grassroots Riders, at Eyton Photo: Graham Fisher
IN THE FRAME
Two The Manor Born & Harry Neale (1st) lead home the 148cm and under Pony Race for Novice Riders at Flete Park Photo: Tim Holt
Samtara and Sam Lee (nearest camera), take on Paddy Barlow and Ouro Branco at Mollington
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Imperial Hurricane, Amber Jackson-Fennell (left, pink and white) and Brockrock Roxie, Huw Edwards, at Eyton
Photo: Sweet Photography
LATEST RESULTS
FLETE
PARK 03/05/2025
2:00 1. DO WHATEVER (IRE) B. Treneer 1-5F (2 ran).
2:35 1. ONE TREE HILL (FR) J. Stenhouse 8-11F 2. BRIGHT AURA (GB) Michael Treneer 4-1 3. BALLINOULART (IRE) Richard Upton 5-4 (3 ran).
3:10 1. WHAT’S UP HARRY (GB) Rian Corcoran 5-4F 2. MILTOWN BRIDGE (IRE) J. Newman 10-1 3. AFRICAN LADY (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 7-1 (5 ran).
3:45 1. KILFILUM WOODS (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 7-4 2. JUBERTILEE (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 5-4F 3. EAGLE OF THE GLEN (GB) Miss L. Mager 3-1 (4 ran).
4:20 1. EL CAPITAINE (IRE) J. Newman 2-5F 2. ST PATRICKS BRIDGE (IRE) H. D. O’Dwyer 2-1 3. COTTON END (IRE) Finley Freeman 7-1 (6 ran).
4:55 1. CASPERS COURT (IRE) Miss Hannah Morgan 5-4 2. CLEVER DES ASSENCE (FR) Rian Corcoran 7-2 3. RADDON TOP (IRE) J. Dawkins Evens (3 ran).
5:30 1. GINO DRUMMER BOY (IRE) James King 11-4 2. BRIGHT FOCUS (GB) P. Summers 6-1 (5 ran).
GODSTONE 03/05/2025
2:30 1. MCMURROUGHS COURT (IRE) S. Mead 4-1 2. PUNCH PERFECT (GB) D. Cherriman 5-2 (4 ran).
3:05 1. COMMANDER OF TEN (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 7-4 2. IMPERIAL ESPRIT (IRE) S. Mead 4-5F 3. PRESENTING POINT (IRE) H. Carrington 4-1 (3 ran).
3:40 1. TRAPPIST MONK (IRE) S. Mead (1 ran).
4:15 1. HIGHWAY HERO (GB) Miss E.Feakes 5-2 2. ASK NILE (IRE) P. York 2-5F 3. SOPRAN THOR (FR) D. Cherriman 5-1 (3 ran).
4:50 1. PATRICKS HILL (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 6-4F 2. OCCUPIED TERRITORY (IRE) D. Cherriman 4-1 3. TULLY STAR (IRE) B. Ball 8-1 (5 ran).
5:25 1. COUNT SIMON (IRE) S. Mead 4-6F 2. CARROLLS COTTAGE (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 8-1 (4 ran).
DINGLEY
04/05/2025
2:00 1. MY JETTA PLANE (IRE) Miss E. Callwood 3-1 2. VALIDATION (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 2-1 3. EOIN’S CHARM (IRE) Jack Andrews 7-4F (7 ran).
2:35 1. RAGNAR LODBROK (IRE) Conal Kavanagh 2-1 2. DRAKES WELL (IRE) T. Hutsby 2-1 3. MASTER MALCOLM (GB) Miss A. Richmond-Watson 8-1 (5 ran).
3:10 1. ARAMAX (GER) A. Chadwick 8-11F 2. LARRY (GB) G. Gorman 7-4 3. THUNDERSTRUCK (IRE) D. Peters 2-1 (3 ran).
3:45 1. CHEYTAC (FR) Miss G. Andrews Evens 2. IL PADRINO (IRE) Miss Ellie Holder 8-1 3. CASH OR CARD (IRE) D. Peters 2-1 (7 ran).
4:20 1. MOUNTAIN ASSAULT (IRE) D. Peters 5-4 2. NO RISK DES FLOS (FR) R. Stearn 2-5F (2 ran).
4:55 1. CARPE DIEM (FR) Miss G. Andrews 4-6F 2. DR DOODLEBUG (IRE) Paddy Barlow 5-2 3. SECRET PLAN (IRE) G. Gorman 10-1 (4 ran).
SOUTH HILL
04/05/2025
2:00 1. SKILFUL LORD (IRE) J. Shaw 6-4 2. SIZING CUSIMANO (GB) Miss T. Little 11-2 3. STEEL EXPRESS (IRE) J. Stenhouse 5-1 (4 ran).
2:35 1. CHIEF O’HARA (IRE) E. Doggrell 3-1 2. RIVER STORY (IRE) D. Andrews 7-4 3. DOCTOR DOYEN (IRE) Miss T. Little 5-1 (5 ran).
3:10 1. THE KINGS WRIT (IRE) J. Newman Evens 2. MULBERRY HILL (IRE) James King 3-1 3. HIS OWN STAR (FR) Mrs J. Supple 5-1 (5 ran).
3:45 1. TEESCOMPONENTSFLY (GB) J. Stenhouse 3-1 2. SIDI ISMAEL (FR) Miss Mia Holmes 6-4 3. DORRELLS PIERJI (FR) Rian Corcoran 1-2F (3 ran).
4:20 1. INCHIDALY ROBIN (IRE) James King 2-5F 2. WHITSAND BAY (GB) J. Newman 6-4 3. FIRST PREFERENCE (IRE) S. Lee 6-1 (4 ran).
4:55 1. ALL THUMBS UP (FR) James King 5-1 2. DRUMLEE SPUD (IRE) E. Doggrell 8-1 3. ROYAL DEFENDER (IRE) Rian Corcoran 7-2 (7 ran).
EYTON-ON-SEVERN 05/05/2025
1:00 1. JETAWAY HOLIDAY (IRE) Edward Vaughan 7-4F 2. UNLEASH HELL (IRE) Huw Edwards 2-1 (6 ran).
1:40 1. GREAT VALLEY (FR) G. Sankey 2-7F 2. RICHARD R H B (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 3-1 3. ROYAL ACT (GB) Miss J. Stewart 10-1 (4 ran).
2:20 1. GALILEO SILVER (IRE) D. Cherriman 10-11F 2. BARELY FAMOUS (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 11-4 3. DR OAKLEY (IRE) S. Burton 2-1 (5 ran).
3:05 1. PREMIER FANTASY (IRE) H. D. O’Dwyer 6-5F 2. STRIKING OUT (GB) Miss Emma Williams 6-1 3. TOP OF THE CHARTS (FR) Miss C. M. Mills 14-1 (5 ran).
3:45 1. O’HALLORANS CASTLE (IRE) J. Lovegrove-Fielden 3-1 2. TANGO ARUMBA (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 12-1 3. CROCODILE LOUNGE (IRE) B. Gibbs Evens (7 ran).
4:25 1. IMPERIAL HURRICANE (GB) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 4-1 2. BROCKROCK ROXIE (GB) Huw Edwards 4-9F (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.
