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THE RACE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIPS IS
Photo: Neale Blackburn
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THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY SAM LEE
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know and for 27-year-old Sam Lee, May 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter. Meeting his girlfriend Ellie Callwood, who at that time was about to finish third in the National Women’s Point-to-Point Championship reignited his enthusiasm to return to raceriding following time away from the sport.
Lee, who grew up near Towcester, had ridden 29 winners pointing and hunter-chasing first time round but the most significant win of his career came aboard the Phil Middleton trained Golan Fortune at Cheltenham in a Listed Hurdle at the November meeting in 2019.
Lee has returned this season making his presence felt, making new connections and is riding at his brilliant best. I ask him why he stepped away? “I had my last ride in February 2022, Dad sadly had cancer and the decision was made I needed to be at home on the farm. We have dairy cattle; it was just Dad and I and with his illness he couldn’t do it on his own and the sensible thing for me to do was focus on that. I didn’t want too, but there was no way round it. Dad is fully recovered now.”
Having met Callwood, Lee tells me: “I was envious of what she was doing, I wanted to be back in it, riding winners and doing it again. I was working at the farm, riding when I could and trying to re-build some connections through last autumn, but you can’t do things half-heartedly and so due to Ellie working for Kelly Morgan in Leicestershire, I made the move up and I went to work for her sister Laura. I started there in January as Assistant Trainer and with their support things got going. Riding out, schooling and being part of the team was what I needed. I was going racing, dealing with the owners and all was good.” What about the farm I ask? “My brother was back at the farm, circumstances had changed at home, I needed to get away and do something for myself – I was a bit lost.”
Childhood on the farm was busy and an introduction to grey ponies is how Lee remembers the beginning of his riding interest. “Mum had a riding school on the farm and there were always naughty grey ponies kicking about so I would nag them about and we would sell them on, then there would be another one and another one and that was how it went.
Dad loves racing and Mum always had a few pointers, Sam Davies-Thomas, Johnny Bailey, Lutie Akinci and Ruth Tutton had ridden for her over the years but once I was old enough it was natural progression for me to have a go.”
A question I had been desperate to ask was, turning pro, had that ever been on the radar? “Absolutely not, I have never wanted to be a full-time jockey. Honestly, I don’t have the right head for it. I could not sit in the car day in, day out. I can’t be doing just one thing, there is always more to achieve and more to focus on. I also enjoy riding as an amateur because you can really relate, get involved with the horse and the connections and enjoy the roller coaster of emotions - does that make sense? For example, I remember finishing third on a first time maiden one day for Stuart Morris and we were all thrilled. As a team we had achieved something remarkable getting him to the racecourse, it hadn’t been straightforward, and I enjoy that close involvement, it makes it rewarding.” He adds: “I celebrate every winner, they mean something. Every single one has some kind of back story to it, and I like that. It suits my character!”
Lee credits Fred Hutsby as the one who really got him going through the early years and declares himself as part of the family: “Freddie was brilliant to me and I wasn’t always as brilliant to him! He really got me going, he and his wife Caroline took me in like a son. We have always kept in touch and I thank them for their support of me.”
Riding a winner at Cheltenham is the dream of every amateur jockey, and, in 2019 Lee partnered Golan Fortune to win a valuable handicap for Permit Trainer Phil Middleton. Lee was riding out for Alex Hales at the time and Middleton was looking for someone to help with his string so Lee went along. One thing led to another and with Lee able to do low weights was given the leg up on some of the string under-rules. He was soon fully immersed in team ‘Middleton’ and looks back fondly on the Cheltenham win. “It was and will probably always be the best day of my life. Working for Phil was great, he offered me a good deal and my time with him worked very well. Golan was a legend and that feeling of winning at Cheltenham, well what more is needed? I just want that feeling again and again.”
Samtara & Sam (hooped cap) edge out gallant Ouro Branco (Paddy Barlow) at the Mollington
Photo: Neale Blackburn
When we spoke, Lee was fresh of the back of riding a double at Tabley for Jo Priest last weekend, an association formed this season. Priest says: “I came across Sam through Will Badlan who also has horses with Justin Brotherton, I needed a jockey because my usuals were injured! Sam is so enthusiastic and rides very well. The two that won last weekend could not be more different and he rode them both to suit. He has a really great way of getting the owners going and appreciates the work that goes on behind the scenes. One of the owners watched the video back and was amazed to see that after the line Sam was hugging the horse. It is lovely to see those emotions.”
It is ironic how one thing leads to another in racing and the constant intertwining of people allow ‘meant to be’ scenarios time and time again. Justin Brotherton who trains at Stowon-the-wold in Gloucestershire was left without a jockey for Kayf Hernando at Southwell in March when Tom Hutsby was banned. Lee was recommended by the Hutsby family and from there things have rocketed. Lee tells me: “I cannot thank Justin enough, he has been my walking, talking billboard of advertisement. I wouldn’t have achieved the rides and winners I have this season without him, five of my six winners have been down to him and his advertising of me! One for him, three for Jo Priest and one for you Claire! I will be forever grateful to the silver fox!” The feelings are mutual and Brotherton credits Sam for the role he plays within his team: “Sam has been a brilliant addition to us, when Tommy was unable to ride Kayf he was quick to send Sam our way and it has been a breath of fresh air. He is honest, determined and very good at working horses out. I trust him 100% when I leg him up and he is just great fun to
have around. He is fully invested in the whole journey and has an impressive way of handling race day; he is brilliant with the owners and always on the phone early the next day to enquire as to the horse’s wellbeing.”
The next plan? Lee and Callwood fly out to New-Zealand at the beginning of June for the summer, he explains: “Why not? I saw an advert on Facebook advertising the need for jockeys out there so we go at the beginning of June and I guess will be back in September.” I dig a bit deeper as to future ambitions and although he is clearly keeping his cards close to his chest he says: “There is a plan, but nothing is yet concrete. I have some big goals which I would be silly to tell you.” He then diverts me by adding; “A ride over the big fences at Aintree has always been a dream- wouldn’t that be awesome?”
I couldn’t have printed the other descriptive words Sam had said pre ‘silver-fox’ regarding Brotherton but it was hilarious and a true reflection of his character. Like marmite, Lee is the classic love him or hate him type. He is cocky, opinionated and sure of himself. But a talented horseman with a racing brain, who appreciates and understands what goes in behind the scenes. Having ridden for me this season I fully back-up what Brotherton said. I have found him to have that rare talent to be good fun, immersing himself into the team and ensuring that everyone is having a good time whilst remaining professional and doing his job on the racecourse.
Long may it continue for Lee. I surmise that, in this case, following your heart helps your head make the right decisions.
Samtara - Sam Lee
Photo: Neale Blackburn
All smiles now Sam is back in the saddle
Photo: John Grossick
Feeling proud Samtara & groom Georgia Kirk
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Ellie & Sam following Music Drive’s epic run in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham
Photo: Andrew Parker
IN THE FRAME
Aries, Poppy Twiston-Davies (1st) leadsTwo The Manor Born, Harry Neale (2nd) and Off Ya Pop, Archie Pearse (3rd) The 148cms & Under Pony Race at Bratton Down Photo: Tim Holt
Citizen Jane and Sam Lee at Tabley
Photo: Sweet Photography
A delighted Huw Edwards returns following victory aboard Jolie Joue in the 2m4f maiden at Hexham
Photo: Grace Beresford
As The Lad Says and Natasha Cookson at Hexham
Photo: Nina Edminson
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IN THE FRAME
All eyes on the action at Hexham
Photo: Grace Beresford
El Capitane takes it all in his stride in the paddock, before his and Josh Newman’s win in the Cond L3 at Edgcote
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Glory (right of pic) and Shay Halton at Hexham Photo: Nina Edminson
Jack’s A Legend and Imogen Mathias at Tabley
Photo: Sweet Photography
Zak Baker channels his inner Frankie Dettori after his and Glancing Hill’s victory in the Restricted at Edgcote
Photo: Neale Blackburn
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IN THE FRAME
Killer Clown and Daisy White jump the last from Blouebrav and Natasha Cookson at Hexham Photo: Grace Beresford
Shanty Alley and George Case at Edgcote
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Skilful Lord, James Shaw (1st) Conditions Race (Level 1) at Bratton Down
Photo: Tim Holt
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ON THE CLOCK
Just under a year ago, Imperial Esprit clocked a career best figure when chasing home Famous Clermont in the Ladies Open Final at Stratford. It’s been a frustrating time since for Roger Varnham’s 11-year-old but, after several placed efforts, he finally managed to get his head in front for the first time this season when taking the Novice Riders event at Peper Harow. In doing so he clocked a figure of 120, replicating his best figure of last year, and in this form may again put up a good show at the season’s end Hunter chase evening.
Later on the card, Inchidaly Robin (74) scored for the sixth consecutive time since I highlighted him as a ‘fast timer’ following his debut at Larkhill. He’s been typically well placed by handler Luke Price but will now find things a little tougher being no longer eligible for Conditions races. The Price horses have been turned out in great fashion this season for which their travelling lass deserves great credit. There’s probably no better plaiter of a tail in the country at the moment nor a faster walker around the paddock as her charges regularly lap their rivals in the paddock!
Jack’s A Legend (110) raced mostly over two miles under Rules when campaigned against the likes of Sir Gerhard, Knapper’s Hill and Jonbon, and had cut little ice in two previous runs this season over much further. Dropped down in distance, he landed the novice riders event at Tabley in good style giving Imogen Mathias her first success. The two can continue to prosper together next season.
As The Lad Says (96) made his British debut a winning one at the Haydon. He had shown improved form on his last start in Ireland and strikes as being a late developing sort with the scope to progress. He is by Hardwicke Stakes winner Sandmason- principally known in pointing circles as the sire of Summerville Boy and Black Op.
The weather is a little uncertain as we head into the Bank Holiday weekend but the rains are likely to come too late to materially affect the going which will remain on the fast side across the country. Il Padrino has been running consistently this season and can cause an upset at Dingley where Caryto des Brosses (FR) can land the Open. Crocodile Lounge looks much the best in the Restricted at the Welsh International meeting and the same applies to Fairly Famous in the Ladies at Chaddesley Corbett. There’s some competitive fayre in prospect at Kingston Blount where all the competitors in the Conditions events appear equally matched. Preference therefore is for Can Daddy Dance to carry a penalty to success in the Restricted. Caspers Court can extend his winning run at Upcott and Royal Defender may offer some value in the Restricted having run up against some useful sorts this season.
LATEST RESULTS
HEXHAM
17/05/2025
2:00 1. KILLER CLOWN (IRE) Miss D. White 1-2F 2. BLOUEBRAV (FR) Miss Natasha Cookson 6-4 3. AGILULF (GB)
Miss R. L. M. Duffy 3-1 (4 ran).
2:35 1. AS THE LAD SAYS (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 7-2 2. FUJITA SCALE (IRE) Miss V. Thompson 4-1
3. BOOM BOOM BORIS (GB) T.E.Easterby Evens (8 ran).
3:10 1. JOLIE JOUE (IRE) Huw Edwards Evens 2. WHO ATE THE JAM (IRE) Miss Amy Milburn 3-1 3. TAKE A GLANCE (GB) Paddy Barlow 5-2 (5 ran).
3:45 1. FIGHTFORTHEROSES (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 6-4F 2. DROP FLIGHT (FR) Miss C. Parker 3-1 3. CLAPTON HILL (GB)
Miss R. L. M. Duffy 7-4 (5 ran).
4:20 1. BLUE SANS (IRE) Joe Wright 1-2F 2. ATTENTION ALL (IRE) T. Story 7-4 3. AVOID DE MASTER (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 7-4 (3 ran).
4:55 1. SHE IS THE ENEMY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 2-1 2. SHANTOU’S TEMPLE (GB) Joe Wright Evens
3. SOMETHING GOLDEN (IRE) Shay Halton 5-2 (4 ran).
5:30 1. GLORY (GB) Shay Halton 4-6 (2 ran).
PEPER HAROW
17/05/2025
2:00 1. IMPERIAL ESPRIT (IRE) S. Mead 2-1F 2. DIDERO VALLIS (FR) Daniel Williams 6-1 3. JOE KIDD (GB) T. Hutsby 4-1 (7 ran).
2:35 1. STEPPINGSTONE (FR) A. Chadwick 7-4F 2. ECHO OF PROMISE (GB) James King 2-1 3. CROOKBARROW (GB) S. Mead 5-1 (5 ran).
3:10 1. COUNT SIMON (IRE) S. Mead 1-2F 2. DRAKES WELL (IRE) T. Hutsby Evens (2 ran).
3:45 1. PRECIOUS BOUNTY (IRE) Miss M. Bealby 4-7F 2. TRAPPIST MONK (IRE) Miss A. S. Henry 3-1 (3 ran).
4:20 1. OKA TSUKI (FR) Mrs I. Hill 9-4 2. QUEEN RECORD (FR) J. Newman 5-2 3. HARPERS CREEK (IRE) Rian Corcoran 7-2 (4 ran).
4:55 1. INCHIDALY ROBIN (IRE) James King 4-5F 2. AIKENBREAKINHEART (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 5-2
3. BLAME THE GAME (IRE) Miss K.Howard 2-1 (3 ran).
BRATTON DOWN 18/05/2025
2:00 1. ALL WALKS OF LIFE (IRE) Rian Corcoran 4-6F 2. FIFTY SHADESOF BAY (IRE) James King 5-4
3. YOU NO ME TOO WELL (IRE) L. Gallacher 5-1 (3 ran).
2:35 1. OUT OUT (IRE) James King 4-7F 2. WHAT A PLEASURE (GB) H. Moore 11-10 (2 ran).
3:10 1. SKILFUL LORD (IRE) J. Shaw 1-3F 2. FUNKY SENSATION (GB) H. Moore 13-8 (2 ran).
3:45 1. SIZING CUSIMANO (GB) Miss T. Little (walked over).
4:20 1. LAVORANTE (IRE) James King (walked over).
4:55 1. GROVE ASH (GB) Miss Shannon Holmes 2-7F 2. MUSTMEETFORAPINT (IRE) H. Moore 7-4 (2 ran).
EDGCOTE
18/05/2025
2:00 1. MUMBO JUMBO (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 4-7F 2. MASTER MALCOLM (GB) Miss A. Richmond-Watson 12-1 3. SOLDIER UNKNOWN (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 7-4 (5 ran).
2:45 1. KNEEL DIAMOND (IRE) Z. Baker 7-4F 2. JUST A JOY (FR) Sean O’Connor 6-1 3. CONSTITUTION GROVE (GB) Miss Ellie Holder 5-1 (8 ran).
3:20 1. DR OAKLEY (IRE) S. Burton 9-2 2. AMRONS SAGE (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 4-5F 3. JANIKA (FR) R. Stearn Evens (3 ran).
3:55 1. SHANTY ALLEY (GB) G. Case 7-1 2. RAGNAR LODBROK (IRE) T. Hutsby 4-6F 3. COEUR SEREIN (IRE) L. Hadfield 11-10 (3 ran).
4:30 1. GLANCING HILL (GB) Z. Baker 6-4F 2. GRAVESIDE LAD (IRE) A. Chadwick 7-1 3. BENNETTSBRIDGE (GB) T. Hutsby 5-1 (7 ran).
5:05 1. EL CAPITAINE (IRE) J. Newman 1-4F 2. THE JOLLY POT (IRE) J. W. Stevenson 7-1 3. MOT POUR MOT (FR) T. Hutsby 7-1 (4 ran).
TABLEY
2:00 1. COUNT FROLLO (IRE) H. Crow (walked over).
18/05/2025
2:35 1. JACK’S A LEGEND (GB) Miss Imogen Mathias 4-1 2. BADBAD LEROY BROWN (GB) Cameron Hillhouse 4-1 3. RICHARD R H B (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 9-2 (6 ran).
3:10 1. CITIZEN JANE (GB) S. Lee 6-4F 2. JUST A MYSTERY (IRE) O. Andrews 3-1 3. BESTFRIEND BARNABY (GB) J. Lovegrove-Fielden 7-2 (4 ran).
3:50 1. ECCO (GB) J. Smith-Maxwell 9-4 2. FRONTAL ASSAULT (IRE) Henry Bailey 9-4 3. PONCHERELLO (FR) H. Crow 10-11F (3 ran).
4:25 1. BUZZARD TRIX (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 6-4F 2. BARELY FAMOUS (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 7-1 (5 ran).
5:00 1. THAIS TOIR (FR) S. Lee 5-1 2. TRIPLE HAYCH (GB) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 3-1 3. CITY STORM (GB) H. Crow 11-2 (5 ran).
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25
SEASON LEADERBOARDS
• Goffs Ladies’ Champion Jockey
• Tattersalls Cheltenham 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.
