2021 – A year of the Group 1
2021. A year that began in some uncomfortable terms, with lockdown suppressing any form of New Year festivities or visits to racecourses and yards. Unfortunately, RCA Media Restrictions were still in place, which made being able to produce raceday imagery for clients impossible without RCA National Accreditation. Nevertheless, we worked on what we could, and it was a later start than everyone else for us.
Wednesday 17th March – Heidi Brookshaw Racing
Jenny and Duke Arcadio on the round gallop
With the attention of the racing world focused on a Cheltenham Festival that was on it’s second day, and the second day of being run behind closed doors, we popped into a yard we had never visited before, but heard plenty about. Nestled away on the outskirts of Market Drayton are two yards, situated side by side effectively. One is David Loughnane, but the other was who we were there to visit – Heidi Brookshaw. A competent rider in her own right before taking up training, her string are a regular sight on the point to point sphere, and in hunter chases between January and May.
Horses are reflected in the pond on the way to the gallops
At the time of our visit, she and the team were preparing for the imminent and much welcomed return of UK point to pointing, stopped due to the restrictions for non-professional sport with the advent of the much unwelcomed lockdown at Christmas. Indeed, Hunter Chases at courses such as Ludlow, Bangor-On-Dee and Cheltenham, which are usually filled to the brim with the cream of amateur jockeys, were being contested with professional jockeys aboard. These unprecedented times were made even more clear when the Foxhunters’ Chase was contested with professional jockeys, Lorcan Williams taking the victory of Porlock Bay from Billaway and Paul Townend, with Staker Wallace and Mark Walsh in third. All the professional jockeys would have been in the weighing room in any normal year, allowing the amateurs to take to the global stage in their Gold Cup. However, in those strange times, no amateurs were permitted to compete, which was a huge shame.
Heidi leads the string in from the gallops
It was however, a very enjoyable visit to the team, which interestingly are situated near the end of the runway at RAF Tern Hill, where a certain Tom of JTW Equine flew a Vigilant T1 aircraft solo during our time in the Air Training Corps. In 2010 nonetheless!
It was great to see the grand legend of Sam Cavallaro, still going strong and enjoying life at the age of 15, and a plethora of younger talent that will be once again plying their trade on the pointing scene over the coming year. They are a wonderful bunch of people, and a visit is highly recommended for anyone reading this if they are interested. Many thanks for having us, we shall be back in due course.
Sam Cavallaro laughing
Donald McCain Racing – Wednesday 31st March
Abbie McCain and Fiveandtwenty
With Aintree on the horizon, it was a quick visit into Bankhouse Stables, home of Donald McCain Racing. The aim was to produce some imagery for an article on his hopes and chances for the meeting at Aintree that was coming up in the next few weeks, the Randox Health Grand National. Already a leading name in the Festival and history of the race due to his father Ginger McCain saddling Red Rum to a remarkable 3 wins in the race in the 70’s, coupled with his own victory as a trainer in 2011 with Ballabriggs.
Minella Drama leads First Lot
Of particular focus were two leading hopes, Fiveandtwenty and Minella Drama. Fiveandtwenty, under the trainer’s daughter Abbie McCain, was working alongside Goobinator before a crack at the Anniversary 4 year old Juvenile Hurdle, in which she finished a creditable 3rd behind the imperious Monmiral.
Another big hope for the yard was Minella Drama, who was being aimed at the Mersey Novices Hurdle on Grand National Day over 2m 4f. He subsequently ran an excellent race to finish 2nd behind another imperious victor of the meeting in My Drogo. He has since gone on to win on chasing debut at Uttoxeter, before an unlucky second at Carlisle and a 5th place in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices Chase at Sandown. He will be one to look out for in novice chases at around 2m 4f.
Jack and Milan's Edge lead Abbie on Fiveandtwenty
Once again, a massive thanks to the team for the opportunity to pop in.
Chaddesley Corbett, Saturday 17th April – Lady Dudley Cup Day
Whotheman flies two out in a valiant attempt to chase down eventual winner Dondiam
The first point to point of the season for us. And presumably the only time we will start a meeting so early. It began at 10:00 due to the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke Of Edinburgh, that was taking place later that afternoon. Every sporting event in Britain from 2pm to 4pm was delayed or brought forward to accommodate for the funeral, and as such it meant an earlier start for the meeting.
The field fly the next in the April sunshine
The first race was an impressive victory for debutante Dondiam from the Station Yard stables of Francesca Nimmo and Charlie Poste, who was subsequently sold at the Tattersalls April Sale to Dan Astbury and Tim Talbot for £50,000, and to be trained by Oliver Greenall. The feature of the day, the Lady Dudley Cup, was won in stylish fashion by Premier Magic, scooting clear of his rivals to take the illustrious prize, a contest that was first run in 1897 and still attracts the cream of the pointing division to this day.
Premier Magic and Bradley Gibbs win the 2021 Lady Dudley Cup
Fergal O’Brien Racing’s Maiden Century – Tuesday 20th April
The team of Fergal O'Brien Racing after they had recorded their first ever century of winners in a season
Oscar Rose. A horse forever entwined in the history of racing, and of their trainer Fergal O’Brien. On the 19th April 2021 the mare brought up the first ever century of winners in a single season for Fergal O’Brien and his team at Ravenswell Farm when she scooted clear of Sir Valentine to win the last race of the day at Kempton Park. And as is customary, we brought a cake along to the yard the next day to celebrate, one of Tom’s finest Victoria Sponges.
(L-R) Honorary Assistant Trainer Kian Burley, Trainer Fergal O'Brien, Stable Jockey Paddy Brennan, Assistant Trainer and Partner of Fergal Sally Randell, and leading owner Chris Coley
It was a privilege to provide the official team photograph for the occasion too, with the team and select guests such as the Honorary Assistant Trainer Kian Burley and a plentiful supply of owners in attendance to celebrate the achievement. It was even more significant as an achievement as Racing had been shut down for 3 months from the previous year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which meant they started the season in July, a full two months later than usual.
A huge congratulations to the team on the honour and success! And they are on course to do exactly the same this season. Will history repeat itself, or will they further surpass the feat of 104 winners in a season?
Fergal O'Brien and Sally Randell
Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale at Newmarket, Friday 23rd April
Lot 8 - American Mike - Top lot of the day at £195,000, and currently 11/4 favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival
Our first sale of the year was at Tattersalls, for the Cheltenham Sale. Usually held at the home of jump racing, further COVID restrictions meant that the sale was transferred to the Newmarket home of Tattersalls.
Lot 17 - Chianti Classico - Has made good progress for his trainer Kim Bailey after his £105,000 purchase.
Top lot of the day was American Mike, who went for £195,000 to Gordon Elliott, after a battle with Dan Astbury of Oliver Greenall Racing to secure the gelding. American Mike has since won 2 bumpers in fine fashion, and is now ante-post favourite for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Dondiam - Lot 35 sold to Dan Astbury and Tim Talbot for £50,000.
Larkhill, Sunday 25th April
My Little Cecil and Mr D. Ellis on their way to victory
Around 18 months ago we received an email asking about images from Larkhill, as someone “had seen we were in attendance” and wanted imagery. Unfortunately, we had not been in attendance at the meeting as we had never even been to the course, so consider us rather confused at that email!
Beau Sancy clears the last
So as such, it was a plan to attend the course if possible in the season, to add it to the list of courses we had been covering. And thankfully, we did get chance to attend Larkhill, although it became a case of small fields, a walkover, and even one void race.
This was due to the going being stated as “Firm”. Not Good To Firm, Firm. This was due to high temperatures in the weeks leading up and Larkhill not having access to a watering system for the course. A shame really, as it did decimate the fields dramatically.
Best Pal and Mr James King
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day, with beautiful weather and stunning views of Salisbury Plain and various Neolithic monuments. That has to cement the course as a place we very much aim to return to as soon as possible, whenever we are in the area or requested to attend.
Manor House Stables, Friday 14th May
Adaay Dream heads back in after exercise
Another stable visit, this time to Manor House Stables just outside Malpas in Cheshire. This was the stable run by trainer Tom Dascombe for owner and founder Michael Owen. Shortly before this article was written however, it was made public that Tom would be leaving his post to train elsewhere, and a new trainer will take over at Manor House.
We at JTW Equine Images would like to thank him for the opportunities over the years, and wish him all the best in the future. We will see you soon!
The swimming pool is an excellent training and recovery tool at the yard
This visit was to produce some more imagery of the stable’s horses, in preparation for articles and for stock imagery. It was nice to see everyone that we did know already, and to see the new faces who had arrived since our last visit. It really is a state of the art facility, with happy, healthy horses and an abundance of talent.
One of the staff, Arthur, has a particular fondness for one of the horses at the yard, Flaming Rib. He believes that the horse has a good race in him, and that was at least proven at Doncaster in October, when he won the Listed Doncaster Stakes by a length. It seems that the sky may not be the limit for this horse, and we are excited for their 3 year old season.
Hayley Ashcroft leads the lot on Fools Rush In
Another exciting juvenile is Ever Given, who came to prominence when taking the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Stakes at the Ebor meeting in August. He returned to the track in October and was shaded out of a placing when finishing a close 4th to Canonized in the Listed Rockingham Stakes.
Whoever is at the helm of MHS, they will be hoping to continue a fine legacy by their predecessor. We wish them well.
Knutsford Hunt Races, Tabley, Sunday 16th May
Cai Williams and Go On Chez land the opener
Always a much looked forward to and treasured place for us, Tabley hosted its sole point to point this year in May, with the Knutsford Hunt meeting.
Two stalwarts of Oliver Greenall racing hung up their saddle at the end of the meeting, with Cai Williams calling it a day after victory aboard Go On Chez, and Ed Glassonbury retiring to further a career in engineering, much to the relief of his family one would expect!
Ed Glassonbury on his last ride aboard Kaftan Style
In conditions more changeable than COVID restrictions on socialising, the action on track was as good as it had ever been, with another highlight brought in right at the end of the day as Mahon Point scored in good style to thwart the 2/5 favourite Forest Chimes under James King. It was a race in which 15 started, 10 pulled up and 1 fell, which showed the tenacious attrition of the race. The winner was subsequently sold to Fergal O’Brien Racing for £21,000 at the Goffs UK Spring HIT/P2P Sale in May, and has since finished 3rd in a bumper at Chepstow earlier in December. He may turn out to be a nice prospect for the team.
Mahon Point - Subsequently sold to Fergal O'Brien Racing for £21,000.
Tattersalls Cheltenham May Sale at Newmarket, Thursday 27th May
Lot 8 - Call Her Now - Top lot at £240,000
Another sale at Newmarket, this time the May Sale, which features graduates such as Monkfish, the stellar and huge novice chaser for Willie Mullins, who is unfortunately sidelined with injury this season.
Call Her Now came from this sale as top lot at £240,000, with Rahinston Stud going to a hefty price to see off Gordon Elliott and secure the 3 parts sister to Denman. The 4 year old filly had won a debut Point to point at Necarne by 3 ½ lengths, and was secured with the intention of becoming a broodmare after her racing days are over, her new connections were quoted as saying.
Lot 45, City Chief, parades around an almost deserted Sales Ring
Just 3 out of 58 lots remained unsold, with nearly £3million being raised. Other notable sales were City Chief to Highflyer Bloodstock for £210,000, who has subsequently been sent to Seven Barrows and whom made a good start to his jumping career when finishing third at Ascot over a somewhat inadequate 2m 5f. He looks one tailor made for 3 miles in time. Knowsley Road, who was second in that point, fetched £135,000 from Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls, while Duke Of Deception, a further length away in third, went to Dan Astbury and Oliver Greenall Racing for £48,000. He may prove to be worth more than that in due course.
Lot 51 - Duke Of Deception - Sold to Dan Astbury and Oliver Greenall for £48,000
Warren Hill Gallops, Newmarket, Friday 28th May
Bob Champion watches Sir Mark Prescott's string in their exercise
Instead of driving back madly the previous night and getting stuck in traffic around Newmarket, Tom decided to stay over in the surrounding area and pay a visit to the Warren Hill Gallops, as it had been a while since our last visit. It proved a fruitful morning, with a chat with the racing legend that is Bob Champion CBE thrown in as a welcome surprise.
Down The Avenue
Reflection in a rider's goggles
Albrighton & Woodland South Point To Point, Monday 31st May
Hazel Hill flies the second last on his way to victory
The final meeting of our Pointing season took place on a beautiful late spring afternoon at Chaddesley Corbett. It was a poignant day in the end, as the winner of the 2019 Foxhunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Hazel Hill, bowed out in fine style when taking the last race of the meeting under Tommie O’Brien.
Hazel Hill flies into retirement
It was always the intention from his connections to retire him at the end of the season, or on his last win, whichever came first. It appears both came at the same time, and he retires fit and well. He will be missed on the course, putting his rivals to the sword as he wears them down, and his performance in 2019 at Cheltenham will always be the standout of his career.
Happy Retirement Hazel Hill!
Shaw Farm Stud, Saturday 19th June
Eclair D'ainay, Protektorat and Politologue
Shaw Farm Stud is usually the home of well bred, excellent showjumpers. Arko III, for example, was an impressive showjumper in his own right, but also achieved revered status as a stallion.
The stud is also the summer holiday location for the jump stars of owner John Hales. At the helm of the yard is the 2012 Grand National winner, and with various other accolades attached to him in a stellar career, Neptune Collonges. “Nipper” is still spritely in his older years, running a merry dance around the field when all you want to do is get a portrait of him! He still looks magnificent, a real credit to the Stud.
The great Neptune Collonges
In the field at the far end of the stud was Lakota Warrior, Politologue, Protektorat, Éclair D’Ainay, Fidelio Vallis, Monmiral ( who spent most of the morning leading Tom and Jack around the field in an attempt to get some photos ) and Timeforatune. Since that day Protektorat has been second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and won the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree. There is a plethora of talent on show at the yard, and with further targets in the Spring on the horizon, there is a chance that more Graded glory will be arriving for the string.
The whole field enjoying their holidays
Friday 16th July - Mulberry Hill at Fergal O’Brien Racing – For Dark Horse Racing
Mulberry Hill and a proud Jodie Standing of Dark Horse Racing
In June we were contacted by Rebecca at Dark Horse Racing to produce imagery on an upcoming visit of Jodie Standing, again of DHR, to Fergal O’Brien Racing. The subject of the visit was their new horse, Mulberry Hill, a beautiful mare who had just gone into training at the yard, and was nearing a run.
Having provided images to Jodie for her “Point To Point Recruits” books over the past two seasons, it was excellent to finally meet her. A hugely knowledgeable person and a lovely individual too, she really is one of racing’s most underrated and talented writers, picking out the top prospects from the plethora of recruits annually, and writing an extremely detailed publication that rarely disappoints.
Mulberry Hill flies up the Ravenswell Farm Gallops
Mulberry Hill made an excellent debut in second later in July, before going one better and scoring at Worcester on 18th August. A fine second at Market Rasen followed afterwards, and she is another one to look out for in the New Year.
We might be tempted to purchase some shares ourselves. Watch this space!
Mulberry Hill and Jodie
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes Day, Ascot Racecourse – Saturday 24th July
Adayar and William Buick win the 2021 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes
Finally. After a barren spell of mental torture, worry, anxiety, and quite frankly some rather upsetting comments directed at and about us, an email came through in July that made all the pain disappear. Jack, after 16 and a half months off the course, was granted photographer accreditation at Ascot for the upcoming King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.
It meant that we were going to be able to add that elusive Group 1 to our records. And for the first meeting of the year since media restrictions imposed by the RCA were finally dropped, meaning that non-RCA Accredited Media were able to apply and gain access once again.
Adayar and William Buick win the 2021 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes
Having seen the quality of the images he was producing however, it was as though Jack had been off the course for a matter of 16 and a half minutes. Whilst I was unable to gain media accreditation due to space in the press room, Jack was producing high quality imagery that made me feel somewhat stuck as to which images to produce for the articles I was already drafting in my mind, and noting quickly on my phone. Not bad for someone repeatedly forced to sit on the sideline through no fault of their own.
The highlight on the course was always going to be Adayar and William Buick’s triumph in the feature of the day. Off the course it was the delicious sushi I was tucking into before the third race, but it was the manner of his victory that saw him become the first horse since Galileo to win the race and the Derby in the same season.
Spirited Guest and Miss Rosie Margarson
On the undercard, Rosie Margarson produced a perfect ride on Spirited Guest, trained by her father, to take the finale. Her interview post race was amazing television, so if you haven’t seen it, you really need to!
New Science and Danyah added to William Buick’s tally on the day to make it a memorable treble, whilst Oisin Murphy kept his lead and challenge to retain the Jockeys’ Championship with a win aboard Guru.
New Science and William Buick
A fascinating and incredible day’s racing. Made even better by the fact we had finally been given media access after so long in the doldrums and out in the cold.
Ravenswell Farm, Fergal O’Brien Racing – Saturday 31st July
When Fergal O’Brien asks you to pop into the yard, your response should be “Absolutely, which cake would you like?”
Fern on Jess leads out the second lot
The master of Ravenswell had asked us to come in to produce some imagery of a very special member of his family and the team for her birthday. Yes, in case you have guessed, it was his daughter Fern, who has since scored victories on a regular occasion in her first season of riding under rules. A huge talent and an even better person, she may well become Champion Jockey in years to come. She is also a big fan of our images, so of course we had to come in and do some more for her!
Fern at first lot
We also took the time to see Carlo Du Berlais, who is owned by the Owners Group, a large set of syndicates who have enjoyed success on the Flat and National Hunt Racing, most notably with Pentland Hills taking the 2019 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Our Dad does in fact have a share in this horse, bought as a present, and we cannot wait to see him in action. He will be a fine chaser in time, but for now, a run in a bumper and a few spins over hurdles is where he will be heading.
Carlo Du Berlais
Cartmel Races, Saturday 28th August
Alqamar and Charlotte Jones
Our first, and up until the date of this article only, National Hunt Meeting of the year was at another new course for us to provide imagery at – Cartmel. Situated in the Lake District and famous for being the home of Sticky Toffee Pudding, a fantastic Bank Holiday Weekend Card saw the locally trained ( quite literally across the road by James Moffatt ) Alqamar triumph in the Cartmel Cup Handicap Hurdle for enterprising young jockey Charlotte Jones. His victory made it 4 on the bounce and rose him to a mark of 132. He is unbeaten around Cartmel, and will be one to look out for on his return.
Alqamar and Charlotte Jones win the Cartmel Cup Handicap Hurdle
The Irish raider Gladiatorial was another to love the course, and made his second visit to the course a second victory when taking the opener under Will Marshall, flying the last to score by 9 lengths. Oliver Greenall was on the scoresheet when Go On Chez, rejuvenated after a spell pointing, sprung to victory in determined fashion to land the Cengiz Sadik Memorial Handicap Chase under Henry Brooke, the pair fending off Dee Star on the Cartmel run in. Already the pick of the paddock after being prepped by stable hand Emily Yates, he was simply not for passing and would not give any quarter to his rivals.
Gladiatorial on his way to victory
Go On Chez and Henry Brooke
Go On Chez and stable hand Emily Yates
An awkward dive at the water jump was the only blemish from an otherwise lovely round of jumping from Onthefrontfoot, who took the Fitzdares Club celebrates it’s First Birthday EBF Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase for trainer Donald McCain under Brian Hughes, whilst Tokaramore ran out a fine winner of the “In Memory of Harry The Hat” Handicap Chase under Conor O’Farrell for trainer Iain Jardine.
Onthefrontfoot and Brian Hughes
Tokaramore flies the water
A massive thanks to Geraldine at Cartmel for her assistance in sorting accreditation, we do hope to return in 2022!
Sam Allwood Open Day, Saturday 4th September
Thomas The Tank and Alice
A lovely morning and early afternoon was spent at our friends at Sam Allwood Racing. Sam and the team are one of the up and coming trainers of National Hunt Racing, and have some lovely recruits coming in to supplement the already established pointers and jumpers who have been in his care since he began training.
Thomas The Tank
His string are always looking immaculate, but one that took the eye was Thomas The Tank. Tank by name, Tank by nature. The 6 year old son of Getaway is a monster. Absolutely huge. Certainly a chaser, we look forward to seeing him run in due course.
A young trainer and a team brimming with potential, he will be one to keep an eye on for sure. And 2022 will be even more special as he and his fiancee Vicki are due to be married. Many congratulations and all the best for the future!
Gathered Owners
Family Sunday at York, 5th September
Bergerac flies home in front of a packed stands on the Knavesmire
Yet another new course to our portfolio came in September – York. The Knavesmire was always one we had aimed to cover, but had never been able to beforehand. Thankfully, that changed in September with the opportunity to cover the Family Sunday meeting.
It was a fantastic day, with the proceedings beginning with two pony races, for the next generation of jockeys to ply their trade and showcase their talents for the future.
Tom Marquand scored a terrific 40/1 treble on the day, beginning in the first horse race with victory aboard the Ed Walker trained Kindness in the IRE Incentive “It pays to buy Irish” EBF Novice Stakes. He doubled the tally for him and the trainer in the feature of the day, the Listed Garrowby Stakes aboard Great Ambassador, who scooted up the inside rail to continue his upward trend of form and gain an elusive victory in Class 1 company.
Great Ambassador and Tom Marquand win the Listed Garrowby Stakes
Aramaic brought up the treble for him, the William Haggas trained runner staying on stoutly as his rivals toiled. The step up in trip to 1m 2f brought the improvement required, taking the Hanson Spring Stakes from Pivoine and Regal Mirage.
Aramaic brings up the treble for Tom Marquand
Another stellar performance came in the finale, with Emaraty Hero following up his victory and Musselburgh a few weeks earlier with a fine 3 and a half length success under Pierre-Louis Jamin in the Yorkshire Regiment Apprentice Stakes. The step up in trip worked wonders for him, maintaining a stoic gallop all the way under his enterprising young jockey.
Goffs Yorton Sale, Thursday 9th September
Lot 15 - Isfahan (GER) x Just For Show (IRE) - Top lot of the day, selling for £80,000 to Lew House Stables
A select sale of yearlings and National Hunt bred stock was sold at Yorton Farm Stud, just outside of Welshpool, on Thursday 9th September. The Goffs Yorton Sale has become a bespoke event of it’s own kind, with plenty of interest from British, Irish and French Bloodstock agents.
We were asked by Goffs UK if we could provide the official photographs for them and the plethora of media clients that they provide images to. Of course we said yes, and were very excited to attend, having enjoyed our two previous visits to Yorton Farm Stud.
Yorton Farm Stud currently stand several stallions. They are as follows;
· Gentlewave (IRE) – Winner of the Italian Derby at 3, sire of Cheltenham Festival winner EASYSLAND (FR)
· Masterstroke (USA) – Winner of the Group 2 Grand Prix De Deauville and third in the 2012 Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe behind Solemnia
· Linda’s Lad – Winner of the 2005 Criterium de Saint-Cloud as a 2 year old.
· Pether’s Moon (IRE) – Group 1 winning horse in 2015, taking the Coronation Cup at Epsom
· Scalo – Winner of the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne in 2010 as a 3 year old. Sire of 2019 German Derby winner Laccario.
· Arrigo (GER) – Half-brother to top sire Adlerflug ( who sadly passed away earlier this year ), and from the family of the great Urban Sea.
Aside from these fine stallions, several other high quality yearlings, 2 year old and 3 year olds were on offer for those in attendance. Top lot was Lot 15, a 2019 Bay gelding by 2016 German Derby winner Isfahan (GER), out of the mare Just For Show (IRE). He was purchased by Lew House Stables for £80,000, who have a history of producing many Graded winners, including 1983 Grand National winner Corbiere and Morley Street, winner of 4 Aintree Hurdles on the trot from 1990-1993 and the 1991 Champion Hurdle.
It will be interesting to see how these youngsters develop, and if any stars of the future were on show.
Lot 6 - 2019 Bay Filly - Pethers Moon X Dasina
A huge thanks to Goffs for the opportunity to provide the images. It was a great feeling to see our images online, and in print in the Racing Post. A huge honour for us, especially from the turbulent times we found ourselves in for the majority of the year. Very grateful for everything.
Sprinter Sacre, Saturday 11th September
Yes. That’s right. Sprinter Sacre. A name, a horse, a legend, who needs no introduction.
Winner of the 2013 & 2016 Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The 2013 Melling Chase at Aintree and 2013 Boylesports Champion Chase at Punchestown are other high profile victories in a stellar career.
There is an article coming to the website, but here is a sneak preview of an image.
The legend - Sprinter Sacre
Please note that due to a request by his owner, we will not be revealing the location of where he is situated.
Oliver Greenall Racing Open Day, Sunday 12th September
Late Romantic is paraded for the owners and guests by Emily Yates
National Racehorse Week was just beginning in Britain, and our friends at Oliver Greenall Racing were holding an Open Day at the yard just outside Malpas, Cheshire. Having been coming for years, we can safely say the team is on the increase, in terms of horses, staff and potential, and that it won’t be long before Graded prizes come their way.
Zinc White
Recent £310,000 purchase Zinc White was amongst the horses of interest, although he was not paraded that day. One that was however was Jet Of Magic, a striking 5 year old by Jet Away, who was secured for £75,000 at the Tattersalls Cheltenham March Sale ( at Newmarket ) after a debut Point to point bumper win at Punchestown. He looks every inch a 3 mile chaser in the making, and his full potential will be seen with chasing.
Jet Of Magic
Veteran Late Romantic and Sandown winner on the final day of last season Herbiers both were paraded in addition to Jet Of Magic, and The Questioner having a farrier shoeing demonstration was an added bonus for the day.
It was very much appreciated by us at JTW Equine to be able to attend the Open Day, and always a pleasure to produce images for the team. Nice to be able to give them quality imagery, which in an incentive to always keep improving and doing something a little different!
Henry Cecil Open Weekend, Newmarket – 18-19th September
The late, great, Sir Henry Cecil will forever be entwined as the trainer of the incredible Frankel, one of the greatest racehorses ever to grace the earth. He is fondly remembered with his name being given to the Open weekend at Newmarket, where the public can get behind the scenes and visit many yards that they wouldn’t normally be able to do so, getting up close and personal with stars of the past, present and future.
We headed to Newmarket on the Saturday, with only one aim – visit the National Horse Racing Museum, and with it Rothschild Yard, home of Retraining Of Racehorses. Whilst every racehorse is special, one horse present that weekend was one of star quality – Battaash.
Battaash
Formerly trained by Charlie Hills, he was retired in July after a stellar career that saw him win 13 races from 25, including the 2017 Prix De L’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at Chantilly, two Temple Stakes at Haydock, 3 King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood and 2 Nunthorpe Stakes at York and earning just shy of £1.8million in prize money. He was a sprinter of a lifetime for his connections, who called time on his career after his run in the Qatar Stakes at Goodwood.
He was there as guest of honour, and drew up quite a fair few visitors whilst he was in attendance at the Museum. He was an absolute gentleman who loved the camera, seemingly posing for photographs with whoever wished to get some. We hope we get to see you again some time soon, Bat-mobile!
Day 2 began on the famous Warren Hill Gallops. Many horses were going up the gallops on their morning exercise, and some famous names were among them. They included, as in the slideshow order below;
· Stradivarius
· Palace Pier
· Mishriff
· Alenquer
· Alpinista
· Sacred
· Baaeed
· Prince Of Arran
· Addeybb
Globetrotters. Champions. Household Names. All looked incredible, with a hush of excitement befitting the arrival of a King or Queen from the gathered spectators signalling that Stradivarius had arrived at the gallops. A winner of 3 Ascot Gold Cups, he is the only horse to come close to the great Yeats’ 4 victories in the feature event for stayers.
Palace Pier and Baaeed faced off in a thrilling Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day in October, the latter prevailing by a neck, with the former heading off into a career as a stallion at Dalham Hall Stud.
Alpinista went and scored a Group 1 treble in Germany by taking the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten ( beating subsequent Arc winner Torquator Tasso into second ), the Preis von Europa at Cologne and the Grosser Preis von Bayern at Munich. She will now be prepared for a crack at the 2022 Qatar Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
It would be great to see her turn up in Paris next October. A thrilling race is in store.
Shortly afterwards it was a visit to two yards in Newmarket, Saeed Bin Suroor and Charlie Fellowes. Saeed had stable star Benbatl in fine form for the day, the veteran looking an absolute picture. And Charlie was parading his recently retired globetrotter Prince Of Arran, a multiple time placed horse in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
Benbatl
A huge thanks to everyone who made the weekend possible, it was an experience we are keen to repeat annually! Highly recommended!
Shade Oak Stud – 25th September
Logician
Earlier this year, 2019 St Leger winner Logician was retired. Immediately in the announcement, it was stated that he would be standing at Shade Oak Stud, just outside Ellesmere in North Shropshire.
Accompanying the two other stallions who reside at Shade Oak in Telescope and Dartmouth, who are also high quality sires in their own right, he is standing like them as a National Hunt sire.
A son of Frankel, he is the fastest horse to win the St Leger, recording a time of 3:00.27, and winning in stylish fashion.
A full article is coming to the website in due course, but here is the link to the album - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157719942982684
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, ParisLongchamp – Sunday 3rd October
Torquator Tasso wins the 2021 Qatar Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe
Around the beginning of September, we were informed by David Cleary of the HWPA, an organisation we are members of, that there were still places available for the Arc, due to be held the following month. We decided to apply, on the knowledge that if we were turned down, we would have a better chance of getting it next year.
So you can imagine our joy when a few hours later, you get the email you have been approved. Let the planning commence!
On the day of the Arc, wake up in Wrexham, drive to Manchester Airport, go through Check-In, Covid checks, Security, Fly to Paris, get luggage, get in hire car, drive into Paris and to ParisLongchamp Racecourse, present COVID Pass, get into Press Room, get bibs on, get gear ready and set up, get into the main stand, get onto the course itself.
And pinch yourself that you are actually there.
It was surreal to think we were actually there. We have been turned down 6 times in a row for the Cheltenham Festival, have never covered anything like the Grand National, the Derby, the Guineas, any major UK festival. And had only been to one Group 1 race meeting before in our careers.
And yet, here we were. Covering the biggest and most famous mile and a half race in the world. The biggest day so far of our careers. And from two photographers unable to complete a full year or season due to COVID Restrictions keeping them out until July.
Not bad going. And hopefully we showcased our capabilities on the big stages.
For all the articles regarding the day, please see the following reports;
· Qatar Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/torquator-tasso-a-talent-hidden-in-plain-sight-on-arc-centenary
· Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/zellie-gets-day-off-to-flyer-for-murphy
· Qatar Jean-Luc Lagardere - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/dettori-no-longer-feeling-bleu-after-angel-laps-up-lagardere
· Qatar Arabian World Cup - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/four-midable-fourcy-scoops-arabian-world-cup
· Qatar Prix De L’Opera - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/rougir-singing-pretty-in-prix-de-l-opera
· Qatar Prix De L’Abbayye de Longchamp Longines - https://tomwilliams275.wixsite.com/jtwequineimages/single-post/a-case-of-you-won-t-be-denied-in-l-abbaye
Slideshow of the day
If you haven’t been to France, or racing in France, then this is your call to change and correct that! The people at the racecourse, both the staff and France Galop, were absolutely fantastic with us. It was an incredible experience, one we are very keen to repeat annually.
Just this time, we plan to go for both days and be there between Friday-Monday. As we would prefer not to be in a mad rush to the airport afterwards, and actually see the sights of Paris, as we are medieval historians at heart!
Coral Sprint Trophy 2021, York Racecourse – Saturday 9th October
Volatile Analyst and Callum Rodriguez win the Coral Sprint Trophy
Barely a week since the Arc, we were back up north, to the beautiful city and course of York. This time it was their season finale, the Coral Sprint Trophy.
The big race of the day went to Volatile Analyst and Callum Rodriguez, albeit after they had survived a stewards enquiry on possible interference during the final furlong.
Earlier in the card, Canonized took the Listed Rockingham Stakes, after a string of solid efforts at Group level previously. Ridden by the leading jockey for York in 2021, Tom Marquand, she kept up a solid gallop in tacky conditions to prevail by around a length for trainer William Haggas and owner Cheveley Park Stud.
Canonized and Tom Marquand take the Listed Rockingham Stakes
In the penultimate race of the day our friends at O’Brien-McPherson Racing scored with Gumball, under leading rider and idol for many an aspiring jockey, Hollie Doyle. Looks like a Battenberg in his colours will be on the way to Ravenswell Farm soon!
Gumball and Hollie Doyle are not for passing on the Knavesmire
Bay Bridge made a successful return from injury and continued from where he left off, taking the Play Coral Racing Super Series for free Handicap under Richard Kingscote for his boss Sir Michael Stoute. Having been forced to miss the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot due to a foot abscess, annoyingly whilst ante post favourite, he stayed on stoutly to repel Platinumcard by half a length. He then went on later that month to win the Listed James Seymour Stakes at Newmarket, gaining his much deserved Class 1 success and remaining unbeaten all year.
Bay Bridge keeps his unbeaten record going
We would like to extend our thanks to Maiti Stirling and all at York for the opportunity to come to York and cover the racing, we very much hope to be back in the New Year!
GoRacingGreen Stable Visits – 11th-13th October – Donald McCain Racing, Manor House Stables and Oliver Greenall Racing
In January 2019, a tweet went viral. It was from a lady named Debbie, who was not going to let her worries and social anxiety get the better of her. She was determined to go to Ascot and see Altior in action.
What followed, was the beginning of a movement that would make racecourses more open and welcoming to people who for years had been unable to attend due to issues with their mental health, social anxieties, or the sheer fact that crowds make them feel uncomfortable. It was a movement that is in the process of becoming a charity, with the aim to make racing more accessible to those who would usually be unable to attend, or quietly in the background and not really being taken notice of, or helped to enjoy the day.
That movement, and soon to be charity, is Go Racing Green.
Altior effectively saved Debbie’s life, and she realised that she was not alone with the issues she faced when trying to make it to a racecourse. She is sponsored by Unibet, and uses that sponsorship to fund safe, quiet spaces for people to head to if they are feeling overwhelmed.
There are plenty of young ambassadors for the cause too, including a leading name in young journalism, Samantha Martin of Rein It In Racing. And we are proud to say that we are also ambassadors for the cause, and Debbie knows that if she needs any advice or support, we are always on hand to provide it.
She also provides visits to racing yards, and one area she had never done a tour for was the North-West on England. It became clear this needed to change, and as such she planned some visits to the stables of the area of Cheshire. And we were asked if we could come and produce some imagery of the visits.
Well, how could we refuse?
Day 1 was a visit to Bankhouse Stables, home of Donald McCain Racing. It was great to finally meet Debbie, and also see an infectious smile from a person who has done so much to support those in racing who may have never been able to go racing without her activism.
Day 2 was spent at Manor House Stables, home of Tom Dascombe. Where Tom had to almost prize Debbie away from some of the horses, as she became quite fond of several, notably Fools Rush In and Astronomic Choice! Would be nice if they could live with her after they retire from racing, watch this space….
Day 3 was spent at Oliver Greenall Racing. Where yet again Debbie fell in love with several of the horses such as Evander and Eccosais, and the dogs that frequent the yard. She was also impressed with the owners viewing shelter that they have installed at the gallop, will make a difference on horrible days where the wind is blowing and the rain is lashing in!
She will be keen to return next year, and we will certainly be on hand to provide more images if she needs them. It was a huge pleasure and honour to meet her, and we have stayed in regular contact ever since.
A huge thanks to every one of those yards who accommodated the visit of the groups, you helped make the week a success that those who attended will always be grateful for. Long may her great work continue!
If you are experiencing troubles, whether they be mentally or otherwise, or feel that you may be uncomfortable and uneasy at racecourses, please get in contact with her, she will be able to help. She is regularly going across the country to provide yard visits, including the likes of Seven Barrows, and no task is too small for her. She is a fine ambassador for mental health awareness, and makes a difference for those who need it.
A slideshow of images from a fantastic 3 days
She is an unsung credit to the industry. And a lovely human being too.
Website of GoRacingGreen - https://goracinggreen.co.uk/
Day 1 Album, Donald McCain Racing - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157720008102257
Day 2 Album, Tom Dascombe, Manor House Stables - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157720007434211
Day 3 Album, Oliver Greenall Racing - https://www.flickr.com/photos/153708976@N07/albums/72157720029832027
Goffs UK December P2P Sale at Yorton Farm Stud – Thursday 2nd December
As per the Yorton Sale in September, we were asked to cover the Goffs UK December P2P Sale at Yorton. Another stellar sale with plenty of support and interest, it raised an aggregate of £1,501,100 and a top lot of £270,000.
Lot 5 - Saint Davy. He was top lot after a superb winning Point to Point debut in Ireland, the 4 year old making £270,000 and heading to Jonjo O'Neill Racing.
That top lot was Saint Davy, a bay 4 year old gelding who was sold to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock and Jonjo O’Neill. A son of leading National Hunt Sire Balko, he won his sole point to point at Quakerstown a few weeks earlier in a very fast time. In a race that regularly produces quality horses, he put up a winning time ten seconds faster than average, despite being eased towards the line.
He is also an absolutely beautiful, intelligent horse. He seemingly knew he was being photographed, as he stood professionally and perfectly for Tom whilst he was producing some images of him.
We at JTW Equine Images cannot wait to see him in action in due course. He may well turn out to be out of the top drawer.
Once again, another set of massive thanks to all at Goffs and Yorton for the opportunity, your support is very much appreciated.
And that was it, all of our 2021. A year which saw a fair few yard visits and opportunities to attend the sales, but one that recorded just 9 race meetings. Mostly down to COVID restrictions for the majority of it, but also because we do not yet possess an RCA National Accreditation. That accreditation would mean we are able to attend pretty much any meeting in the country without needing to acquire supporting letters and apply for accreditation. Therefore without the publications using us for their imagery purposes, we are in a purgatory of being unable to produce coverage. And therefore not get paid.
Whilst we have our own publication, it is seen by many places as not big enough to warrant access, and that to gain accreditation, we need a larger publication to support us before we can be granted access. And unfortunately, whilst we dispute their viewpoint of us not being quite big enough to warrant accreditation on our own, the publications they do see as enough for us to warrant access all have contracts with other photographers. That leaves us unable to gain access, and again, leaves us unable to be paid and make a living.
It's not just about the financial benefit of being able to produce coverage by attending these meetings, and mean we can earn a living. It’s seeing the top racehorses in action and being part of history. As of this article’s publishing time, we are still yet to start our 2021/22 National Hunt Season, which we feel is rather embarrassing.
We are always grateful for support. Whether that be people, publications or companies purchasing our images, or the various likes and retweets on social media, it all adds up. And it is always appreciated.
Hopefully our woes will be at an end in the New Year, with regular racing coverage coming from us. Yes we go on about it a fair bit, but we really do need to be back on course as soon as is possible.
Once again, a massive thank you to all who have supported us and made the opportunities possible. We hope to be able to produce bigger and better in the next 12 months. But that will only start when we are back on course, so please keep supporting us, and hopefully soon we will be back where we belong!
And if we get something like the Cheltenham Festival, to show how grateful we are for the support, we will make a canvas of the winners of the big championship races, and use them to raise profits for charity, with 100% of the proceeds going to them.
Finally, many of you will have seen that the HWPA Derby Awards took place recently. We entered the Photographer categories, but regrettably did not get through to the final 3 of the categories. However, we were informed by the President David Cleary that Tom’s image of the now former Travelling Head Girl of Oliver Greenall Racing, Jo Hardman, and Gouet Des Bruyeres at Chepstow in October 2020, was ever so close in getting through to the finalists. That is a huge honour, especially when you have had very limited opportunities to produce for your clients. Fingers crossed 2022 will see us produce far more than the last year!
Jo and Gouet Des Bruyeres at Chepstow
All the best for 2022!
Tom & Jack
JTW Equine Images
