MENDIP TIMES
Pony racers enjoy workout on real gallops
A MESSAGE from Geoff Andrews of the Wylye Valley Pony Club was posted on the Pony Club website, offering an opportunity for 16 members and their ponies to visit the gallops belonging to 12-times champion racing trainer, Paul Nicholls. By that evening, Geoff could have filled the places twice over, such was the interest! With JANE PATERSON The lucky applicants were invited to Will Biddick’s yard, just down the road from Ditcheat which has been home to some of the greatest National Hunt race horses. Past stars include Kauto Star, Denman, and Neptune Collanges, who were all under Paul’s wing when they were at their most successful. And there are now many more making their way up through the ranks towards stardom. Will is the most successful Point to Point rider of all time. He not only has his own riding career but he also breaks the young horses for Paul and gives them a good start before they progress up to the Nicholls’ race training yards, so his work is vital in shaping the future of these very talented and precious athletes. Feeling excited does not come close to describe how everyone was feeling on the day. Ponies of various shapes and sizes were assembled in an outdoor arena for some briefing from Geoff and his wife Ann. Will did a tack check and had a chat with each rider, quietly assessing what he was dealing with before they set off on a short hack to the gallops, in two groups. One of the stable staff led the posse and kept a watchful eye on the ponies. Parents walked on behind or had a lift with Will, cameras at the ready, and as usual carrying coats and anything else that might be needed. Once the white rails around the gallops were spotted across a field, the reality set in and there was an intake of breath before a “Wow, I can see the gallops!” could be heard. All the children had a fabulous time. One or two were initially a little overwhelmed and hesitant, while others were raring to go. One was heard to say “I can’t do this Mum, it’s too much”, but
Cooling off in the river
PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2021
On the gallops
then the same child minutes later completed two laps of the circuit at full pelt with a huge smile on her face. Well done Holley! Another child managed to touch the railings while racing round at full speed and came a cropper, but was up and back on shouting, “I’m fine, I’m fine,” obviously worried someone might stop him if he faltered. The landing was so soft though, thanks to the deep surface of the immaculately tended gallops. It was hilarious watching. Some of the ponies were hardly as tall as the rails, but that didn’t put them off. Will and his staff gave them all a superb time, finishing with a quick dip through the river to cool down on the way back. As well as thanks to all concerned at the Ditcheat yards, a huge thank you must go to Geoff and Ann for arranging such a treat. If anyone wants to try another great day on a real racecourse, there will be an opportunity for first time pony racers to try their luck at Wincanton on April 23rd. Classes will be in heights of ponies, starting at 12.2 h.h and under. Contact Geoff Andrews for details after Christmas, on 07515 868785 or email him, at gjandrews48@gmail.com if you are interested. Being in Ditcheat it was impossible not to notice that it is definitely a village which is synonymous with racing. There are roadside signs pointing out that you are in horse country, and it is usual to see the lots riding out in small groups, all dressed smartly with their high-vis gilets. The jockeys are courteous to drivers, sensible in their groups, and clearly there is a mutual respect between the racing yards and the village residents which is very evident. I was very lucky while I was in Ditcheat, to be catching up with a young friend, Angus Cheleda. Angus works as a Conditional jockey for Paul Nicholls, and as I write this, he has just today ridden another winner, Calva d’Auge at Kempton in a very exciting race. There will be celebrations tonight for everyone on the yard, because it is recognised that it takes a terrific team effort to produce a winner, and they all share in every success. I suspect the village pub might be busy as well, when the work is done and the horses are bedded down. Angus got on with his chores while talking to me, mucking out stables, putting horses in and out of the horse walkers, changing rugs, grooming, watering, topping up their bedding, and generally treating the horses like the stars and friends that they are. I was surprised how chilled out and calm they were at home, away from the race track. They obviously thrive on routine. In the mornings they are ridden out in lots, each lot firstly hacking round
