The turf | 24 May 2018

In his days as a novice jockey in the West Country, Bob Davies, who was to ride more than 900 winners, asked the trainer of the horse he was about to partner over 24 fences: ‘How does he jump?’ ‘No idea,’ came the reply. ‘That’s for you to find out.’ The pair survived the experience and Bob Davies has just retired after 35 years as the clerk of the course, company secretary and general manager who put Ludlow on the map. Having at one stage simultaneously held similar roles at Hereford and Bangor, he was a one-man demonstration of changing times. In times past, it did not occur to the powers that were that former jockeys might hold official posts in racing. The great Fred Winter, four times a champion trainer after winning three jockeys’ championships, only took up training because the Jockey Club refused his application to become a starter. Official roles were largely confined to those with officer-level experience in the forces, a public school education and at least two barrels to the family name. Perhaps it helped that Bob Davies had a degree in agriculture from Wye as well as his three jockeys’ championships.

Life is all about getting the timing right, as I have been reminded while checking out the dozen horses recommended to readers for the jumping season just concluded. After a couple of good years we showed a small loss on the Flat last year. Tantalisingly, Tom Dascombe’s sprinter Kachy, who had failed to win in five races in our time, then impressively won three out of four on the All Weather through the winter. Brando has opened the new season with a 9–2 victory and International Law, after a change of trainer, recently scored at 25–1. All too late. So how about the 12 jumpers?

One of the wettest winters on record reminded me what an achievement it is simply getting a horse to the racecourse on ground he can cope with.