Monday 23 November 2015

An interview with...Gordon Gilvear

Next up in the hot seat we have the regular driver of the recently-voted BHRC 3YO of the Year for 2015, Rewrite History.  Gordon 'GG' Gilvear has been plying his trade as the stable driver for the Gilvear family for a number of years but in 2015 he really made his mark at Corbiewood when winning with a number of catch drives.  His successes across the UK and Ireland this year include a leg of the Inter Dominion Qualifying Series (Astounding, York), heat and final of the Oakwood Stud 3YO Derby (Rewrite History, Portmarnock), and numerous wins with Funtime Frankie at Corbiewood (which secured the horse the 'Horse of the Month' award from the SHRC for May/June), as well as wins with Master Plan, Evenwood Ruthless and Caraghs Hall amongst others.

Gordon's reputation on the track is similar to that off the track - cool, calm and collected at all times, so let's see what makes the man tick...

For anybody who doesn’t know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start? 
I've been in the sport all my life; I'm a third generation horseman in my family.

Which is the best horse you’ve driven in your career?
I've been very lucky to drive a lot of great horses but I think Rewrite History is the best, he has all the tools to be an all-time great.

Which horse, past or present that you haven’t driven, would you like to drive and why?
Stoneriggs Mystery would be my pick, he's the best I've raced against.

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver?
Mick Lord, he's been at the top since I started and he's still the best and he's also a great role model.

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland? 
Appleby is my favourite grass track and I love York as it's the fastest.

Have you driven outside of the UK and Ireland? If not, where in the world would you choose to have one drive?
I have driven a couple of times in Canada, but would love to drive at the Meadowlands and would also like to drive 'Down Under'.

Have you ever considered moving abroad to become a professional driver?
I think about it constantly.  I would love to train a stable in the US or Canada.

If you could change one thing about the sport in the UK, what would it be?
I would love to change the perception other horse people have, we have a great sport and should be proud of it.

Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar?
Appleby Bank Holiday weekend meet, I look forward to it all winter.

How much do you consider information from a trainer when you drive?
You have to listen to the trainer but when the race starts they can't help you.

Out of all the races you have won, which has been the most memorable? Which race would you like to win that you haven’t already?
Winning the Appleby Monday final with Dreamfair Samarai two years in a row was my greatest achievement so far, but I'd love to win Musselburgh; it's still the big one for me.

How would you describe your driving style? i.e. pace setter, strong closer, rail hugger?
It all depends on the horse - you have to be versatile and win from anywhere.

Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Hopefully training and driving a top stable full time, either here in the UK or North America...who knows?

What is your opinion on a Drivers Championship Day to select a UK representative for the World Driving Championships? The format would be based on the top 10 drivers according to number of wins in the previous season, competing across a certain number of races on one day, driving horses that they have not previously driven (in order to replicate the actual event).
I think the tournament is a good idea and would be very exciting.

Do you have any children? Would you encourage them to get involved directly in harness racing in the future?
I have two kids, Sandy and Erin.  I would love them to get involved in the sport but I won't force it on them as it wasn't forced on me.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing?
I'm a football fan, Glasgow Rangers are my team but to be honest if I have any spare time I'll spend it with my family.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to the Caribbean.

You’re stranded on a desert island – what five things can’t you live without?
iPhone, Irn Bru, Hoof Beats magazine, photo of the kids and a skip hat as I always wear one.

You’re holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) – who would they be and why?
Jimmy Takter as he is the best standardbred trainer in the world today, Aiden O'Brien as he's a great horseman, Sir Alex Ferguson as he's the greatest football manager of all time, Micky Flanagan as he's my favourite comedian and Jennifer Aniston as she's the only woman I would leave Amanda [Gordon's wife] for!

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? 
I would go into the stewards' room just after they had interviewed me so I could hear what they were saying.

If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?
A Ferrari.  I love them, would have to have more than one.

What would you name your autobiography?
Can't think of one without sounding daft! [that was the point...!!]

Which actor would play you in a film about your life? 
Vin Diesel as me and him are of similar physique...!

When was the last time you got into trouble? 
I never get in trouble I don't think.

Describe yourself in three words.
Honest, familyman, horseman

Gordon & BHRC 3YO Colt of the Year, Rewrite History

Gordon & Funtime Frankie, SHRC Horse of the Month, May/June 2015

Gordon & Astounding, winner of the third leg of the Inter Dominion Qualifying Series
Thank you to Gordon for taking the time to answer my questions and letting us find out a bit more about him.  I wish you and your family all the best for the 2016 season - good luck!

Over and out,

#1 Groom

Tuesday 10 November 2015

An interview with...Gregor Menzies

The next Q&A session in the series comes from Scotland's biggest supporter of the Le Trot series and probably the only driver in the country to drive trotters almost as regularly as pacers.  Gregor Menzies hails from Slamannan, near Falkirk, rumoured to be the coldest place in the whole of the United Kingdom (and possibly Ireland), and has enjoyed success in the 2015 season with Anniejoan (York) Wellfield Liam (York & Corbiewood), Baskerville Hall (York) and Quarillon D'Or (Aberystwyth).  Having been elected onto the handicap panel charged with formulating a new handicap system for the 2016 season, Gregor, along with his five colleagues, have played an integral part in hopefully taking the sport forward in the near future.

A man's man by all accounts, Gregor holds high rank in the Real Men's Club (RMC) an exclusive club for, well you guessed it, real men.  This writer wonders then how the revelation that Gregor's favourite drink is in fact Malibu would go down with his fellow club members...and I should know, as that's what I bought him for Christmas last year!

For anybody who doesn’t know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start?
I've been involved in the sport all my life I was born into it.

Which is the best horse you’ve driven in your career?
Out of all the horses that I've driven I'm proud to say it was one we bred ourselves which was Catchmeifyoucam.
 
Which horse, past or present that you haven’t driven, would you like to drive and why?
Past horse would have to be The Cammissioner, although he was unpredictable but when he put it altogether he was unbeatable. Present horse would be Stoneriggs Mystery; his record speaks for itself.

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver?
George Kerr was my favourite driver when I was growing up because of his laid back driving style.

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland?
Hard Track - York, Grass Track - Appleby.
 
Have you driven outside of the UK and Ireland? If not, where in the world would you choose to have one drive?
No.  I'd like to drive in the final of The Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio.

Have you ever considered moving abroad to become a professional driver?
I thought about it when I was younger but that was as far as it got.

If you could change one thing about the sport in the UK, what would it be?
I would scrap big handicap heat and finals.
   
Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar?
My favourite meeting of the year is the Appleby Spring meeting.

How much do you consider information from a trainer when you drive?
Quite a lot as they would know the horse better than me.

Out of all the races you have won, which has been the most memorable? Which race would you like to win that you haven’t already?
My most memorable race would have to be the time I drove Robin in the final of the Brough Appleby as I looked well beaten after breaking several times and managed to come back and win. I would like to win The famous Musselburgh Pace as my father has bragging rights. (Note: and then get the chance to propose to Lisa [Farrelly])
 
How would you describe your driving style? i.e. pace setter, strong closer, rail hugger?
I would describe myself as a patient driver, far too patient for my father's liking!
 
Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Still trying to win Musselburgh (With the possibility of proposing to Lisa resting on it, I'd hope you win before then!)

Which do you prefer driving - trotters or pacers?
I like driving pacers and trotters both equally, although I probably get a better buzz out of the trotters as they are newer to me.

What is your opinion on a Drivers Championship Day to select a UK representative for the World Driving Championships?  The format would be based on the top 10 drivers according to number of wins in the previous season, competing across a certain number of races on one day, driving horses that they have not previously driven (in order to replicate the actual event).
I'm all for new schemes and ideas.

Do you have any children? Would you encourage them to get involved in harness racing?
Yes I have three children: Shannon (12), Callan (9) and Connie (4). I would love it if they share my interest.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing?
Golf and I'm a big boxing fan.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
Have always wanted to go to Las Vegas to see a world champion boxing fight.
 
You’re stranded on a desert island – what five things can’t you live without?
Irn Bru, chocolate, heartburn tablets, Facebook, horses (and Lisa?!)

You’re holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) – who would they be and why?
Mohammed Ali - he was the greatest sportsman ever
Stephen Fry - so he could answer all my worldly questions
Lee Mack - he would make me really laugh
Elvis - for after dinner entertainment 
Rita Ora - eye candy (in the absence of Rita, there is always Lisa)

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
I'd go to the Royal Mint and help myself.
 
If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?
A race track with great facilities.

What would you name your autobiography?
I Wish I Could Start Over.

Which actor would play you in a film about your life?
Al Pacino.
 
When was the last time you got into trouble?
Got a £100 fine last year for not wearing a seat belt.
Describe yourself in three words.
Sarcastic, witty, hopeful

Thank you Gregor for taking the time to answer the above questions.  I've added a few thoughts after a brief discussion with your significant other...hope you don't mind!

Gregor & Quarillon D'Or winning at Aberystwyth
Gregor & Jennas Gold at York - they finished third together in The Famous Musselburgh Pace, the closest Gregor has been...yet.

Over and out,

#1 Groom

Friday 6 November 2015

Update on Lucinda Russell's 'Horses to follow'

On Saturday 24th October, Smarty and I headed to Kelso for a day at the races.  The main purpose for the trip, for me at least, was to see two of my five to follow from Lucinda's open day who were scheduled to run in the first two races.

Having never been to Kelso Racecourse before, I was pleasantly surprised by what Smarty refers to as 'the quaintest racetrack in Britain'.  And he's right, it really is quaint.  It feels like the mixture of a much larger racecourse with a point to point track.  Everything was sufficiently close together; the betting shop was clearly built some time after the various elements of the course were established and the proximity of the rail to the racetrack itself was such that you could almost reach out and touch the horses as they stormed past to the finish line.  That has often been my one criticism of Thoroughbred racing and major positive from harness racing - with trotting you can physically lean over the rail - I almost got caught a cracker by Sarah Allen at York towards the back end of the season as she mounted a four-wide late challenge and drew the whip down an inch from my face as I leaned through the crowd to see who was most likely to win.

I don't recall ever going racing with the intention of betting a horse regardless of its price, the other runners or the way it looks - it goes against my nature - and the only time I've ever done anything similar was when at Cheltenham as a child to watch See More Business race (I didn't get pocket money as a child but when we went racing I was allowed to have a £1 bet on each race - I can't remember the odds that day but I know my dad let me keep all the winnings including the stake, which only happened that once...he normally kept the stake money!).

Smarty wanted to wander around, check the form in the betting shop and show me around but I just wanted to stand at the pre-parade ring to wait for Big River to come out.  Whilst there I noticed the very hands-on approach that Grand National winning trainer Sue Smith (Auroras Encore, the 100-1 pick of Smarty's and the horse we named our first Crosshill colt after) took with her charge, Just Georgie (and in subsequent races as well).  I like to see a trainer preparing a horse for a race, it's encouraging to see them putting the finishing touches in place.  Smarty was so impressed with her and the horse that he decided to bet against Big River, who I managed to back at 15-8, who went off as the 13-8 favourite.

When he headed to the paddock I followed, just to take photos like the equine-stalker that I am turning into.

Big River in the paddock

     
Smile for the camera!
Once the money was on, I went to stand by the rail whilst Smarty took up his favourite spot in the stands.  Whilst there, a couple of guys from Newcastle struck up conversation by asking what I'd backed.  When I said Big River, the reply I received was 'ah, so you've just gone with everybody else?'.  That got my back up straight away - working alongside Smarty as a bookmaker is just the most recent scenario in a long line whereby as a female I am not given much respect as a punter or indeed as a bookmaker.  I could have let it go, but I decided I'd tell them (briefly) about my trip to Lucinda's yard.  That didn't really gain me many brownie points, but when the one guy told me he usually just picks horses based on how they look in the paddock, and how that worked for him, I told him of the last time I closed the racecard and picked a horse purely on how it looked in the paddock.  It was New Year's Day at Cheltenham, in a bumper, and the horse I picked won easily, beating the horse John had chosen in the paddock in a two-horse finish in a 16 horse race.  That horse was The New One.  That put an end to the dominant male routine he'd been putting on.

Smarty was confident that between us we would back the winner, and Lucinda did it for the girls when Big River came home just ahead of Just Georgie.  Winner number one on the board for me.  The two guys shook my hand and asked for a tip in the next:  I gave them One For Arthur.

Peter Buchanan & Big River heading into the winner's enclosure
The routine for me in race two was the same, except I backed my choice before going to the paddock just to make sure I got a decent price.  I was pleased to get 11-2, especially as Smarty decided to bet with my choice but after we'd been to the paddock, and only got 4-1.  It was a wise move nonetheless, as One For Arthur notched up Lucinda's quickfire double on the day.



The beautiful and striking One For Arthur
Mission accomplished for me.  I went to bet two horses; I bet them; they won.  Job done.

After that, it was more of a guessing game.  The punters seemed to fancy Lucinda again for a treble, in the way that a gambling mass often do, however I went for another lady trainer in the form of Sue Smith.  I couldn't resist her grey gelding Straidnahanna, and he was only a length from securing me three from three when getting beat into second.


For the fourth, a 12 horse handicap hurdle, I couldn't have the favourite for love nor money after seeing him in the pre-parade ring, so headed to the paddock with a totally blank mind.  One horse jumped out for me on looks and condition, even when compared against the entire rest of the field.  Smarty and me went to bet her, a mare by the name of Allizee De Janeiro, and surprise surprise, she hailed from the Lucinda Russell yard.  We backed her at 17-2, and then as we headed to the side of the track she drifted to 10s so we backed her again.  She did not let us down and she rounded off a profitable day for us both.  We left after the fourth as we had to be home to sort our own horses out before nightfall, but I can honestly say I had a brilliant day at Kelso.

The mare runs again tomorrow at Kelso, this time top weight after winning from bottom weight a couple of weeks ago.  She is currently 13-8 favourite and I will be checking the results tomorrow whilst watching the racing from Aintree to see how she fares.

Of my other horses to follow, The Cobbler Swayne won yesterday at Musselburgh as the 15-8 favourite.  Rising Tide has yet to race since the open day and Simarthur is yet to run notably however I have faith that he will find his level and reach his potential in the hands that he is in.

I have set them all up on an alert tracker, along with a couple of other horses that caught my eye at Kelso, most notably Seldom Inn of Sandy Thomson's and Blakemount of Sue Smith's who finished second and third to One For Arthur respectively.

To those who asked me after my day at Kelso where their tips were, please do not say the same when any of the above win again.  My response will be what it was two weeks ago:

READ.  MY.  BLOG.

Over and out,

#1 Groom

Wednesday 4 November 2015

An interview with...Grant Cullen

Where do I start with this one?!  I suppose I should start with the facts, which are remarkable when you take into consideration that Grant is only 22 years of age.  In the 2015 season, he has driven 45 winners, including at Tir Prince, Aberystwyth, Tregaron and Appleby, as well as at his home track of Corbiewood, where he amassed a total of 38 wins to secure him the SHRC Leading Driver title for the second year in a row.

I could write essays about the achievements of this intelligent, ambitious, funny, hard-working, young man but having read his responses to my questions when I received them, I don't need to do the 'hard sell'.  He speaks for himself.  For any readers who do not attend Corbiewood as their regular race track, pay close attention to this one; you'll see a lot more of him in the coming years.

For anybody who doesn’t know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start?
I've been involved right from when I was born so I've been going racing all my life although I had no interest in actually driving the horses until I was about 15/16! 

Which is the best horse you’ve driven in your career?
Hard to say. I've been lucky enough to drive some really good horses so far but I'd have to go with Another Man.  He's not the best ability-wise but he taught me how to drive and gave me a lot of wins.

Which horse, past or present that you haven’t driven, would you like to drive and why?
I think everybody will say the same to this question: Stoneriggs Mystery.  He stays, he sprints, he constantly goes under 2 minutes no matter what the conditions...it must be unreal to have that amount of class in front of you.  He's the boss! 

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver?
Being from Scotland I always watched Willie Drysdale and Willie Greenhorn. WD drove our horses before me and he was great for the little bits of information that nobody really thinks about; how to improve them, how to recoginse where horses are sore etc. when running. WG has the cool, calm, collected driving style I like to try and adopt and he's also been great to me with advice over the years.

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland?
Tir Prince is the best track. It's a fantastic facility and driving under the floodlights is something else but my favourite is good old Corbiewood.  It's my home track and it has the best atmosphere.

Have you driven outside of the UK and Ireland? If not, where in the world would you choose to have one drive?
No not yet. I would love to go and drive in America. Places like the Meadowlands are where anybody with ambition should want to go and drive.

Have you ever considered moving abroad to become a professional driver?
I have yes, who wouldn't want this as a job? ! Personal circumstances haven't allowed it yet but I would love to go over one winter and see if I could make it or not.  Hopefully one day.

If you could change one thing about the sport in the UK, what would it be?
The new handicap is due out shortly I believe and it will be interesting reading.  When entering your horse I think it's only fair you're entering with a chance so something needs to be done to help keep horses racing for as long as possible as the numbers are low enough as they are without losing more because owners get fed up of running with no chance. (Note: Grant answered these questions prior to the publication of the new 2016 handicap system).

Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar?
Aberystwyth. Really good track, nine times out of ten it gets the good weather and the night life happens to be very good as well! 

How much do you consider information from a trainer when you drive?
It's important to listen to the trainers. They are the people who sit behind the horse every day and they know more about the horse than I do so if they have something that can help me win the race then I'm all ears.

Out of all the races you have won, which has been the most memorable? Which race would you like to win that you haven’t already?
There have been a few good ones this year but I will go with Y-Not-Wait-N-C's win at Aberystwyth. He is our first homebred and he's had his problems so to get him back racing then win his first start in two years at one of the big meetings was a great day not just for me but the whole family.  I want to win the Famous Musselburgh Pace.  Dad won it as a trainer and I need to win it so I can finally shut him up!

How would you describe your driving style? i.e. pace setter, strong closer, rail hugger?
I dont think I have a certain style. As I said earlier I just try to keep calm and drive the horse the way it likes to be driven. They're all different so you have to change your style everytime you sit behind each horse.

Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Hopefully somewhere near the top.  We've had a good year this season and the plan is just to keep on getting better.

You came close to winning the Champion Driver title this year at 22; how long has this been an ambition of yours and do you think it is possible to achieve it before you turn 25?
It has never been an ambition to be honest. I don't really think about how many wins I have, I just want to win every race I'm involved in although now after coming so close it has to be the aim. I hope so but I've plenty of years of driving ahead of me and if I keep improving hopefully one day I'll manage to do it.

What is your opinion on a Drivers Championship Day to select a UK representative for the World Driving Championships?  The format would be based on the top 10 drivers according to number of wins in the previous season, competing across a certain number of races on one day, driving horses that they have not previously driven (in order to replicate the actual event).
It sounds like a good idea. It may be difficult to source horses that all 10 haven't driven before though! I suppose it makes it a level playing field and then they all have a fair crack at it.

Your whole family is involved in harness racing and the training of your horses – who’s the boss?!
It depends who you ask! I'd say Dad is the brains behind the training but we all get stuck in and it's definitely a team effort until it comes to a horse getting beat - then it's all my fault! 

What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing?
I love my football, I haven't played for a few years now but I still follow the results every week.  

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
Las Vegas. I was there as a child but I'd love to go back and experience it now that I would be able to remember it.

You’re stranded on a desert island – what five things can’t you live without?
My phone, Irn Bru, shortbread, chicken soup and wifi.

You’re holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) – who would they be and why?
Charlie Chaplin - he just seems like a really funny guy. John Campbell - who wouldn't want to pick his brains for driving tips?! Ron Burke - the guy knows how to train a horse! Elvis Presley - everybody loves a sing song and AP McCoy  - I met him at York and he was such a nice, genuine guy.

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
I'd definitely go around haunting people! That would be great fun to move things around and scare the life out of people!

If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?
A half mile track in Scotland. The horses these days are too fast for a track the size of Corbiewood plus it would benefit all Scottish horses when going to the big meets and hopefully attract more of the top horses to Scotland.

What would you name your autobiography?
So Close Yet So Far. I'm a person who constantly wants to win no matter what I'm doing and if I do win I up my expectations so once I reach my goals they change.  I never just settle for what I have, I always want more. I think that helps in this game!

Which actor would play you in a film about your life?
Brad Pitt. Nothing seems to faze the guy and that will help when it comes to filming the racing scenes!

When was the last time you got into trouble?
I got a fine at Tregaron if that counts!!? Probably every day for not doing the dishes to be fair! 

Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, happy, fun ☺

A massive thank you to Grant for spending a rare bit of time off from training the horses to answer my questions.  It is my hope, and my aim, to have this interview published in the BHRC calendar before the start of the 2016 season - this young man is a credit to his parents and also a credit to the Scottish harness racing community.  His hard work and dedication are paying off and whenever the Scottish bandwagon travels, we're all behind him!

Grant and Camden Casper winning at Tir Prince

Grant and Check On Wilma winning impressively at Corbiewood

Grant and Jacks Red, SHRC 2YO Derby and BHRC National Pacing Futurity winner
Homebred Y Not Wait N C winning at Aberystwyth
Grant keeping good company: (L-R) William Greenhorn, Rocker Laidler, Steve Lees, Grant, Jason Podmore, Richard Haythornthwaite, Patrick Kane Jr & Joss Edwards - the 2015 Welsh Classic Final drivers

Grant at Tregaron after another victory away from home


Over and out,

#1 Groom

*waves*

Tuesday 3 November 2015

The 2015 Season - The Good, The Bad & The Way Forward...

As the season draws to a close, I feel that the time is right to reflect on the highs and lows from 2015.  From Tregaron (3rd May) to Corbiewood (1st November), there haven't been many meetings that I've missed. From Tregaron, Presteigne, Cilmery, Aberystwyth, Tir Prince in Wales;  Allensmore, Wolsingham, Hellifield, York, Scorton, Appleby and Kilnsey in England and Corbiewood in Scotland.  For the first time this year I ventured across the Irish Sea to take in the atmosphere at Portmarnock during their biggest two day meeting of the season (Ladbrokes Vincent Delaney Memorial).

You might agree then that I would be one of the very few best-placed to give an all-round synopsis of the season in the UK, and perhaps shine a light on Ireland as well.  To be honest, it wouldn't matter if you agreed or not, I'm going to write this either way.  Firstly because the end of the season brings with it the winter blues, knowing that I won't see some friends based down south for six months or more, so by reflecting on the summer just gone I can keep my mind off the thought of the long, dark months ahead.  And secondly because I love to write.

To begin with the highlights, these have been as follows:

 - enjoying success with our own horses, in the form of five wins for Wild Bill Hickok (and six seconds), two wins for Young Stephen in Wales (with Michael O'Mahony) and one win, plus three seconds and three thirds with my mare, Shes Some Deal.  That one win was my sole target, and took longer than hoped and expected, but when it came it brought me to tears.  Our horses did us proud this year.

Star (Shes Some Deal) with George Carson; Stevie (Young Stephen) with Michael O'Mahony; and Bill (Wild Bill Hickok with John Smart
  - when Sherwood Bluey won his maiden at York.  The sheer delight on his owner Kirsty's face when he managed to get up just before the line to win was priceless.  Money can't buy that feeling, and I was encouraged to still see evidence of the purest emotion in racing.

 - when Colonel Mustard won the high grade OPH at York on Sale Day in front of a bumper crowd, and in doing so beat one of the season's most consistent Free For All horses, Brywinsmagicpotion.  Speaking to Richard [Haythornthwaite] following the win, it seemed that only he actually believed the horse could win.  Belief and hope are two very different things, as I had merely hoped.  That victory saw him run an impressive sub-two minute mile and rack up his 22nd career win, 20 of which he was partnered by Richard.

Colonel Mustard notching up career win No. 22 - with supporters Steven Dunn and myself, trainer Teresa Haythornthwaite & regular driver Richard Haythornthwaite
  - when Ross Leary won his first race, albeit by dead-heating (something he seems to have a knack for, having finished in three dead heat placings in his first six starts as a driver).  In fact, all of Ross' drives to be honest.  It has been some time since I have seen a young driver drive with such level-headedness, especially considering he can be a right arrogant so-and-so when he's winding me up!

Ross Leary winning his first ever race with Miami Seelster - with friends Scott Mason, Willie Paterson & Steven Gilvear in the winner's circle at Corbiewood

 - the return of Tir Prince.  Nothing more needs to be said than that.  The best track in the country.

 - the day that Astounding won a leg of the Inter Dominion qualifying series at York.  His trainer, and biggest fan, Ron Caddies, had assured Smarty and me that the first time the horse drew one on the gate in a FFA of this nature, he would win.  The horse went off an 8-1 outsider and some of his competition did not give him the respect he deserves.  Meadowbranch DJ and John Richardson tried to take him on and found themselves parked;  stablemate Meadowbranch Romeo was under instruction to sit behind DJ and keep DJ's main challenger, Brywinsmagicpotion, boxed in on the rail.  Having broke stride as the gate rolled away, Romeo had to use plenty of fuel to catch up with DJ to fulfil his role and as the race continued, found himself fading badly.  As DJ began to struggle having gone the longest way, a few of us were stood shouting on JR to keep Magicpotion in the box however we needn't have bothered;  Gordon Gilvear kicked his charge on and Astounding was more than willing to oblige, coming home not only unchallenged but very impressively.  This in itself was a highlight, however the real highlight was Ron's reaction.  He was shaking so violently immediately after the race that I had to ring his wife to tell her the news because he was completely incapable of using his phone.  Smarty had been stood with him and for the first time in a long time, found himself shouting for the horse as loud as Cad - he said his enthusiasm was infectious!

 - being able to write for Harnesslink.  This has been such a wonderful opportunity and I must thank Steve Wolf for all he has done in helping me learn to be a better writer.  Also to Bill Cardno, without whom the Corbiewood weekly race reports would not have been half as interesting - his photos are first class.  And to Elizabeth O'Neil, Graham Rees and Janet Cockburn who have also contributed their photos to my reports.

 - and finally, a major highlight for me has been the continued hard work and support put into the sport by the endless list of individuals who clearly care so much about it.  When everything seems to be going Pete Tong, it's so encouraging to look around at the efforts of these people and realise that I am not alone in wanting to see this sport flourish and grow.  Due to these efforts we have witnessed an even bigger Vincent Delaney Memorial weekend which was truly international; the return of the Crock of Gold, the introduction of the Standardbred Sales Company Battle of the Big Guns Series, an exhibition at Musselburgh which will hopefully lead to the revival of the two day meeting in 2016, the Inter Dominion qualifying series and the new PACT weekend at York which was a success, and introduced AP McCoy to our sport.  Harnesslink's most popular section is that of UK and Irish racing, which has numerous contributors across the UK and Ireland, Carmel Stewart and Elizabeth O'Neil have excelled in providing us with videos of racing from across both countries; Graham Rees, Nadina Ironia, Bill Cardno and Janet Cockburn have continued to document our sport through photographs and Lesley Smith, Carmel, Karen Kennedy and Lisa Farrelly have provided an excellent online results service all season between them.

Now the part that I wish not to dwell on, but for the purposes of not burying my head in the sand and pretending these matters never happened, I must at least touch on some of the low points of this season:

 - the examples of blatant non-trying, with the most notable example being that of Happy Hands at Hellifield.  This was quite frankly one of the worst cases seen not just in the 2015 season, but in any season, and was brought swiftly to the stewards' attention by two members of the public.  No action was taken.  The same complaints were taken to the BHRC, and again, no action was taken.  Non-trying happens across horse racing no matter under which governing body or in which country.  If a governing body is going to legislate on it, then they must enforce the rules.  Simple.  It is something which gives our sport a very bad name with the general public.

 - the more than substantial suggestion that Corbiewood will close its gates at the end of the 2016 season for the final time.  According to numerous sources, although the track is not due for development until some time after 2020, in order for work to start on the surrounding area, the back straight will need to be turned into a roadway for the vehicles to access the site as soon as early 2017.

 - the loss of three of my beautiful horses in Dorres (aka Orders, Real Desire-Because I Said So-Jate Lobell) due to complications following severe colic; Parker (aka Rooster Cogburn, The Firepan-Dark Velvet-Raque Bogart) due to a freak accident in the field; and Nala (aka Crosshill Bombay, Mypanmar-Vain In Spain-Artsplace) due to unknown but sudden causes.  It is always sad when you lose an animal and I do try to live by the concept that it is better outside the back door than inside, but that never softens the blow if, like me, you love your horses unconditionally.

Gone but not forgotten: Nala (Crosshill Bombay), Parker (Rooster Cogburn) & Dorres (Orders)
  - the bizarre incident at Tir Prince when a letter was handed to the bookmakers, allegedly on behalf of the management, instructing them that they must offer fairer prices to the punters or risk losing their right to stand at the track.  This letter was borne from alleged complaints made by members of the public as to the betting market and the lack of similarity with Thoroughbred racecourses, which they supposedly are much more familiar with.  One does smell a rat...

 - the loss of Musselburgh in 2015.  An inevitable loss due to work being carried out on the course which stages the two day harness racing meeting.  As mentioned above though, hopefully this will be resurrected in 2016, bigger and better than ever.

 - the debacle surrounding the race criterion requested by sponsors at Corbiewood, which resulted in race sponsorship and the trophy being withdrawn on race night when these outrageous requests could not be met.  An embarassment for the whole committee, even those who tried to raise concerns prior to the event, and also for those associated with the sponsors who were drawn in to an unsavoury argument in the paddock office.

 - the absolutely shambolic manner in which the sole BHRC Steward in Scotland chose to deal with a rule breach by several individuals at Corbiewood on Sunday 25th October, when choosing to punish one individual and not the other three who were in breach of the exact same rule (as well as numerous others including not holding a BHRC owner or trainer licence and running horses under previous owners' names more than once).

 - finding out that there is more than one grass in Scottish racing, and knowing that these people have no qualms about reporting people thinking that they will never face the consequences of publicly holding their hands up and admitting they have done it.  This leads on to the unfortunate issue of the level of bitterness and jealousy that still remains in racing, for which there is no place.  We CAN work together, if people got rid of the chips on their shoulders.  People must also remember that to be granted confidential informant status by the police or a court of law is a difficult process; the BHRC cannot guarantee complainants that so for the sake of an open and accountable sport, have the balls to stand up and say you don't agree with something and wish to report it.  I did.  I don't live in fear that others will find out I reported them to the BHRC - I only did so because the BHRC decided to start something and weren't, in my opinion, prepared to finish it.

And finally, the way forward.

Firstly, is there a way forward?

I believe there is.  I believe in the old adage that "Rome wasn't built in a day".  It really wasn't.  If Michael O'Neil is reading this - I told you I was interested in history and particularly the Romans.  If he isn't reading this, someone tell him I name-dropped him again because I think he likes it (he will begin to feature in these blog posts soon once I find a way to introduce him gently to the world of blogging...).

Massive steps forward have been taken in 2015 under the new administration at the BHRC.  However, far too many of these steps appear to have been made by individuals outwith the organisation; the sport is still so heavily reliant on the volunteers who give their time, expertise and money to keep the sport going.  Major issues such as stewarding and the application of rules and penalties need to be addressed as these fall at the governing body's door; there is nothing that us volunteers can do other than highlight where the discrepancies are.  I, along with many others, do not want to continuously complain to the BHRC about matters.  I want to be governed by a organisation that I am proud of, as much as I am proud of the quality of the horses and drivers that we have within our small country.  In order for me to be proud of them, they must change their attitude towards the licence holders.  In order to change their attitude towards licence holders, several people within the BHRC must go.  There is an ingrained mindset between the 'old boys' brigade' who rose to power under the previous administration which, in my opinion, is preventing the current Chairman and Vice Chairman from fulfilling their potential.  That said, with the initial introduction of the new handicap system for 2016, progress appears to be getting made.  The power is slowly returning to the people, and as much as I have claimed that the best and worst thing about the sport is its people, they are who care about the sport the most.

Over and out for the 2015 racing season (but back to discuss the 2016 season shortly),

#1 Groom