BHRC & STAGBI Awards Dinner 2015

Saturday, 27th February 2016, saw the staging of the inaugural joint awards venture between the British Harness Racing Club (BHRC) and the Standardbred and Trotting Horse Association of Great Britain and Ireland (STAGBI).

The idea was first formed in November 2014 when myself, Gwenan Thomas (STAGBI Company Secretary) and Lee Price (the General Secretary at the time) were discussing ways to inject some positivity into the sport and to raise the profile of the projects and sponsorship STAGBI puts back into harness racing in the UK.  The idea of an awards event, preceded by seminars of some description, was discussed, and the possibility of getting the BHRC (who were suffering rather a lot of negative publicity at the time) on board was also bandied about.

Over the following few months, the topic was no further discussed until one day Gwenan emailed me and asked if I was interested in taking the project on.  At the 2015 STAGBI AGM, the Board of Directors gave the go ahead to plan an awards event and to approach the BHRC to see whether they wanted to join us in the venture.  A couple of weeks later I attended the BHRC AGM on behalf of the SHRC and Jim McInally (BHRC Vice Chairman) briefly mentioned an idea the BHRC had to stage an awards event before the start of the new season.  I spoke to him following the meeting, and it was agreed that I would liaise with BHRC Secretary Kirsty Lee in organising it.

That was at the beginning of December 2015.  In order to facilitate those who would be busy with mares foaling or sheep lambing (a number of harness racing enthusiasts are farmers), the date for the awards evening was set for Saturday 27th February.

I had only just booked a 10 day holiday to America (blog post about that to follow) before agreeing to take the organising of the event on, and in hindsight it wasn't my smartest move as that was 10 days only a week prior to the event that I was out of the country.

Thankfully, Kirsty at the BHRC stepped in to finalise the arrangements with the venue, deal with ticket sales from the office and sort the BHRC awards side of things.  Gwenan managed the STAGBI awards and I kept on top of the publicity on social media.  Kirsty Legrice was drafted in to assist with the presentation videos, for which I am eternally grateful as I simply couldn't have done that side of it.  Nadina Ironia and Graham Rees also deserve a mention for their assistance with sourcing photographs of the award winners, and Eric Witherspoon, Elizabeth O'Neil, Janet Cockburn and Derek Delaney for their efforts with sending me the videos we needed.

On Saturday evening, around 100 BHRC licence holders and STAGBI members celebrated the achievements of 35 horses and people who had excelled during the 2015 season.  I had hoped, but never imagined, that we would have such a fantastic turnout for the first staging of the event, and am grateful to all those who attended from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

After a three course meal, Darren Owen led us through an overview of the season, touching upon the notable performers from each category before presenting the award winners with their awards (alongside Roy Sheedy, BHRC Chairman, and Ryan O'Neil, STAGBI President).  There were interviews with drivers who had represented the UK internationally last year (Alan Haythornthwaite - Australia, Paul Mather - France) as well as interviews with promoters regarding the forthcoming season (Eric Witherspoon - Tir Prince, Huw Evans - Tregaron).  Following the awards, we danced into the night courtesy of Millstream Discos (Simon Clarke & Kirsty Legrice), and there were still a handful of us left standing when the bar finally closed at 2am!

The full list of winners were as follows:

BHRC
2YO Filly of the Year - Jessies Conquest
2YO Colt of the Year - Miraculous
3YO Filly of the Year - Shaba Hanover
3YO Colt of the Year - Rewrite History
Overseas Horse of the Year - Meadowbranch DJ
Trotter of the Year - Show Business
Special Contribution - Arnie Flower, Alistair Smith, Jeff & Margaret Langford, David Douglas
Leading Owner - Raymond Huschka
Leading Trainer - Alexis Laidler
Leading Driver - William 'Rocker' Laidler
Mare of the Year - Rhyds Art
Pacer of the Year - Stoneriggs Mystery
Horse of the Year - Stoneriggs Mystery
Leading Horse of the Year (on wins) - Stoneriggs Mystery & Rewrite History

STAGBI
Brightwells Breeders Premium - For One Night Only, Brywins Jo Jo, Cash Point
England Breeders Premium - Stoneriggs Mystery, Greentree Shorty, Coalford Tetrick
Ireland Breeders Premium - Tarawood Messi, Springhill Dustin, Strike A Light
Scotland Breeders Premium - Robhall, D Ks Happy Dream, Starzapan
Wales Breeders Premium - Meadowland Hasty, For One Night Only, Lakeside Pan

Broodmares Race Annaghmore - Talavary Jewel
Broodmares Race Corbiewood - Live In Beauty
Broodmares Race Tir Prince - Maid Of The West
Broodmares Race Amman Valley - Tyssul Opal
Broodmares Race York - Rhyds Art 

Here's a selection of some of the awards winners from the night:

The awards

For One Night Only - collect by breeders Richard & Sharon Thomas (or as I know them, Mum & Dad!)

Darren Owen interviewing Paul Mather & Alan Haythornthwaite

Jessies Conquest - breeders and owners, Jenny & Marc Jones

BHRC Leading Driver - William 'Rocker' Laidler

BHRC Leading Owner - Raymond Huschka

Miraculous - collected by trainer Sally Teeboon

Darren Owen interviewing Huw Evans & Eric Witherspoon

Rewrite History - collected by driver Gordon Gilvear

Robhall - collected by breeders Hamish Muirhead & Alex Hay

Stoneriggs Mystery - collected by connections of the owner David Morton and trainer Mick Lord, Paul Amphlett & Kelly Peacock

Meadowland Hasty - collected by me on behalf of breeders Colin & Shirley Bevan

Rhyds Art - collected by members of the West Riding Partnership owning syndicate, Robert Thompson & Barry Delaney

As with all things, there is room for improvement, and I have already begun making a list of things to do in order to make sure that next year is bigger and better than this year's.  I knew before I started that it would not be perfect, but my main aim was to ensure that the basis of the event worked in order for us to build on it in subsequent years.  From the feedback received from the guests and my fellow organisers, I believe I have achieved this aim.

I am of course jumping the gun somewhat in assuming that there will be a joint event next year, but I would like to think that those involved from both organisations would agree that the benefits of staging a joint event far outweigh any negatives.

I won't let any secrets out just yet about my plans for next year but rest assured, I am already working on it and I can guarantee that it WILL be better!

So all that remains to be said, probably for the millionth time, is thank you.  Thank you to the hotel staff for being so accommodating and helpful from the moment I first contacted them about staging the event there to the moment we all checked out yesterday morning; thank you to Gwenan and the other directors for supporting me in the decisions I made and allowing me the freedom to 'just get on with it'; thank you to Kirsty Legrice and Simon Clarke for all their work on the videos and presentations, and for turning up at the hotel nearly 7 hours before the event started to set up and make sure everything was just right; thank you to Jim McInally and Roy Sheedy for their support from the BHRC side; thank you to Darren Owen for making the presentation of the awards so amusing and interesting, and for taking the time to research the winners and putting the award recipients at ease when interviewing them; thank you to Kirsty Lee at the BHRC who dealt with all of the ticket sales, who picked up where I left off when finalising arrangements with the hotel, for getting me flowers, for the table plan, the pens, giving me the freedom on the Facebook page to go crazy promoting the event (even though I don't actually work for the BHRC) and for taking charge of the 'awards table' on the night.  And most of all, thank you to everyone who came - you made my night so much bloody fun that I didn't realise it was so late!  Special mentions must go to Alexis Laidler & Michael O'Neil for the selfies and 'crab dance', and to Noreen Bennett for dancing full stop!

Before I sign off, I just want to share one more photo of the main people behind the organising of the event - WE DID IT!!

L-R: Gwenan Thomas, myself, Kirsty Lee, Roy Sheedy, Simon Clarke, Kirsty Legrice, Jim McInally & Ryan O'Neil

Over and out,

#1 Event Organiser

An interview with...Stuart Mackenzie

Aaaaaand I am back into my sporadic posting routine which means you no longer get an interview every week but you're lucky if you get one every fortnight.  What's better is that in just over 12 hours I am jetting off to sunny Florida (and snowed under New York) so this blog will have to take a back seat until I return.  Upon my return, you can expect all sorts of stories and photos as we will be going racing as much as is possible, and we have a couple of other things planned which are pretty closely linked to harness racing as well.  I can't wait.

Anyway, for now, let me introduce to you the driver known by some as 'The Yank' (a reference totally lost on me), or 'The Stuntman' (again...no idea).  To me, he's Stuart Mackenzie, son of a man I wholeheartedly respect, Ally; grandson of a woman I wholeheartedly respect, Mig; and generally an all-round good guy who has been nothing but friendly to me since my move to bonny Scotland.  Driving primarily for his father, Stuart enjoyed plenty of success in 2015 at our home track of Corbiewood, and I am sure this will continue in 2016.  More from the man himself...

For anybody who doesn’t know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start?
From as long as I can remember the family tell me my grandfather had me at Musselburgh when I was 6 months old, then I was always around Corbiewood.  I probably started jogging at age 8 then my dad bought me Dillys Sweet Robin to start learning to train when I was 12 or so.  I won my first race at 15 years old.

Which is the best horse you’ve driven in your career?
I've got to say Dillys Spring Time, she was my all time favourite.  I only drove her around 10 times but I won my first race on her.  She was so naturally gifted and had the biggest heart of any that I've worked with since.  She won 38 races and was the two-time SHRC Horse of the Year.  Just a star really.

Which horse, past or present that you haven’t driven, would you like to drive and why? 
From watching his videos I would love to have driven Somebeachsomewhere, he was a absolute monster - the best to put his head through a bridle I would say!!  Also really liked Ayr Glory; I raced against him quite a bit in a few classics, he looked a lovely horse to drive.

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver? 
Growing up in Scotland there was lots of good drivers but I always paid attention to the Drysdale brothers, George and William.  They used to drive for my dad a lot before I started.  They were two very different drivers but both were really good.  I still use them for advice back and forward yet!

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland? 
I really enjoy the half mile track racing but it's still got to be Corbiewood for me.

Have you driven outside of the UK and Ireland? If not, where in the world would you choose to have one drive? 
No, I did a couple of six month stays in Canada a while back and it was great experience and a real learning curve for me.  The track I would like to drive on is Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, it looks awesome when I've watched the videos from there.


What would you say has been the biggest change that you have seen in harness racing from when you began competing to now? 
In Scotland it has to be the running rail getting taken out of Corbiewood as the track was too small for it.  I think it made the races a lot safer.

If you could change one thing about the sport as it currently is in the UK, what would it be? 
Over the last 4/5 seasons I think horses have been going back grades too quickly and becoming uncompetitive as we don't have a massive pool of horses, though I'm quite optimistic of the new handicap system coming into play for next season.

Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar? 
We all love the Appleby, Musselburgh and Tregaron meetings but one of my favourites is Haugh Field's big meeting as I only live about 200 yards away from the track and we usually get all the locals from the village that I live in going.  Plus the after party's always pretty good!
 
How much do you consider information from a trainer when you drive? 
My main stable that I drive for is Trackside and I share the training duties with my father Ally so I know the horses pretty well.  If I catch outside drives I always ask the trainer about the horses as every little bit of information helps in this game.

Out of all the races you have won, which has been the most memorable?
I won a heat at the new fair with a horse called Ethan, he made a mistake leaving the gate and we must have been 15 lengths off the pace.  Even turning for home we were still last of about 10 and I got up to win in the last stride, 4 deep in the straight and he beat some nice horses that day.  Also up there was my second 2YO Derby win with Most Wanted as we bred him ourselves and we really thought the world of him.

How would you describe your driving style? i.e. pace setter, strong closer, rail hugger? 
Racing in Corbiewood, the front end of the race is pivotal in my opinion as it's a 3/8ths track so it's not always easy to pass.
 
What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing? 
Spending time with my little girl Erin, also socialising with friends!

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why? 
A good friend of mine emigrated to New Zealand this year so I will be visiting there in the future and will hopefully take in a few race meetings while there.

You’re stranded on a desert island – what five things can’t you live without? 
My daughter, iPhone, unlimited pints of Tenants (lager), steak pie and Only Fools and Horses box set (no TV though Stuart?!)

You’re holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) – who would they be and why? 
Del Boy Trotter, Johnny Cash, Eva Mendez, Kevin Bridges and the mad Karoo (uncle Eck) - the mad old guy who used to go to the racing, he was funny!

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? 
A bank job.
 
If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on? 
Buy Corbiewood and the field next to it then flatten it, and build a state of the art facility there and secure a future for Scottish harness racing.

What would you name your autobiography? 
My Way.

Which actor would play you in a film about your life? 
Johnny Depp.
 
When was the last time you got into trouble? 
I would get in trouble if I told that story!

Describe yourself in three words.
Happy go lucky.

Thanks to Stuart for taking the time to answer my questions and give the readers of this blog an insight into his life and mind.

This'll be the last interview for a while due to other commitments on behalf of the BHRC, STAGBI and the SHRC, but rest assured, I will be back to hunt down those drivers who elude me.

Over and out,

#1 Groom 

An interview with...Alan Greenhorn

Happy New Year - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!

I'm back, kickstarting the new year with an interview which leads on nicely from the final interview from 2015 with William Greenhorn - this time I've tracked down his brother, Alan, to see if he can dispel the mystery surrounding the answer William gave to what he would do if he was invisible for the day - which would be to follow his brother around to see what he gets up to.  I'm not sure whether the truth of this is contained below, due to the length of some of the answers (for which I'm grateful Alan, I promise) and my short attention span (kidding), but what does shine through clearly is the character of a driver whose ability is renowned and who I would love to see back in his colours and on the track (which would make a change from the world and his wife driving in his colours at Corbiewood).

It came to my attention a couple of nights ago that Alan has informed some of his friends (referenced below) that this interview had taken place and would be published imminently; a fact which sent one friend in particular into a frenzy, worrying what embarassing and/or sordid tales of his past (or present) would be revealed.  Fear not, as much as he may have wound you up, I think the answers below are considerably tamer than they could have been.  Anyway, I'll not waffle on with any further introduction as this fella introduces himself perfectly well...

For anybody who doesn’t know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start?
Along with my brother we were pretty much born into the sport. Our dad owned some great horses in the 70's: Tarport Chief and Almondell Sunstar to name but a few. In 1985 he bought Anslow Moonlight and as they say the rest is history. He would think nothing of throwing us in the car (literally) and taking us down to Carriages (Droylesdon), Wolverhampton, Tir Prince, Lanark. We were so enthusiastic back then! My brother and I being Cambusbarron boys spent every hour at South Kersebonny Farm, home of the famous Dilly's breed. We spent a few years there and other training centres before we moved to Clayfaulds Farm, our family home. My dad is still their now and although the track and horse walker are all but away we still breed a few and my little sister looks after a few ponies there as well.

Which is the best horse you’ve driven in your career?

I've driven lots of nice horses in my time, Steven's Cover, Stoneriggs Jet, Blue Russian but the best for me is Artisan. I got him as a novice and took him all the way to a grade 10 before I sold him. In the 3 years I had him he never saw a vet in all that time which is unheard of! He could compete with the best on his day although probably just fell short of being a true FFA performer.

On another note I'm proud of my work along with friends in creating our own fund/committee for our pal Red John who unfortunately passed away last year. We are in the process of sponsoring the Hurricane Pace Final at Musselburgh in 2016 and it's great to see his legacy live on in one of the biggest meetings of the season.

Also very proud of my family being top owners in the BHRC in 1993.

Which horse, past or present that you haven’t driven, would you like to drive and why?

This isn't easy as I've seen some real superstars in my time. My list would be, in no particular order:

Jimmy Long - I never saw a turn of foot like it.

Monkroyd Mystery - superstar mare who I witnessed winning off 100 yards at Corbiewood one night.

Scoot Around - he looked the easiest of drives and was up there with the best for a longtime.

Johnny's Decision - what a horse! Very fragile but on his day he was probably unbeatable.

I could go on all day!

Of the present day horses the obvious one would be Stoneriggs Mystery for his pure class. Rewrite History could be one of the best we've seen in Scotland and I've got to mention Jack Swagger, he has the potential to be the best horse the family have ever had, he has so much potential and having witnessed his homework he is a monster, we can but pray!

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver?

I could seriously go on all day with this! My all time favourite is Alan Haythornthwaite, he seems to have been about for ages (sorry Alan!). I remember him fondly around Kendal on Stay Cool and Missing Link then in later years with Golden Dale, Trapper, Prospect, Scoot etc. etc. His longevity in staying at the top is amazing.

A few drivers up here I admire are: 

Brian "Nova" Kilgannon - Ian Pimlott said to me one day that Nova could have been one of the very best if it wasn't for his eye accident...what a waste of a talent. 

David "Buster" Moncrieff - his ability to get any horse to gallop is unbelievable.

Andrew "Flannel" Dick is another wasted talent, not just at football but anything else he ever does.

I also admire the way the chuck waggon driver Patrick Kane Jnr kicks the ear plugs out and last but not least the way that Watson Harrop Jnr never seems to know where the rail is.

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland?

Easy one this, Musselburgh will always be my favourite. I've been lucky enough to train and drive a few winners around there. A lot better than me have tried and failed.

Have you driven outside of the UK and Ireland? If not, where in the world would you choose to .have one drive?

I've never actually driven in a competitive race but I warmed up Western Dreamer for Mike Le Chance at the Jug one year. Mike and mee are tight, although I don't like name dropping...

Out of you and your brother, who is the better driver (and be honest!)?

I would say it has to be Wull as it would be pretty unfair if I were to have that as well. Obviously I have the best looks, best patter, I'm the best dancer,I'm better at football and I'm a better horseman. I don't mind giving him that one and I'm very proud of his achievements, he's a great "wee" brother and uncle.

If you could change one thing about the sport in the UK, what would it be?

I suppose regardless of anyone's thoughts or ideas it will never please everyone. I think what we must always try and maintain and remember is that this has always been a working man's game but unfortunately that isn't the case anymore and we have lost many an enthusiast due to the cost, whether it be the cost to watch racing or the ludicrous fees to register and actually race a horse now. The prize money only scratches the surface in reality.

Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar?

The two day festival at Musselburgh will always be my favourite for the reasons stated above. The Vincent Delaney at Portmarnock is a great weekend and I also enjoy our annual pilgrimage to Skibbereen road races every January, it's something different and a great way to break up the winter months. It's a very sober weekend...

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?

I was lucky enough to win the Hurricane Pace final with Artisan a few years ago and then came within a whisker of winning the Famous Musselburgh Pace the year after. After winning the heat quite comfortably a deluge of rain after the heat dampened our chances in the final and to finish 2nd was testament to his class and durability.

This still remains an ambition for me and to win the Welsh Classic being next on the list.

How would you describe your driving style? i.e. pace setter, strong closer, rail hugger?
Well I've learnt and copied off the best - Brian Gibb, Nova, Buster, Sean "No Wins" Kilgannon and Gavin "Stable Boy" Sinclair to name but a few. However not sure I have a particular style, don't think I can remember anyway!! 

When was the last time you drove in a race?  Is there any reason for the self-imposed break from driving?

I honestly can't remember my last drive or when it was. I vowed never to get another horse after I sold Artisan and so far I have stuck to my word. (Although with thanks to Matty Thomas I actually have the old boy back, maybe I could race him again?!)

Since his sale I play a lot of golf and although I thoroughly enjoy it you actually can't beat the buzz of race driving or training for that matter. I'm close to a return one feels!!

Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?

Not an easy question, hopefully I'm still around fit and healthy! I suppose the rest will look after itself.

Do you have any children?  Would you encourage them to get involved in harness racing in the future?
I have a beautiful wee boy who was born in August last year, he is my world and if he shows a keenness then I would never stop him. Although I do have aspirations for him to play for Barcelona or play in a Ryder Cup!

 
If you were trying to sell harness racing to the general public, how would you describe it?
It's very difficult to sell it to the general public due to the fact we have all our premier meetings on grass. I suppose the sport could be advertised better on the whole. The initiative the MFDA have shown trying to showcase our sport during flat meetings can only be good. I would also like to see a flagship track around Carlisle/Penrith area where it could be supported by most of the UK.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing?

I love my golf, and I'm a smidgen away from single figures. I also love spending time with my wife Jo and son Cammy, I am also an uncle a million times over and love looking after the gang!

My other pastimes include buying drinks for Wull, Dicko, Gav, Rents, Gibby, Sean, Brain, Nova and whoever else drinks in McQues...

I am also a founder member of the famous Bannockburn club the RMC (Real Men's Club - references have been made to this previously in the interview with Gregor Menzies whose membership is both questionable and under threat). Other notable members include: Sir Rants, Old Senior, Nova, Jim McManus, Gibby. Some people have tried to join but never got in, they include: Gwegwa Menzies, Wull G, Gordon Gilvear, Sean K, Gav, Dicko, Rents. However the door is always open but if you're caught with marigolds on or behind a hoover then you need not apply. (Like the aforementioned).

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?

Well I turn 30 next year (and the rest!) and since it's a landmark birthday we are all going to Dubai and Hong Kong to celebrate. I've always fancied Dubai.

You’re stranded on a desert island – what five things can’t you live without?

iPhone - addicted, toolbox - well you never know something might need fixed, Spotify - love music, golf clubs- could practise my bunker shots (!) and soap - I hate being dirty!

You’re holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) – who would they be and why?

Eric Cantona, my football hero.  Sir Alex Ferguson, genius and legend.  My good pal Gavin Sinclair, he's not been sighted in many a year!  AP McCoy, no reason needed.  My wife Jo, as someone would have to cook the food and clean up!

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?

I'd probably want to lie beside (on top of) Jennifer Aniston.

If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?

I would buy a decent National Hunt horse as I would love a runner at the Cheltenham Festival. Depending how much I won I'd pay off all my family and friends' mortgages. I'd also buy Sean Kilgannon and Andrew Dick new wardrobes as it would take a lottery win to sort that out! And I'd buy big Rents new patter although it wouldn't be cheap.

What would you name your autobiography?

Strawberry Blonde

Which actor would play you in a film about your life?

Leanardo Di Caprio, heard he's alright with the lemon curds (apparently Scottish rhyming slang for 'birds' = 'women').

When was the last time you got into trouble?

Anyone who really knows me knows that I am actually never out of trouble! I can't help it and I'm thinking it's the company I keep!

Describe yourself in three words.

Funny, caring, sensitive.

Alan & Artisan winning at Corbiewood

Equally as inappropriate a photo as his brother's...

Alan's second favourite hobby (after racing, naturally)

Working out at the beach

The collection from the day Artisan won at Musselburgh - all the memories in one place.

Thank you Alan, I must admit I really enjoyed reading your responses to the questions.  I happened to be stood at Musselburgh Racecourse on New Year's Day when the email reply came through and stood and read it whilst surrounded by strangers.  Bad idea, as I burst out laughing very early on and struggled to contain it for the remainder, which earnt me more unusual glances than a standard public outing!

All the best for the forthcoming season and let us all hope that your teasers about returning to the racetrack aren't just for the purposes of this interview!

Over and out,

#1 Groom 

Merrington Missile - an update on the grumpy moose

As those of you who read my blog religiously will know (and I cling on to the hope that somebody out there somewhere reads every post with interest, even when I'm rambling or talking about not-so-interesting topics), I sold Merrington Missile back in September into a ridden home.  This was his second (and hopefully final) bite at the cherry that is a 'forever home', the type of home that plenty of people proclaim to be able to offer but that very few can actually deliver on.  After the first time where, through no fault of his own, he found his way back to me,  I was obviously wary of this second attempt.  From the moment the hammer fell at Builth in October 2013, Missile became my responsibility and although I am aware that once sold he becomes somebody else's, a part of me feels as though it was still my responsibility to place him in the best possible home with as secure a future as anyone can give an animal.

Due to the slightly uncomfortable moving in period where Missile went temporarily lame (thanks to some over-zealous hoof trimming and him being an absolute drama queen) during which time rumours were spread that I had sold a horse unfit for purpose (which reached the new owner), I was mildly concerned not to have heard from his new owner since October, when I'd last heard that he was sound, happy and bonding with his new human.  I was even more nervous at the prospect of contacting the new owner to enquire about him, in case something had gone wrong or they had changed their minds about him and sold him on without letting me know.  They say no news is good news, and plenty of people more sensible than I would have let sleeping dogs lie, hoped for the best and concentrated on the horses still in their care.

I am not sensible.

Yesterday I built up the courage to contact the new owners, because my well-documented overactive imagination had all sorts of scenarios playing out in my head, none of which resembled the true situation.  Within minutes I had the reply I had hoped for - that he was as happy as a grumpy old sod like him could be.  His new owner, Sahrina, is hacking him out on a near-daily basis, and on days when she can't take him out, she spends time with him in his stable.  He has re-started his jumping, which sounds as though it is going well, and together they are looking forward to the summer when they can enjoy the good weather and continue his re-education under saddle.  It sounds as though he is a firm favourite with the family, and indeed at the livery yard, with his characteristics and personality.

You can't begin to imagine the sense of relief I felt when I received that reply.  Even better were the photos that accompanied, and the promise to keep in touch.  I am not an interfering ex-owner - I simply like to keep track of my ex-charge's progress, especially when it has the potential to feature in my favourite part of the STAGBI newsletter (the bit about retired Standardbreds, which I know isn't everyone's cup of tea but is my way of trying to find secondary careers for the breed).

I worried that Missile would be a misunderstood soul, that the characteristics and traits that I found so amusing and endearing would be seen as hostile and undesirable by everyone else.  He was serving a purpose to me as a racehorse and as long as his behaviour towards me didn't hinder that purpose, I was able to tolerate, and eventually appreciate, them.  Once that purpose changed to essentially being a pet, I feared that they would have such an impact that he would be deemed not suitable for someone who wanted to fuss over him.  Which was frustrating, because as a riding horse he was, and is, a delight.  I miss him terribly, because as much as I didn't want to admit it, he was in some ways a better riding horse than Star.  His natural head carriage, his swagger, his sensible head even when 100% race fit...he was a much more willing horse to ride than my own stubborn, spooky, unpredictable-at-times mare that I am keeping.  I feel guilty for saying that because I don't like finding fault in her after how far she has brought me since I started riding her, but to acknowledge Missile's strengths requires me to acknowledge Star's weaknesses.

Fortunately, and this is where I will wrap this up, we found him someone who loves him just the way he is.  Someone who looked at him and saw the beautiful face, the athletic build and the blank canvas that is a newly-retired racehorse.  Someone who accepts the groaning, the ears back, the tail swishing when the girth is done up.  Someone who has managed to do something that I could never do - get him to like her!

So I wish them well, and I hope to visit when I'm next in the area.  Here are some photos of Missile in his new home (courtesy of Dawn & Sahrina), where he goes by the name 'Sgt Bash' (and no, I haven't asked where he got that name from, because I simply don't need to know!):

Over and out,

#1 Proud Groom

An interview with...William Greenhorn

Right folks, this is the last one for 2015 as I'm taking a short break from writing to concentrate on eating my entire body weight in Christmas food!  So to round off the first part of the series of interviews with some of Scotland's biggest driving characters, I now present to you one of the country's greatest role models to young drivers - William 'Super Sub' Greenhorn.  Don't be fooled by his nickname, this driver has an impact no matter where he competes or what he drives.  He has an uncanny knack of picking up catch drives in major handicap finals and winning with them, and he performs to the highest standard whether it's at Musselburgh or Corbiewood, and across the United Kingdom and Ireland as well.  To top it all off, he's an all-round top guy, never too busy for a chat or to offer advice to some of the up and coming drivers on the Scottish circuit.  Here he tells me a bit more about the man behind the golden hands...

For anybody who doesn't know you, how long have you been involved in the sport and where did it all start?
I have been involved in the sport for over 30 years now, my dad initially owned horses back in the 70s for a few years.  He fell back into it in the 80s which is when I got involved.

Which is the best horse you've ever driven?
I have numerous that could fall into that category but I would have to opt for Today I Say as she treated me to my first sub-two minute mile back in 2005.  More recent would be our own Jack Swagger, he has a mass of potential.

Which horse, past or present that you haven't driven, would you like to drive and why?
Stoneriggs Mystery, as he's just been such a superstar from the first day he stepped onto the track.  Track or distance it just doesn't matter, he is the best.

Who did, or do, you admire as a driver?
Mick Lord.

Which is your favourite track in the UK and Ireland?
Tir Prince, I would love for something similar to be in Scotland.

Have you driven outside the UK and Ireland?  If not, where in the world would you choose to have one drive?
No.  Mohawk or The Meadowlands.

Have you ever considered moving abroad to become a professional driver?
Yes, Canada, but not necessarily to drive just to be involved at a good level.  Never say never.

If you could change one thing about the sport in the UK, what would it be?
Removal of the doubters and people trying to hold the sport back.

Which is your favourite meeting in the UK racing calendar?
Musselburgh.

How much do you consider information from a trainer when you drive?
Highly, no one knows a horse better than the person working with it daily.

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?
It has to be the Famous Musselburgh Pace final (on Mahogany Jasper), one big final a season makes it the one!  The Tregaron Welsh Classic of the Crock of Gold are missing from the CV so any one would be nice.

How would you describe your racing style?
Tactical.

Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
I would love to say Canada but that might be a thought too far.  Hopefully still healthy and doing what I do now would be nice.

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)?
Sounds like a great idea, this would then put everyone on a level playing field on the day of the event.

Do you have any children?  Would you encourage them to get involved in harness racing in the future?
I have two boys who love going racing but not sure if they will keep the family tradition going into the future.  I certainly wouldn't stop them if they chose to.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of racing?
My boys take up most of my spare time with their football and golf commitments.  When I can, I enjoy playing football and spending time with my family.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be and why?
New York, it looks amazing.  It's on my 'to do' list.

You're stranded on a desert island - what five things can't you live without?
My phone, chocolate, sun glasses, sun cream and my wife...to apply the sun cream.

You're holding a dinner party for five famous guests (alive or dead) - who would they be and why?
AP McCoy, David Beckham (both absolute legends in my eyes), Keith Lemon (crude humour), The Proclaimers (musical talent, they will need to share a chair however), & Michelle Keegan (eye candy).

If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
Follow my brother (Alan Greenhorn) around I think, I always wonder what he gets up to on a daily basis.

If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would spend your winnings on?
This is easy as I have this conversation almost monthly with a racing friend.  A new racetrack in Scotland, 5/8 in size with all the facilities for it to be a training centre also.

What would you name your autobiography?
'The Nugget', for some reason some of my racing friends gave me this name a number of years back.

Which actor would play you in a film about your life?
Matt Damon (it has been full of adventure).

When was the last time you got into trouble?
Almost daily for not putting my clothes away!

Describe yourself in three words.
Easy going, caring and thorough (Yet ANOTHER Scottish driver who doesn't know the difference between 3 and 4...all is forgiven as I'm full of the Christmas spirit(s) and the rest of the interview was exceptional!).

William & Ayrosmith at Tregaron, 2015 (photo courtesy of Irfon Bennett)

Fighting out a finish against brother-in-law Gordon Gilvear and young gun Tony Allan at Corbiewood

There are no words...

William & Kestrels Rogue winning the Appleby Spring Final in 2012

Thank you to 'The Nugget' for his answers, a most enjoyable read.

Fear not dear readers, I am already sourcing the next batch of drivers to continue part two of the series in the new year.  This will include the legendary Willie Drysdale (IF I can track him down), a notoriously difficult man to keep still for any length of time and also one of the few people in UK and Irish harness racing who doesn't have Facebook!  But I am an eternal optimist and after over 12 months of not speaking to each other (mutual fear of one another), we broke through the barrier to become unlikely friends after sharing a dancefloor in Aberystwyth.  Watch this space.

Merry Christmas everyone, have a blast!

Over and out,

#1 Festive Groom