GB Pointing

Paul, Tiggy and the team at GB Pointing have done an incredible job promoting point-to-point racing. There is a real spotlight being shone on the sport at the moment and it’s heading in the right direction. We headed to the yard of Josh Newman, the 2024/25 National Point-to-Point Champion Trainer, to create some reels – all helping to promote pointing and its partners. We were also treated to an amazing sunrise.

We do lots of overnight stays and the pub in Crewkerne definitely did the job, but our night in Yorkshire was exceptional. That’s why we get Brooke to help us find accommodation! We enjoyed a nice meal the night before our next shoot.

Mick & David Easterby

We headed up to Yorkshire for one of the most enjoyable jobs we’ve ever done. Pete and I have worked in over 60 yards over the past few years and there was a major one missing from the list. We’ve always been big fans of Mick Easterby, the legendary trainer of Classic winners. Mick is 94 years old and still as sharp as they come. We got to spend the entire morning and afternoon with Mick and his son and training partner, David. After exploring every acre of Mick’s land, we were lucky enough to witness the yard have a winner on the TV. David gave us all a jar of their honey and we left with big smiles on our faces. Mick is such a funny man with an unlimited supply of stories to tell – I really hope we’ve done it justice. Francesca Cumani really brought the best out of Mick and it made for golden content.

GBR, Harry Skelton

The following week we sorted our vehicles out. Our forever-unreliable Range Rover went to the garage for new ACE pipes and the Navara had a brand-new canopy fitted. The kit should now stay nice and dry.

A busy spell towards the end of the week saw us head back to Dan Skelton Racing to film another carpool video for GBR. This time, Harry Skelton was in the hot seat. We got a view of The New Lion and Grey Dawning before they headed to Cheltenham the next day. We were also working at Cheltenham for Festival Trials Day, this time focusing on the sales.

Cheltenham Sales

The GB Bonus, introduced by GB Pointing, is a fantastic incentive for owners to buy British pointers. We went to the sales to film Barito, a horse who had won a British maiden and was now eligible to win a bonus under the rules. Joe Hill is excellent at producing these horses and Barito went through the ring for £60,000, with Lucinda Russell the lucky purchaser. Ironically, we headed there a week later…

Our Local PTP

Cocklebarrow Point-to-Point was busy on Sunday. I had to hand back the Lord Ashton Cup after Boss Man Fred’s win in the big race last year. Lots of fun at Cocklebarrow and a very well-organised meeting.

Lucinda Russell, Old Gold Racing

Our final job of the month was a few days in Scotland at the yard of Lucinda Russell, Peter and Michael Scudamore. We do this trip at least twice a year and it’s always somewhere we enjoy visiting. Brooke put in a shift behind the wheel and we made good time up to Scotland. Pete from Old Gold Racing joined us on the journey and was good company, as always.

The first day of filming was not for the faint-hearted. Storm Chandra made conditions extremely unpleasant. “Wintry mix” was how the BBC Weather app described it – they weren’t wrong. 50mph winds, ‘feels like -5’ temperatures and icy rain. We did as much as we could.

The following day was completely the opposite: an orange sunrise in the morning and clear, calm conditions. We got to film with former Grand National winner Corach Rambler, who was much better behaved this time. Francesca rode him – maybe he enjoyed the change in jockey? Scu wasn’t best pleased when he heard just how well behaved Corach had been!

What we’ve been up to away from CFC

On a personal note, Billie returned from her big holiday feeling refreshed. We had barely seen each other all month, as we’d been away on shoots so much.

Pete and I enjoyed watching Cheltenham play Leicester in the FA Cup – outclassed, but a sell-out crowd and more revenue for the club. 

Brooke must have the best social life out of all of us; she’s always filling her diary with interesting things. A well-deserved holiday is on the horizon for her too. 

Job Vacancy

Finally, and most importantly, we have a vacancy for another full-time editor. The business is growing all the time and, with the current increase in work, we’re looking to expand the team. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone wanting to join a fast-growing, fun business – especially if you’re into sport and horse racing in particular. You can apply here.

Have a great February!

Louis, Pete, Billie and Brooke x