Scudamore excited by galaxy of stars set for equine Olympics
AS the iconic Cheltenham Festival nears, top jockey Tom Scudamore is predicting four days of unbelievable racing.
He is promising excitement all the way for the thousands of racegoers including many from the West Midlands and vast numbers from Ireland travelling via Birmingham Airport.
All eager to experience the thrill of the turf, the buzz in the paddock, the packed stands, the adrenalin ride as horses battle to the finish, the lure of the bookies and the joy of the bet that pays out big.
Scudamore, racing ambassador for Birmingham-based corporate hospitality agency Eventmasters, remains upbeat despite the “sickening blow” of Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack being ruled out with a tendon tear.
“I was as confident as you can be that he would have won – he is the best horse I have ever ridden,” Tom said.
Trained by Colin Tizzard, Thistlecrack and Scudamore have a host of big race victories under their belt including the Ryanair World Hurdle at Cheltenham and the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
“You have to pick yourself up and dust yourself down,” says Scudamore. “It is sad for all involved.”
He hopes he might yet find a spare ride in the Gold Cup, a trophy he has never won, second being his best result.
Scudamore concurs with the pundits that new favourites have to be Native River, the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh Grand National winner and Thistlecrack’s stablemate at Tizzard’s yard, and Cue Card, another Tizzard-trained horse who himself has enjoyed success at two previous Festival meetings. He is a King George VI Chase winner, a three-time Betfair Chase winner and appeared unlucky when travelling well and falling three out in last year’s blue riband.
“It is perhaps going to be more of an open Gold Cup now, but I have enormous respect for Native River and all he has achieved,” said Scudamore. “He is young, improving, just a fantastic racehorse. Cue Card, too, is up there – they are the two to beat.”
Scudamore has won nine times at the Cheltenham Festival – Thistlecrack, Ryanair World Hurdle 2016; Un Temps Pour Tout, Ultima Handicap Chase 2016; Next Sensation, Grand Annual Chase 2015; Moon Racer, Wetherby’s Champion Bumper 2015; Ballynagour, Byrne Group Plate 2014; Dynaste, Ryanair Chase 2014; Western Warhorse, Racing Post Arkle 2014; Salut Flo, Byrne Group Plate 2012; and An Accordion, William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase 2008.
He says his favourite rides were Thistlecrack last year and Next Sensation because that was trained by his brother Michael. The Scudamores are on the third generation as a family involved in racing – Tom and Michael are the sons of eighttime champion jockey Peter Scudamore, while their grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.
But upholding the family honour does not weigh unduly heavily.
“I am proud of what they achieved, but no, I have never felt any extra pressure,” said Scudamore. “I just want to keep on riding as many winners as I can. Keep on achieving and the rewards will follow.”
The Festival runs from March 14 to 17 and Scudamore forecasts the “standout” stars will be Altior in the Arkle and Douvan in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
He said: “Both have been absolutely destroying their fields.”
Cheltenham is special for Scudamore because he grew up at the nearby village of Naunton in the Cotswolds.
“There are many happy memories,” he recalls. “I have been riding horses and ponies for as long as I can remember. The reason Cheltenham is so popular is because this is where champions are made. You need speed and stamina in a horse – if you don’t have both then you are in trouble. Expect quality action and very exciting racing.”
Cheltenham is a major draw for the Irish, always a big boost for Birmingham Airport’s coffers. Ryanair alone is putting on 30 return flights from Dublin to Birmingham to cover the annual invasion. And Cheltenham is hugely popular with the Birmingham business community, with the city centre emptying during the four days.
Scudamore says you are naturally aware of the crowds, but that’s it. “You have to do your job and that means blocking it all out.”
How does he unwind? He plays the guitar and enjoys watching rugby and cricket. And will there be a fourth generation of Scudamore jockeys – he has two daughters?
He laughs and says they should simply enjoy their riding and “use their brains” instead – becoming accountants, lawyers or the like.
Meanwhile Cheltenham looms, there are races to be won, and whenever Scudamore has a spare moment he will be entertaining the hundreds of guests for whom Eventmasters will be making it a brilliant Festival occasion.
Denise Sheasby, managing director, a horse racing enthusiast, who was part owner of the popular 2010 Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander, said: “Everything is in place.
“There is nothing like Cheltenham to set the pulse racing – excuse the pun. If you can get there then do so. It is an unforgettable experience.
“The noise of the crowds, horses straining to be the best, the heroics and heartaches, the clink of glasses as the Guinness and Champagne is quaffed, and wonderful corporate hospitality.
“For the racegoer, it has everything.”
And best of luck placing those bets.
The noise of the crowds, horses straining to be the best, the heroics and heartaches... there is nothing like Cheltenham Tom Scudamore