VICKY BAVIN AND TIM ANDREWS
Farrier/office manager
When Tim Andrews bought a share in the Hot To Trot syndicate for £1,995 for partner Vicky Bavin’s 50th birthday, he never thought it would lead to Royal Ascot. But when Heartache won a five-furlong maiden at Bath by six lengths, there was only one place she was heading.
Both Andrews, 55, who shoes competition horses, and Bavin, 55, had horses and racing in their blood. “I worked in a point-to-point yard aged eight or nine – I should think it’s illegal now!” said Bavin. “I then had my own livery yard, but our racing was restricted to watching TV.
“Tim knew I was interested and had a friend who put him in touch with Sam Hoskins, who runs Hot To Trot. It’s now £2,000 a year in perpetuity and, this year, a new hat for Ascot. Sam will organise pre-drinks in the car park to settle nerves.”
Bavin, who works for the charity Arethusa, added: “I have a very normal 9-5 job. We’ve had the chance to see some fantastic places.”
Tim Andrews and Vicky Bavin have a share in Heartache in the Queen Mary Stakes