Wincanton is not easily reached by train. You can either alight at Gillingham (Dorset, not Kent) and take an eight mile taxi ride to the course - bookmakers tend to do this. Or travel one station further to Templecombe, where the executive lay on a courtesy coach to the course.
I have taken a bus from Gillingham to Mere, on the main A303, then walked up and over White Sheet Hill with views in all directions, descended to Stourhead Gardens, with its lakes and temples, then climbed up past the folly, Alfred’s Tower, which can be seen menacingly on the horizon from the racecourse. Looping downhill past an ancient priory, I reached the course after an exhilarating 12 mile ramble. I backed the favourite in the opening maiden hurdle to build up my cash for later, which then proceeded to fall, on the far side - in a hurdle race, too!
I have also hiked from Templecombe, along muddy footpaths, through dairy farms, to he magnificent hill fort of Cadbury Castle, claimed by some to be Arthur’s Camelot. Scrambling up the solitary footpath to the summit you feel echoes of the “Once and Future King” in the sunshine and the shadows. Even if Merlin did not cast his spells here, you sense the magic and the mystery as you stroll around the greensward. The circumference must be over a mile and all around is sheer drop. Happily descending to the safety of ground level, there is only seven miles of walking to the course left!
Situated one mile uphill from the town, in the south east corner of rural Somerset, Wincanton attracts the farming and hunting set - plenty of Barbour jackets and green wellies to be seen. Being easily reached from the big Lambourn yards, close to Paul Nicholl’s yard, the current rising star in the trainers’ ranks, and a comfortable drive for Martin Pipe and Philip Hobbs, plenty of equine stars run here.
Desert Orchid soars over the Water Jump. (Photo: Sue Wingate)
Despite being an easy right-handed track, this course is a cradle for Cheltenham Festival winners. This undemanding course allows horses to avoid hard races before tackling the gruelling left-handed Cheltenham track. Desert Orchid, who so favoured right-handed tracks like Ascot and Sandown, won six times, in all, here - both over hurdles and fences; no wonder there is now a Desert Orchid chase run annually. In his time he won both the Kingwell Hurdle (Champion Hurdle trial) and the Jim Ford Chase (Gold Cup trial). Dessie’s quick, accurate fencing thrilled the crowd here. At his best, he would gain tempo jumping the fences on the far side, then accelerate into the downhill cross fence before drawing away over the three fences in the straight.
The Kingwell Hurdle is a vital prep-race for the Champion Hurdle. Champions Kribensis, Alderbrook and See You Then have all won the race impressively prior to Cheltenham glory. See You Then won three Champion Hurdles from 1985 to 1987 and also broke down here in his final race. But it was on a raw sunny February day, by the paddock in 1984, that I received information that nearly ‘came off’.
The late Jim Stanford, of the Daily Mail told me that Con Collins thought he would win the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham with See You Then. Now Jim was such a friendly, warm-hearted soul, that he used to be given accurate tips. So the following day I placed £100 at 20/1 for the Triumph. The horse was bought by the Stype Wood Stud, transferred to Nicky Henderson, and started 2/1 favourite in a field of 30.
I can see him to this day, cruising up to lead at the last, then amazingly being caught and passed by Northern Game and losing by 3/4 lengths. But what made it so galling is that Northern Game did nothing afterwards, while See You Then developed into a great hurdler.
A good view of the action from the middle of the course.
The Tattersalls stands at Wincanton are not steep, so you can struggle to keep touch with the runners at times. I prefer to view racing from a mound on the golf course in the centre of the course. The ground rises slightly on the far side, before dropping in the home straight; but from the centre of the course there is an uninterrupted view of racing. From there I watched rising star Teeton Mill make his seasonal debut in November 1998. Without predicting the Hennessy and King George victory days ahead, I backed Teeton Mill at 4/1 that day. Always travelling smoothly Teeton Mill’s fencing was accurate and economical. On the far side he was toying with the opposition - with the race already won, bar a fall. He increased his lead on the downhill run into the straight, and then sauntered away to a facile victory.
The spacious paddock
Wincanton is always best in the spring sunshine. When the rain sweeps in from the west, there is very little protection from the elements, as the countryside is wide open, but in good weather, the friendly atmosphere makes for a happy day’s racing. The paddock is spacious, with excellent access. One day I was well in front betting-wise coming to the last race - a bumper and National Hunt flat race. The horse I closely inspected was the debutante, Aerion - by the great stayer Ardross, trained by Oliver Sherwood and ridden by Jamie Osborne. But to my eye, the gelding was far too backward to win - he was carrying too much excess flesh. Indeed he drifted from 4/1 to 7/1 at the off. I backed Martin Pipe’s runner. Needless to say, Aerion crushed his field - and my ego. However, Oliver Sherwood later stated that Aerion fooled many people day by looking to be carrying more condition than in fact he did.
Still, at Wincanton you enjoy yourself even if you lose. I like to end the day with a brisk walk to the fish-n-chip shop in the High Street - real solace!
Charity Raceday at Wincanton - Desert Orchid parades.
Forthcoming Meetings at Wincanton
Thursday 25th March 1999 - Wincanton Local Businesses Raceday
First race - 2.15pm.
Attractions on the day include:- Falconry display, Terrier Racing, local hounds parading and lots more
Easter Monday, 5th April 1999 - First race 2.00pm
Lots of kids entertainment:- creche, face painting, Farmer Giles Farmstead and lots more
Friday evening 7th May 1999 - First race - 5.55pm
Wincanton’s only evening meeting which is always very popular and attracts a good crowd. A fun evening racing for all.
Thursday 21st October 1999 - Charity Raceday
Featuring the Desert Orchid S.W. Pattern Steeplechase.
First race - 2.20-pm.
An extremely popular day’s racing. Lots of attractions, including a stallion parade, celebrity parade, celebrity race and so on. This day normally has the very popular Desert Orchid in attendance.
Tel: 01963 32344
Fax: 01963 34668
AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS by Sue Wingate, MA, RCA
Commencing 1st May - until 14th May 1999
To be held at the historic Palace House in Newmarket (the former residence of
Charles II as part of the Guineas Festival.
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tel/fax - 01932 342055
or email - nfo@field-galleries.co.uk
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