As the Tizzard yard gears up for winter, Chris Wald reports strong early form – and barn manager Jemma Sargent says there’s nowhere she’d rather be
It’s been a good start to the winter campaign,’ says Chris Wald. ‘We’re back into the thick of it now, and the horses have all come out of their runs well. We’ve had plenty out; not a huge number of winners yet, but lots finishing in the top three. And that’s what you want to see: horses running well and progressing. The team’s working flat out now – it’s a six-day week at this time of year, and everyone’s really stepped up.
‘Triple Trade ran a blinder at Ascot in the London Gold Cup. He was in front for a long way, got collared at the last, and finished second – but it was a massive run for him, especially first time out this season.
‘Elixir De Nutz was back at Cheltenham – he’s been a real stalwart for the yard. He’s a big, strong, tough horse, and he went up against younger, fresher ones but still finished third in a Grade 2. He’s still showing the spark.
‘We’ve been schooling lots of young horses over fences, getting them ready for novice chases. That transition is always exciting – you learn a lot about their scope and balance.
‘JPR One ran in the Haldon Gold Cup and put in a great performance to come second. That’s a strong result for him at this stage, and we’re hoping to build on that in his next run.
‘All being well, Fiddlerontheroof is aiming for the Coral Gold Cup (formerly the Hennessy) – a massive race. He had a pipe-opener at Aintree to blow away the cobwebs – it didn’t quite go to plan, but he’ll come on a lot for it.’
© Courtenay Hitchcock
Meet Jemma Sargent
After Chris had given me the latest on the horses, he headed off to his next job. I stayed behind to talk to one of the people who keep the whole yard running – barn manager Jemma Sargent told me all about her job.
‘I’m the barn manager – it’s basically the head girl role,’ she says. ‘I ride out in the mornings, then do all the medical checks in the evenings – I check legs, make sure all the horses are OK, do whatever antibiotics need to be done … I help run the yard alongside Chris and Joe. Predominantly I look after the horses’ health – that’s my main job.’
Jemma’s been with the Tizzards for almost ten years, and her roots in racing run deep. ‘I started here when I was still at school, just riding out. Then during college, I kept coming back. Joe always said if I wanted a job, there’d be one here – I took him up on it, and I’ve worked my way up.’
She’s local – just five minutes away in Milborne Wick – and racing is in the family. Her uncle is former flat jockey Tim Sprake, and cousins Charlie and Catherine Sprake both ride point-to-points.
‘Catherine started riding out here when she was 13. This’ll be her first season pointing.’
Having strated at the bottom, Jemma now helps with everything from ordering feed to running the diary when Chris is away racing. But she rides every day:
‘Allen! Eldorado Allen is my number one. I’ve ridden him pretty much every day since he came. I just … got him, straight away. He’s got such a personality – he’s a brilliant old boy. It’s probably his last season now. He’s 11, and I don’t feel the handicapper is very kind to him. I know he’s highly rated, but he’s not the biggest of horses. When you’re against horses carrying two stone less than you, it’s hard to be competitive. But he still wants to do it.’
Jemma also rides Sunset Marquesa and Lord of Thunder, and goes racing when she can – though, like many of the yard’s senior staff, she’s often needed back at the yard.
‘I love going, especially with my favourites. I’ve been lucky to get to big meetings like Cheltenham and Aintree. That’s a real privilege.’
But even at the big races, Jemma doesn’t bet: ’If I ever do, it’s two pounds. Maximum!
I’d rather keep my money in my pocket. The races are exciting to watch – I don’t need a bet to love watching the horses run.’
Her hours are long and odd – quarter to seven until one, then back again from three to five, longer if the vet is in. But would she swap it?
‘Not a chance. I love this job. Summer’s chilled, and winter is go, go, go. It’s brilliant.
‘You’re here so much it becomes your life. But we’ve got a great team, and Joe and Chris are great to work with. I wouldn’t still be here nearly ten years later if I didn’t love it.’
