News

RARE GOLD: Returning to the scene of Dale's first victory when winning at Brafield in 2011
photo: Jackie Oliver

Many jockeys nowadays make use of an equicizer in a bid to improve both their skill and their fitness, but Dale Peters, now 21, was ahead of his time.

At an age when most children were battling with building bricks, Dale, said his mother Denise, would be in front of the racing on television atop his rocking horse, kicking and pushing in an effort to make it move faster. Apparently it still bears the scars.

Any attempt at style would not have been in his thoughts at that early stage, but he is conscious now of wanting to look tidy in a finish, while at the same time not compromising on determination and strength. Any shortcomings will undoubtedly be picked up on in a few days' time, when he is due to receive some tuition from Yogi Breisner, part of his prize for finishing third in last season's Harley Racing Novice Riders' Championship.

His success has also earned him a sponsor, local businessman Steve Smith, from the neighbouring village of Glatton. Steve has a number of companies, and the one whose advertising Dale is carrying is the Peterborough-based TDL Logistics.

Dale's six victories in 2010/11 lifted him comprehensively out of the novice category and thus ensured that he would not be lost to the sport. "I'd have given up if I'd still been a novice this year!" he stated categorically.

It would not have been the first occasion on which he decided upon a change of direction. Having been bucked off his pony on the drive several times, he announced that he was never going to ride again, and he turned his attention to football.

He was already playing for the village team when he was spotted by a scout for Rushden & Diamonds. Success in the trials for that celebrated former team was followed by an invitation to join Ipswich Town, and at the age of 14 he found himself on the books of the Tractor Boys.

After a matter of months, though, working on the theory that his soccer skills were not good enough to get him to the very top, he made the decision to return to equestrian pursuits, having in the meantime rescinded his resolution about sitting on a horse. The hierarchy at Ipswich obviously did not agree, and they continued to insure him for some time subsequently in the (unfulfilled) hope that he would go back.

His football activity now is confined to a weekly game with the self-styled Creaton FC, which consists of a bunch of reprobates from the racing world. Understandably Dale is considered to be one of the star players, along with Olly Murphy, although the latter's work ethic is apparently in a different league. "He doesn't like hard work, so he stands about and waits for the ball to come to him," grinned Dale, adding "Murphy doesn't do running!"

Dale rode in just two pony races, being left at the start in one and finishing second in the other. His initial ride between the flags was Cosi Celeste at Cottenham in 2008, when the partnership got no further than the eighth, but the following year Dale overtook his father Mick's tally of winners when opening his account on Rare Gold at Brafield-on-the-Green.

"Dad rode in the seventies and had lots of seconds," revealed Dale, "but the only time he was going to win he got too excited and fell off at the last!"

Having reaped the benefit of an 18-month spell with Martin and Sarah Bosley, Dale returned to the family farm at Sawtry, "and they've been stuck with me ever since," he pointed out. Father and son train their horses between them, with both giving credit to the other for the major input. Although Dale's success in the saddle has earned them some new owners, and they have their largest string to date, he admits that he would like the phone to ring with the offer of outside rides. "But I wouldn't want to take anything," he stressed. "There's no point in riding a bad maiden and getting crocked when I've got horses at home."

****************

Top of the pile in the Peters' stable is the aforementioned Rare Gold who, it is fair to say, will never be displaced in Dale's affection by any other horse. "If he wasn't so fragile he'd be top class," emphasised his rider. The 12-year-old has provided half of Dale's eight victories to date, and all being well will head to Brocklesby Park on February 18.

****************

The year older Carapuce may not reach the level of his stablemate, but he too is fondly thought of, and earns his keep by leading the youngsters at home. Although he still loves racing and has improved for being held up, he is now into Open class and is likely to struggle in that grade.

****************

Ted Gunther jumps well and is honest and genuine but has regularly disappointed his connections, including this season at Ampton, where he was never in contention. He goes on any ground, although soft is considered most suitable, and is being aimed at Horseheath this weekend. He is part leased to Dale's sponsor, Steve Smith.

*****************

Another who can handle most surfaces is Victor Grumps, who has taken time to come to himself but is reported to have improved this year.

****************

New to the yard is the Irish Hunter Chase scorer Kircassock Vic, an inexpensive Doncaster purchase. Standing at least 17 hands, he was thought to be in need of a change of scenery, and has been working enthusiastically at home. If considered good enough he may go Hunter Chasing. His performance at Thorpe on Sunday was mediocre, but Dale was far from downhearted. "Pilot error," he admitted. "I got the tactics wrong, and I'll ride him differently next time."

****************

Also impressing in his home paces is the five-year-old newcomer Nightcap Jack, by Gamut out of the winning hurdler Delgany Rose. He was bought from Ireland by Toby Hunt, and "could be nice," was Dale's understated comment.

****************

First Addition is an unraced six-year-old by Flemensfirth. He was purchased as a store at Doncaster but was considered too babyish to run last season.

*****************

Roy Hunt's Edgar Henry had just one outing last year for Alan Hill, falling at Whitfield. He picked up a leg problem at home and has been blistered.

******************

Realt Ag Leimt was purchased privately in Ireland, where he had three runs as a four-year-old. He was just touched off at Chaddesley in December by Tinkwood, but unfortunately knocked a splint bone so may not be seen out again until March.

*******************

An unraced five-year-old by Mark Of Esteem has been earmarked for a charity race at Garthorpe in April to give James Prowse, who works in the yard, a taste of race-riding action before he makes his Pointing debut in a year's time.

Back to Top