Granville Taylor (holding trophy with jockey Ben Godfrey after his Billy Merriott won at Cotley) has been described as the doyen of point-to-point journalists. Press & Public Relations Officer for the Devon & Cornwall Area as well as a race-reader for the Weatherbys results service, he started working for the Pointerform ratings service in 1968, has been race-reading since 1975 and has been a press officer for over 20 years! Jake Exelby spoke to Granville recently to find out about his memories from over 50 years of reporting between the flags.
How did you get into point-to-pointing?
I was born and bred in Leicestershire and my Dad used to take me racing at Leicester. I first went in 1950 – I remember bunking off school to go.
My first point-to-point was the Woodland Pytchley at Dingley in 1967, which was held on a Thursday. I started going to Garthorpe at about the same time.
And point-to-point journalism?
I met a chap called Ray Gould, who ran the Hunterguide service. He saw me taking notes and said, “Would you like to make some money from that?” It was a fiver a meeting. Then I got to know Hugh Condry and started writing for Horse & Hound, then for the Sporting Life for Michael Williams. I also used to do a Saturday morning preview for the old Sporting Chronicle, then began working for what was then Sale & Mackenzie (the point-to-point annual). I’ve been doing it for so long, you can tell Martin Harris (who now runs the service) that I need a pension!
Why do you do what you do?
I don’t know – I’m crazy. My partner Gail, who’s my inspiration and rode work on our racehorses until recently, chivvies me up and keeps me going – she’s the driving force behind me, even if she says things like “You’re messing about half the week writing – why do you bother?” and “You’re living in the past!” But I enjoy the challenge of the journalism and never want to give up. My ambition is to write a book but it probably won’t happen, although I contributed to Jacquie McCullough’s book about the Axe Vale point-to-point.
Jacquie McCullough’s book about the Axe Vale point-to-point.
Who have been your favourite horses?
I bought my first pointer – Royal Richard – in 1984. He was followed by Royal Voyager, who I owned with fellow journalist David Phillips. My best horse was Billy Merriott, who won under rules for Harry Fry, then won a Cotley Open and was second in two Hunter Chases.
I’ve seen so many good horses over the years. Two races stand out for me – one was a Maiden at Nedge where Double Silk beat Rushing Wild. They went on to win three Cheltenham Foxhunters between them and Rushing Wild was second in the Gold Cup. The other was a dead heat at Larkhill between Fantus, another dual Foxhunters winner, and Proud Sun. I knew the latter’s owner/trainer Stewart Pike and his wife Monique well. Sadly Stewart passed away earlier this summer.
Granville (right) with Area Chairman Frank Yeo and a photo of Billy Merriott
Which jockeys have you most admired?
Again, so many over the years, both in Leicestershire – the likes of John Docker, Malcolm Arthers and Tommy Philby (Kim’s son) – and the West Country, especially Richard Miller and Robert Alner. Nowadays, Will Biddick’s as good as any there’s ever been.
Among the lady jockeys, the best I ever saw was Sue Aston. She was 20 years ahead of her time – stylish and strong. More recently, Alison Dare and both Pollys – Curling and Gundry.
Who's inspired you most in the world of pointing?
Richard Barber was a terrific inspiration and a tremendous person – there will never be another like him. He had a real eye for a horse and bought the likes of (Champion Hurdler) Rock On Ruby and (Gold Cup winner) See More Business as well as training four Cheltenham Foxhunters winners.
Richard Barber: terrific inspiration
What are your favourite courses and why?
I have two favourites, both through the eyes of a reporter. At Trebudannon, you can see everything Wadebridge comes in for criticism, but there are no issues parking, you can watch from ground level and there’s a huge barn which houses all the facilities and is my refuge in bad weather. Plus they come up the hill just like at Cheltenham! I miss the old Holnicote course with its natural water jump.
Granville race-reading
What's been your personal funniest moment in the sport?
I remember former commentator Alfie Sherrin talking about the horses as they were going down to the start at Ottery St Mary. Tim Mitchell was riding Knight Of Passion and Alfie said, in his rich Somerset burr, “We’d all like one of those, wouldn’t we?”
Another was at Holnicote one day. I wanted to talk to Polly Curling, who was in the changing room. She asked me in, where the lady jockeys were in various states of undress. Her response, “Don’t worry, it’s only Granville!”
What's been the highlight of your time in the sport?
Too many to mention, but when you see horses winning a race in your colours, that’s a good feeling.
What changes have you seen during your time? For better, for worse?
The courses have improved a lot, as has the safety, and the sport’s become more organised. Race framing’s also got better, but the fixture list isn’t great – there are too many fixtures on certain days and, while I like starting in October, the season goes on too long at the end.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d hand it straight back to Peter Wright! He’s done a good job. Seriously, I’d have a radical look at the fixture list.
What do you think the impact of lockdown on pointing will be?
I’d be a bit concerned that some owners might turn away from pointing to National Hunt and that spectators may find other attractions, although I’m fairly confident that West Country racegoers will still attend in numbers, as they did at the end of last season, when Bratton Down saw massive crowds.
Did you watch much live streaming? Do you think we should continue with it?
I was lucky enough to be able to attend all the meetings in Devon & Cornwall. The live streaming was successful and I think it’s a good idea and should continue – after all, not everyone can get to a point-to-point.
Which trainers and jockeys do you expect to do well?
Chris Barber has learnt the trade from his grandfather and knows what he’s doing. Dean Summersby and Ed Walker are other top trainers in our area. Will Biddick and Darren Edwards are jockeys still at the top of their game, as is Chloe Emsley among the ladies. Dean’s daughter Charlotte Summersby and Conor Houlihan are young jockeys to watch.
Will Biddick: top of his game
What are your non-horse racing hobbies?
Watching cricket, football and rugby on TV. I used to play second XI cricket for Leicestershire, as an opening batsman – my captain was former England spinner Tony Lock. I’m also a Leicester City fan – I first saw them in 1951 and Jamie Vardy is a hero of mine – and follow my local team Yeovil Town. I also do the gardening to please her indoors!
What are your favourite films and TV programmes?
I don’t watch many films but do remember going to the cinema to see Notting Hill. When Julia Roberts asked Hugh Grant who he reported for and he replied, “Horse & Hound”, my friend shouted out “Granville’s the real reporter!”
What about books?
All mine are sports books. I’d recommend Go Down To The Beaten by Chris Pitt, Doped by Jamie Reid and Peter Stevens’ history of the National Hunt chase. I often browse through my old point-to-point and National Hunt form books, which date back to the 1930s.
Who else should I do one of these features on?
Trainer Dean Summersby and the aforementioned Peter Stevens – he’s a great character.