The latest in a long line of Hutsbys to make their mark on the pointing scene is 16-year-old Tom (pictured above with his dad), who has already ridden three winners in his debut season – 85 behind the career total of father Fred, who was best known for his association with Mighty Moss. With Tom gearing up for his busiest weekend of race-riding so far, Jake Exelby spoke to him to find out about his ambitions, between the flags and beyond.
Tell me about yourself and your background in the sport
I’m studying for my GCSEs at the moment – I’ve got 15 exams to sit in total, Then, next year, I’m going to Moreton Morrell College for a year to get my farming licence. Eventually, I hope to become a professional jockey – hopefully the next A P McCoy!
I’m from Walton in Warwickshire (where Fred farms) and I’m a fifth-generation point-to-point rider, after my great-great-grandad, also Fred, great-grandfather Henry, grandad Ken and Dad. I don’t remember when I first sat on a horse so I must have been tiny, but I do recall sitting on (Aintree Foxhunters third) Rash Move when I was three. I started hunting aged five on my pony Flicker, who came from my cousins Henry and Billy Burton, and my first proper hunter was Kingsley, who I still have.
Tell me about your pony racing career
I began at 11 – Mum (Caroline) wouldn’t let me start earlier – riding Churchill, who was given to me by Richard and Dawn Prince. We went on to win a Pony Club series race at Cheltenham. After him, there was The Jobs Not Straight, Hot Night – who we got from Jack Tudor, Petit De Beaute and Oflynns Daughter, both of whom also came from the Princes. I had about 60 rides and nine winners.
Tom riding Oflynns Daugher
How has your pointing career progressed and what are your ambitions?
I turned 16 on November 1st and had my first ride shortly afterwards on Joe Kidd at Badbury Rings. I was very nervous because it was my first time riding against adults and over fences. You have to stand your ground.
I’ve had 34 rides so far – including three in Hunter Chases – and had my first winner on Shoal Bay at Ampton last month. My instructions were to get a flyer and I had a five or six length lead at the start. I held the inside the whole way, wouldn’t let anyone in, and quickened then slowed the pace. I didn’t want to give him a hard ride, so did it ‘hands and heels’ and was delighted. (The pair have won since at Lockinge on Easter Monday).
Tom (near side) winning on Shoal Bay at Ampton (Graham Bishop)
My second win was on Young Rich – my first ride for Tom and Gina Ellis. He’s a lovely horse who did it all for me – he jumped well and kept creeping away. Tom had told me not to go too soon. I got the ride because their usual novice jockey was injured, and I’ve been to theirs a couple of times.
Tom (no 14) winning on Young Rich at High Easter (Graham Bishop)
I’ve ridden a lot against Ed Vaughan this season, but he always seems to beat me! For the rest of the season, I just want to ride a few more winners, not mess up and get owners looking out for me. Then, next year, I want to do even better. I’ll probably do at least three years before turning professional.
Which other jockeys do you admire and why?
I’ve always got along with James King. I used to ride out for Olly Murphy (where James works), so he’d collect me and take me there, and we used to play cricket together. I’m a good fielder – I get a lot of runouts from boundary throws!
I also get on well with Zac Baker, Gina and Jack Andrews and Charlie Poste, Rodi Greene and David Bridgwater have been helpful with my riding, David by showing me videos of Hunter Chases.
Among the professionals, Ruby Walsh, A P McCoy, Dickie Johnson and – currently – Harry Cobden.
Which horse would you most like to ride in points?
Premier Magic. I was second to him at Brocklesby Park and was supporting him in the Cheltenham Foxhunters.
Under rules, Constitution Hill and Ballyburn.
What’s your favourite course?
I don’t really have one yet, but probably High Easter. Not only have I had a winner there, but it’s a lovely track.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d change the way novice jockeys claim, giving us 3lb, 5lb and 7lb allowances (depending on how many winners ridden) and extending this to races other than Opens. Not only would it give more opportunities to jockeys, but also horses.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
I’d probably be playing rugby. I was selected as a scrumhalf for the Worcester Warriors academy but gave that up to focus on my riding.
Do you have any hobbies outside racing?
I enjoy shooting and hunting and do both of those as much as I can… but I don’t nick off school to go!
I also do a lot of show jumping, particularly on Zodiac Z for John and Marcine Marshall, who are great supporters and have five pointers in the yard too (including Shoal Bay). I can’t thank them enough.
We jump 110cm poles and we’ve been to the Pony Club championships for the last four years, being placed every time and winning at Burghley last summer.
A proud Tom after winning on Zodiac Z at Burghley