The latest in the Pointing People series is the second in a row to feature a 19-year-old jockey attached to Alan Hill’s yard who recently rode their first winner.
Walter Barnett, originally from Buckland in the Moor, near Newton Abbot in Devon – “it’s in the middle of Dartmoor, and a nice place to grow up” achieved that feat on Craigmor at Edgcote last month. Jake Exelby spoke to him recently about his background, his love of Flete Park, shooting pool and drinking cider.
How did you get into racing and point-to-pointing?
Mum used to breed ponies. She’d match a thoroughbred stallion with Dartmoor ponies to create a ‘Dartmoor thoroughbred’! They were 13.2 hands and perfect for pony racing. I won one race – on Wide Valley Superman at Flete Park – and used to do pony club and hunt with the South Devon.
Winning on Wide Valley Superman at Flete Park
Amanda, my Mum, was very keen on pointing – she rode for a while (she had 12 victories) and was pregnant with me when she rod
e her last winner! She started me pony racing and that’s how I got my interest.
Walter's Mum's homebreds on Dartmoor
I left school after my GCSEs and, as I’d always dreamt of being a jockey, went straight to the British Racing School at Newmarket.
Riding up Newmarket Heath for John Gosden
From there, I got a job with Paul Nicholls, where I spent two years. I did some schooling but realised I wouldn’t get opportunities to race-ride, and knew pointing would be a great route to becoming a jockey, so got in touch with Alan and Lawney Hill when I saw their ad.
Riding Kapcorse on the hill gallop at Ditcheat
With Rhythm Is A Dancer and Duc De Bourbon after they both won for Paul Nicholls at Worcester
How has this season gone for you?
I had my first ride on Lisheen Prince at Chaddesley Corbett in early December. It went really well and I was thrilled to finish second. Unfortunately, he was injured next time out and had to be retired.
After finishing second on Lisheen Prince at Chaddesley Corbett
I then had a couple of rides on Mythical Prince before riding Craigmor for the first time at Fakenham. I was quite good at letting him be further back than he should have been, and we could have finished closer!
On Mythical Prince at Higham
Tell me about your win on Craigmor
I couldn’t believe it. I was worried before the race because he’d pulled-up at Kingston Blount last time. I got the perfect lead through the race as Joe (Hill) had told me to track Gina Andrews on the favourite, and I did! I remember leading four out, then turning round the last bend and still not getting to work on him but was waiting for someone to come and join me and stayed focused on getting him to the finish. When we crossed the line, I just stood up and cheered.
We were then second at Chaddesley Corbett, where he ran a blinder. He didn’t travel well on the first circuit and the winner got first run on me and stole a few lengths. We got a hell of a run down the hill but couldn’t catch the winner.
What are your ambitions for next season and beyond?
I’m staying with the Hills next year and will hopefully ride Craigmor again, to build on what we’ve done this season. Having had seven rides, I’m getting my eye in now and will start to phone other trainers and try to get outside rides.
I always used to want to turn pro but am now content to have a good career point-to-pointing, because it’s so much fun, and hard to get to the top under rules and my weight might become an issue. I’ll keep chugging away!
I’d like to ride in Hunter Chases, not just at the big tracks but at Newton Abbot and Exeter – my local courses. I’m going on a course in August to get my Category A licence. Mum has a young horse – it’s been a while since she’s had one – and plans to run him in a point-to-point bumper.
Do you have any horses to follow from the Hill yard next season?
I’ve enjoyed riding Calvic at home. He’s been injured but did a really good piece of work recently and the plan is to go summer jumping. They’ve also bought some nice stores from Doncaster.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
The atmosphere is all about having a good time. You meet people you know, and socialise.
What is your favourite course?
Flete Park. It’s a lovely setting on an estate and a quirky course, with sharp bends coming down the hill. I’ve had some good times there and enjoyed riding round it. I had my first ride there, not just my first winner.
Which other jockeys do you most admire and why?
I haven’t ridden against Will Biddick, but he’s so successful that he’s inspired me. Also, Jack Andrews, another really good rider.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d have earlier declarations, like they do under rules, as I think that would help owners, trainers, and riders. Sometimes you go to the races hoping a particular horse won’t run and have a wasted journey if it does.
How would you encourage more horses?
Reducing the costs, particularly for Hunter Certificates and entry fees. They really add up and, if the sport was cheaper, you might get more horses.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
I often say that I think I’d do a bit of farming. My family are farmers – mostly cows and sheep.
Do you have any hobbies outside racing?
Any sport, particularly golf, although I’m not very good and don’t have a handicap!
I hang out with Harry (Greasby, fellow novice rider who was featured here last week). In fact, we spend so much time together that Alan’s daughter Gaby asked us recently, ‘Which one is which?!’ We go to play pool at some of the pubs in (nearby) Chinnor. I’m a bit of a cider drinker, being a West Country boy.
Where are your dream holiday destinations?
I’d like to explore the world one day – I’d love to see America and to Interrail round Europe.
What are your ambitions in life?
I’d love to learn to fly a plane. I’ve always been into planes, from when I used to make models of World War Two ones when I was younger.
What’s the best present you’ve been given?
Mum’s bred a lot of ponies and, while they were never a specific gift, thinking about it they were a great present. Taking them up to Holwell Lawn (on Dartmoor) is spectacular.