Fiona Needham is both an independent member of the PPA Board and the PPSA Area Chairperson for Yorkshire.
When she isn’t busy with those roles, or her day job as General Manager and Clerk of the Course at Catterick, she helps her father – Robin Tate, the master of Hesketh Grange – train his pointers.
Fiona’s career in the saddle lasted over 20 years and the highlight of her 116 victories was undoubtedly winning the 2002 Cheltenham Foxhunters (wearing her father’s old and torn jumper!) on the family homebred Last Option, owned and trained by Robin.
Jake Exelby had a Zoom call with Fiona the other day to find out how she’s been coping with lockdown.
Who’s inspired you most in the world of pointing?
Other than my father, it would be David Smith, a family friend who sadly died just after Christmas. He trained 1982 Cheltenham Foxhunters winner The Drunken Duck (for Brod Munro-Wilson) and 1990 runner-up Old Nick. I was proud to ride a winner in his colours on Chaps.
Which jockey did you most admire?
When I was riding, it was Pauline Robson – a great rider and a good friend. She should have been champion jockey.
Who have been your favourite horses?
As well as Last Option, my own horse Joint Account, who I bought very cheaply. I won eight chases and four points on him, including one two days after Last Option won at Cheltenham. He became my hunter when he retired.
As a child, I remember winning money on a horse called Glasserton, owned by Guy Cunard, but ridden in ladies opens by Anne Sturdy.
What are your favourite courses?
Witton Castle, where I rode my first winner – I’ve always been lucky there – and Brocklesby Park. I miss Whitwell-on-the-Hill. It was the flagship Yorkshire course, home of the Grimthorpe Gold Cup, and had great viewing.
What do you love most about pointing?
The relaxed, friendly – almost party – atmosphere, with everyone wishing each other well, even though we’re all competitive.
What's been your personal funniest moment in the sport?
There have been loads. I remember riding a maiden at Charm Park. Four out, I was about half a furlong behind with four in front of me, wondering whether to keep going. Two of those pulled up, then the leader refused and knocked the jockey off the horse in second. I jumped the last, won the race and the owner told me it was a wonderful tactical ride!
What are your career ambitions?
For Dad’s yard, to have as many winners as possible. It’s all about having fun, but it’s a lot more fun when you’re winning. It would also be great to see our youngsters fulfil their promise. This season, we’re aiming Absainte at the novice hunter chase at Catterick, where she was second last year.
What changes have you seen during your time in the sport?
For the better, the medical and veterinary side has improved a lot. Professionalism can be both good and bad – there are far fewer young jockeys, in particular farmers’ sons, having a go.
How has lockdown affected you from a racing perspective?
It’s been an incredibly challenging year and the flexibility shown by pointing has been great – everyone’s trying their hardest, changing venues and dates to keep the season going.
We’ve only run one horse – Mr Pepperpot at Alnwick – although he was entered in the Wetherby hunter chase that was abandoned. The Yorkshire and Northern areas are more traditional and start later and we’ve kept our youngsters ticking over, so they’re ready to go.
What do you think we should do with the rest of the pointing season?
We need to get going as soon as we can, which will hopefully be mid-late March. Pulling the plug is not an option. There should be plenty of horses about – you can’t just chuck them out in a field at this time of year. I’m not sure extending the season is an option though, particularly in our area, where the land is needed for farming. I’d rather have another early start.
What do you think the effect of lockdown on pointing will be?
I’d hope most people would be understanding, but I don't think the effect on the economy has hit us yet, and it will have an impact on sales prices and the number of horses in training. But this could benefit pointing, if it’s a cheaper option than going under Rules.
Who’s going to win the Cheltenham Foxhunters?
Of the races I’ve seen, the Warwick hunter chase was probably the best. Latenightpass and Highway Jewel were both impressive and it would be nice to see a young, progressive horse win.
What else have you been up to during lockdown?
At Catterick, we’ve been racing since the beginning of July and – with both flat and jumps – we’ve been busy. We’ve only had two fixtures with crowds and it was nice to have them back for the atmosphere but we’re in the entertainment business and it hasn’t been the experience people expect... or as profitable!
Have you enjoyed anything about lockdown?
Parts of the first lockdown were good. Dad’s a sheep farmer and the lovely weather made it a great time for lambing. I remember walking round thinking, ‘This is bliss.”
Tell me about the TV and books you’ve enjoyed?
I enjoyed The Serpent and read a very funny book called This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay, who’s a doctor. I’ve also been doing a lot of “Zoom TV” and have read every BHA document on what to do to get back racing – they’re very long!
What are you looking forward to about lockdown being over?
Much as I don't like it, going clothes shopping! When you can’t do it, you miss it. It’ll be nice to dress up again – you don’t need as many outfits when you’re not racing with crowds.
What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in racing?
I’m qualified as a surveyor, so I’d have to say that. I wanted to be a vet, but didn’t get the grades.
Do you have a hero outside racing?
I like tennis, so Roger Federer. He’s dedicated, plays with finesse, and keeps going.
Who else should be featured in “The Lockdown Lowdown”?
Chris Dawson, who trains horses and runs the Nunstainston Stud in Durham. He stands National Hunt stallions.