Richard Wilson, from Chattisham near Ipswich, is a well-known figure on the pointing scene.
A senior steward at many East Anglian and South Midlands meetings, he was Chairman of Higham racecourse for 30 years, where his wife Auriol (“the Oracle”) acted as Clerk of the Course. An importer of fruit and vegetables by trade, Richard (pictured left, with Alan Hill)rode between the flags in his younger days, while Auriol trained a small string of pointers as well as having a permit to train under Rules and the pair have long been involved in ownership.
Jake Exelby caught up with Richard the other day to learn more about this engaging character, and find out how he came by a couple of unusual nicknames!
How did you get into point-to-pointing in the first place?
I’m from a non-horsey family but, when I went to school, one of the options was riding lessons, which I started aged six. From there, I went to pony club and then hunted with the Easton Harriers. Captain Bernard, the MFH, was looking for a jockey to ride his horses in points and I had my first rides, including a winner on Macushlah, at the old course at Hasketon when I was 17.
I had very few winners – I rode badly and ended up on the deck a lot! One day I had a fall at Fakenham and Auriol said, “Where’s your licence?” I gave it to her and asked why. She replied, “I’m giving it back – you’re too old and not good enough!” (I hear Auriol objecting in the background as Richard says this).
Who's inspired you most in racing?
My best man, Terry Pinner, lived in the same village as Josh and Macer Gifford. Josh and I became great friends and he inspired me to get more involved. One day, I was out hunting and the MFH said, “I want to congratulate you for teaching us all how to ride over fences.” I replied, “You must think I’m Josh Gifford – I may be on one of his horses but I’ve only got 10% of his talent!”
Who've been your favourite horses?
Stanwick Lad and Water Sport, both multiple winners who were owned by good friends of ours.
Which jockeys have you most admired?
John Sharp, who rode Stanwick Lad. Another great friend who’s modest, despite his success, and a strong and sympathetic rider.
I also had a great deal of respect for David Turner, who didn’t deserve to die so young. I have a picture of my jumping the last next to David once. Did I win? No chance, not with that man upsides me!
What do you love most about pointing?
The people and the “après ski” that have given us so much pleasure over the years. We’re all good friends and talking rubbish over a glass of wine after the races is part of the sport.
Tell me about one of your funny moments in the sport
This one involves you, Jake. We were all standing on the officials’ trailer at Kingston Blount and my fellow steward Ilona Barnett is always immaculately dressed and brings spare clothing along in case the weather changes. That day, she was wearing a waterproof tweed skirt with a velcro waistband. I took hold of the velcro, pulled it and her skirt came flying off. Your face was a picture. (Note to readers: Ilona was wearing trousers underneath!)
Do you have a nickname you're willing to share?
I actually have two! My family business started out buying and selling bananas, which have to be stored at a minimum temperature, so I have a digital banana thermometer with a probe, which I always take racing with me to check the temperature of the ground. Alan Hill saw me doing this at Kingston Blount one day and christened me Bananaman!
The other is OBS, short for Old Bastard Steward! I was in the paddock at Chaddesley Corbett a few years ago when we had a horse called Classico Dais with Tom and Gina Ellis. Gina walked into the paddock and asked if I was stewarding. When I said no, she replied, “Thank goodness for that, because all stewards are bastards!” Ever since then, I’ve been OBS. (Note to any sensitive stewards: Gina was joking!!!)
What's been the highlight of your time in racing?
Being honoured with the Sir Michael Connell award for contribution to point-to-pointing in 2018. It was a humbling experience, very emotional and totally unexpected.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I don’t think I could do any better than Peter Wright, particularly at the moment. He’s putting his heart and soul in keeping it together.
What do you think the effect of lockdown on pointing will be?
The enthusiasts will continue to be involved and will put the past 12 months behind them and carry on enjoying the sport. And if I was younger, I’d say we should stick two fingers up to coronavirus and put on extra fixtures!
What do you think we should do with the rest of the season?
Press on with as many meetings as we can, hopefully with owners and spectators.
What changes have you seen during your time? For better, for worse?
For the better, it’s been the improvement in the courses, partly instigated by my darling wife – when we took over at Higham, it was in a poor state.
It’s a shame that not many farmers train pointers any more in East Anglia – they send their horses to other people. Farming’s changed so much in our area and they no longer have the time or the staff.
What else have you been up to during lockdown?
I’m still trading in a modest way, which keeps me occupied, and have an office in Ipswich, even though I closed the family company and sold the banana warehouse a few years ago.
Tell me about a TV series you've enjoyed and any books you’ve read?
I’ve read two of Henrietta Knight’s books recently, along with one called Fighting, Farming and Fun by a local farmer, Colonel Hitchcock.
We watch the racing when we can… and Flog It!
Have you been cooking? If so, what’s your signature dish?
You’d be lucky if I did you a boiled egg. Fortunately the Oracle is an amazing cook.
What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is over?
Meeting and greeting friends and our large extended family who we haven’t seen for a long time. We’re also intending to have a party when we can.
Who is your non-racing hero?
I don’t do heroes, but I was at school with a cracking rugby player called Andy Hancock who scored a tremendous try at Twickenham for England. Talking of rugby, I also knew (England scrum half) Dickie Jeeps, who was a fruit grower.
What are your life ambitions?
To stay healthy and continue to enjoy pointing and all aspects of equestrian sport. We’re also heavily involved in showing.
Who else should I do one of these features on?
John Sharp. He deserves more recognition.
What other questions should I be asking?
What's your most embarrassing moment? Mine would be when Auriol and I were staying with Alan and Lawney Hill after the Anglo-Irish Challenge at Kingston Blount. We went to bed and, about an hour later, two young ladies came flying up the stairs saying we were in their room!