Ed Vaughan had his first point-to-point winner, completed a treble and won the first Devon and Cornwall Area Grassroots Award all in one meeting at the East Cornwall at Great Trethew on November 19th. At the age of 16, Ed is following in his father Tim's footsteps.
Q: How did you get into horses - have you always had a passion for racing?
A: I've enjoyed show jumping and pony club since I was very small. From the age of eight, when I rode in my first pony race, I knew racing was what I wanted to do.
Ed (left) in his pony racing days
Q: How long have you been racing in point-to-points and under rules?
A: I had my first ride in September on the flat for Alexandra Dunn, and since then I have had three rides under rules, with two of those being at Cheltenham - it was brilliant to pick one up for Christian Williams. I’ve had 21 rides in point to points to date (15/12/23).
Ed in action at Great Trethew
Q: Was Great Trethew your first pointing win?
A: Great Trethew was the third point-to-point meeting I have ridden at and it was great to have my first winner there.
Celebrations at Great Trethew
Q: Was Great Trethew your first experience of racing in the Devon and Cornwall Area?
A: I had ridden at the track and the area on ponies previously and was lucky to have some success there too. I’d imagine we’ll definitely be making a return to the area during the season.
Q: How did you find the break between pony racing and your start this season?
A: It was tough to not ride in a race for the best part of two years but allowed me to focus on my GCSEs in that time period. It was more my weight than my height that was an issue for pony racing, but being 6ft didn’t help my cause with riding ponies. My weight is in a good place at the moment for pointing and I can ride at a low enough weight to be busy under rules as and when the rides are there.
Q: Would you say you are following in your father's footsteps and how do you manage still being in education and starting your career as a jockey?
A: I’m following the same path at the moment as dad, starting riding at 16 and being in education at the same time. I’m very lucky with school being so supportive of my racing - it helps a lot. Being in school does limit the amount of riding out I do outside of our yard but when I can get away, I do!