The latest subject of the “Pointing People” series is not really a “pointing person” at all – she’s a professional flat jockey! But Amie Waugh – who has enjoyed a great start to her new career as apprentice to Jim Goldie, with four winners since she turned pro, including three from her first seven rides – has a background steeped in pointing and both rode and trained Winged Crusader (pictured), the leading horse in 2019. Jake Exelby talked to her recently about her decision to make a go of it on the flat and why she’ll keep going racing between the flags.
How did you get into point-to-pointing?
My Mum Pip, my Dad Simon, my sister Stephanie and my uncle Adam all pointed. I used to take their horses to the races and did two years pony racing on my pony club horse – it wasn’t a thoroughbred like some!
I had my first ride on Morwick Mill – a homebred owned by my aunt, Angie Howie, at Friars Haugh in 2007. He didn’t win a race but was safe as houses – the perfect schoolmaster.
My first win was three years later, on High Five, also at Friars Haugh. It gave me such a buzz.
Why did you decide to turn professional?
Between my first ride in points and my first win, I’d been going back and forth to Ireland for a couple of years – I went for a month in the summer and ended up staying for a year and a half!
Mark Loughnane suggested I became an apprentice and gave me a ride on a horse called Drunken Sailor but, while I enjoyed it, I was only 17 and it wasn’t right for me at the time, so I came home.
A few people have suggested I have another go at it before, but I’ve always been a fan of the jumps. But then I rode Nicholas T for Jim Goldie to win the Queen Mother’s Cup at York in June and it all started from there. I can’t think of anyone else who’s ridden in points, then as a professional on the flat, other than Joanna Mason.
Amie (red cap) riding Nicholas T
What are your ambitions as a rider?
I couldn’t have asked for a better start and I don’t actually know, because it’s been a whirlwind! Just to keep going the way it has been and to lose my claim. I’ve had 28 winners now over jumps and on the flat.
Amie hopes to lose her claim
Which pointing jockeys have you most admired?
The likes of Pauline Robson and Catherine Walton, who have been great to learn from. Among the men, Nick Orpwood, who’s a good example for youngsters to follow.
Who have been your favourite horses?
Winged Crusader, obviously – he tells his own story! He’s been so good to me – not many people can say they’ve had the leading horse. Plus he took me to Aintree, which was always the ambition when we bought him.
Another is Newyearsresolution, who’s very special to me. He was the first horse I bought myself – we only paid about £1,500 – and I’ve learnt so much from him. He won three points and two hurdles and gave me my first winner under rules at Newcastle, my local track. He was placed loads – we should have won more but he was teaching me! He’s 17 now and a great little hunter – he’s still got it!
Amie hunting Newyearsresolution
What are your favourite courses and why?
Friars Haugh will always be special as I had my first ride and first winner there. I also like Alnwick and Corbridge.
What do you love most about pointing?
Everyone can get involved. It’s a friendly, social occasion and a lovely day out.
Do you have any regrets?
I’d have liked to have had another go at Aintree but, apart from that, no.
What do you think the impact of lockdown on pointing will be?
I think Northern pointing will be more affected than it will be down South. We’re losing courses – like Balcormo Mains – and the owners don’t seem to have as much money to spend. We only had two Northern Area meetings last year and – while Alnwick’s well-supported – we need more courses like that with three or four meetings. Our local course – Tranwell – just holds one and so much work goes into making it happen.
Alnwick: well-supported
What are your pointing plans for next season?
Winged Crusader has been retired but we’ll carry on with Son Of Suzie if he’s still keen – I want to carry on supporting a sport that’s been so good to all my family and it would be sad not to be involved.
And I’ll definitely keep going pointing when I can. Two of my best friends – Laura Fenwick and Kate Leckenby – are still riding so I want to be there to cheer them on.
Which jockeys do you expect to do well next season?
You can’t not follow Nick Orpwood! And Joanna Walton’s come back from Ireland, so she’ll be one to look out for.
Nick Orpwood: one to follow
What would you be doing if you weren't a jockey?
I wouldn’t know – it’s what I’ve always done. I’d always work with horses in some shape or form.
Do you have hobbies outside racing?
Not unless you count hunting! I try to get in as much as I can.
Who's inspired you most in racing?
All female jockeys, especially Hollie Doyle and Rachael Blackmore. Rachael has inspired so many of us and “opened the box” for more girls to give it a go. Their success also means more people are willing to support female riders, which is important.
Rachael Blackmore: inspiration