Rhiannon Fletcher enjoyed a dream start to ownership when Oscar Montel, trained by Max Comley, took the first of the season’s ‘classics’ – The Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup at Cocklebarrow in January – on his first outing for her.
She then launched her riding career in a blaze of glory when scoring on the same horse at Friars Haugh on her February debut. Jake Exelby spoke to the 19-year-old about her stellar introduction to the world of pointing.
Tell me about yourself and your background in the sport
I’m from Colesbourne, between Cirencester and Cheltenham. Mum’s always had horses but I’ve been in farming my whole life – my parents work full time but have a smallholding with sheep. I started working for Max part-time last season and this is my first year full-time with him. It’ll be the first spring I can remember when I haven’t lambed. I really enjoy that but I’ll be nice to have a change!
I had a mare of my own – Mighty Mae – who I was hoping to point, saw an ad that Max had placed (looking for staff) and fancied the opportunity, so I brought her with me.
Rhiannon on Mighty Mae at the Cotswold team chase
What’s Max like to work for?
He’s brilliant – laid-back, fun and helpful. Everything I know about the sport, I’ve learnt from Max.
How did you come to acquire Oscar Montel?
Mighty Mae had an accident in her box and Oscar’s owner (Charlie Noell of the Merriebelle Stud) was looking to sell, so Max put in a word and they kindly gave him to me last October.
Tell me about the wins at Cocklebarrow and Friars Haugh
Because I’d never ridden, Max thought he’d put James King on Oscar first time. We didn’t think he had a chance, but James persuaded us to run him and I’m glad he did!
Oscar Montel (right) setting off to victory at Cocklebarrow (Neale Blackburn)
Friars Haugh was a long day – we left the yard at 2.30am and it took us eight hours. We took four horses there (three of them won) and we were in the fourth race. I was more nervous about the changing rooms, weighing in and weighing out, than the race itself. Harry Greasby, who also works for Max, helped me out and looked after me well.
In the race, I froze out the back and remember seeing Max and Harry who were swearing at me, telling me to wake up, so I kicked on! It was only when I was a few lengths clear jumping the last that I thought I’d win. How did I feel? Over the moon and on cloud nine but knackered!
When I rode him again (also at Friars Haugh, in March, where they were fourth) we made a much better start but I didn’t kick on soon enough. It was still a great experience and I learnt a lot.
What are your plans with Oscar Montel and for yourself?
He’ll have a few easy weeks now. I’d like to get some more runs into him, but I hope to have him again next year so would rather save him for that if he needs a break.
Rhiannon with Oscar in his box
Initially, I was just doing it with the mare and then Oscar – now I’d like to have a second horse with Max next season and maybe pick up a few outside rides. I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would but it’s definitely just a hobby and I don’t want to turn professional. It would be nice to win a local ladies novice riders title.
Which other jockeys do you admire and why?
James King rides for Max a lot and comes to the yard to ride work. He’s impressive, a nice chap, good fun and a brilliant rider.
Which horse would you most like to ride in points?
Roseburg, a mare owned by Kevin Crawford, who also owns (Max’s prolific winner) Jay Bee Whiskey. She’s sweet and lovely to handle – I ride her most days. As for horses from other yards, I’m not very good on them!
What’s your favourite course?
Of course I like Friars Haugh! It’s quirky and you need to ride it tactically.
I always wanted to ride at Andoversford, which has now closed. It’s my local course and I used to go there with my family.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the community feel. Everyone knows everyone and it’s competitive, but in a nice way. I’m finding it really rewarding to work with horses and see them run and do well.
What would you do if you weren’t involved with horses?
I’d probably still be working on the farm! I continue to do that on my days off.
Who are your favourite musicians and TV shows?
I’m a big fan of James Blunt. We always have music playing in the yard and I also like county – especially Luke Combs.
I really like watching this country, which is based on the area I come from. I hope I’m not too similar to Kerry (the character from the show)!
What would be your dream holiday destination?
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia or New Zealand to work with horses or on a farm.
Do you have a nickname?
I just get called Rhi most of the time.