Izzie Marshall, 21, is one of the leading female British point-to-point riders, having twice finished runner-up to the peerless Gina Andrews in the Ladies championship.
Currently in her final year of studying for a Business Management degree at Reading University, she has been involved with horses all her life. Her brothers Charlie (over 30) and Alfie (successful on his only ride) and father Fraser have also ridden winners between the flags, and mother Charlotte is a well-known trainer in the South East – all three of her children having won on family favourite Conkie’s Lad.
Jake Exelby interrupted Izzie’s studies the other day to have a chat with her about her equine background… and how she’s been faring during lockdown.
Who have been your favourite horses?
Of those I’ve ridden in a race, Start Royal. He had the heart of a lion, gave me confidence and taught me so much. He was a record-breaker in his own right.
Another was Dixon Varner, one of the first pointers we owned and ridden by my dad. Previously useful in Ireland for Enda Bolger, he was the most gorgeous big bay, and the first racehorse I rode on the gallops and schooled over fences. I have fond memories of going racing to watch him, including at Cheltenham (when Izzie was three!) Dickie was the horse that really gave me the racing bug.
Which jockeys have you most admired?
It couldn’t be anyone but Gina. She’s the most determined of anyone in the weighing room and wins on horses that shouldn’t win, but she’s also been a good friend and has helped me a lot and given me advice. She’s the complete horsewoman and I’ve got nothing but respect for her.
What's your favourite course?
Charing’s my local track and I love seeing so many friendly faces there. And I like Bratton Down. It’s a great road trip, I’ve had some of my best days there – winning on Consigliere and Start Royal – and when it’s sunny, the views are stunning.
What do you love most about pointing?
Win, lose or draw, you’re surrounded by enthusiasts and friends. The chatting over a drink after racing is my favourite part.
What's been your personal funniest moment in the sport?
Seeing Zac Baker leading a horse of Alan Hill’s round the paddock at Bratton Down with a pint in his hand. Zac and Jack Andrews as a duo are hilarious – they’re always laughing and joking during a race.
What have been the highlights of your time in the sport?
Two notable doubles I rode – at Charing on Laureum and on my family’s horse Rair Owl Timz, and at Wadebridge recently on Back Bar and Getting Closer for owners the Cranfield family. Also being joint national novice champion and being runner-up twice to Gina for the Ladies title.
What are your own ambitions in point-to-pointing?
I’d love to win the national Ladies championship, but think that’s only possible if Gina’s not around! And I’d like to ride round Aintree – that’s always been a dream.
What changes, for better or worse, have you seen in your time?
The 5lb claim for novice riders in opens is a good initiative as it helps and encourages those with less experience.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
More Friday evening meetings! The Anglo-Irish fixture at Kingston Blount was really good fun. And I’d introduce races based on a horse’s rating, e.g. only for horses rated 0-100. They’d be run at level weights, not handicaps, because a lot of jockeys can’t do lower weights.
How has lockdown affected you from a racing perspective?
I’ve worked hard to get my Category B licence and had a few rides against professionals. Then I’ve been riding out and breaking in for Alan and Lawney Hill at Woodway Farm, where I’m based. I had been going to ride for Max Comley and Tom Ellis but I don’t think it’s right to go elsewhere during lockdown.
What do you think about hunter chases with professional riders?
It’s important to be optimistic, it’s only temporary, and it’s better to have them with the pros than not to have them at all – if they’re scrapped, it might be hard to get the races back and I’m glad that fresh horses are able to run. However, I’d love the rule to be changed back in time for me to ride Back Bar at one of the Cheltenham fixtures.
What do you think we should do with the rest of the pointing season?
Courses that can water properly and produce safe ground should host additional fixtures and we should extend the season into the summer. I’d also start next season early – it’s worked this year and been well supported, with really competitive racing.
What is your view on pointing behind closed doors and have you been watching the live streaming? What do you think?
Racing behind closed doors is less than ideal, but if we’ve got do it to keep the sport going, then we need to. Live streaming’s been brilliant – Luke Harvey and Cornelius Lysaght have been great viewing. Lots of people have put real effort into it and it’s a good fundraiser too – I hope it’s here to stay.
What do you think the effect of lockdown on pointing will be?
I think racing will become even more competitive. It’s definitely difficult for trainers like Fran Nimmo who are primarily selling yards and we’ll probably see the dual yards – like Tom Lacey – running more horses under Rules.
What else have you been up to during lockdown?
I’ve been studying hard, which keeps me occupied, and finding time to do things I forgot I loved, like gardening – it’s embarrassing for a 21-year-old to say that! (Boyfriend and former rider) Joe Hill and I moved in together last March and we’ve landscaped our garden and bought a dog, so we also go on long walks.
What have you most enjoyed about lockdown?
Having a Sunday roast. I’m normally in the middle of a field in the pouring rain then! Joe and I are really competitive at cooking – unfortunately he’s better than me.
Tell me about a book, film, TV series or some music you've enjoyed?
I like reading psychological thrillers – I’ve enjoyed The Holiday by TM Logan and Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. And I watch series based on true events, like Chernobyl and Everest, but I’ve also been bingeing on Gavin & Stacey.
What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is over?
Definitely going pointing, but also going home – I haven’t been for months – to see family and friends. And hopefully to have a graduation ceremony – just for the gown!
What would you be doing if you weren't involved in racing?
I’d actually like to work in the business side of racing, which fascinates me. I’d love to help organise something like the Cheltenham Festival and be part of the magic. Outside racing, I’ve always wanted to do a season as a ski instructor. It clashes with the pointing season, but I haven’t written it off yet.
Who’s your non-racing hero?
My godmother, Emma Banks, who has battled with varying types of cancer for many years. She continues to fight hard and wakes up with a smile on her face every day, which has shown me that being determined and having a positive mental attitude is everything and that we’ve got to make the best of a bad situation if it comes our way. Emma has always been a big supporter of my racing career and is truly an inspiration to me.
What’s your life ambition?
To run a marathon would be a great achievement.