NOTING EL IN FAMILY

Richard Eagle shines a spotlight on point-to-point success dynasties

- Richard Eagle

The family connections in horse racing are abundant. I guess if you are born into a racing stable environment it is difficult not to become involved.

Obviously the O’Briens, Moores, Skeltons, Osbornes for example are well known for their family success stories.

I would guess the Ellis family are not so recognised, unless you have followed point to point meetings in the last few years.

Tom Ellis was a former top pointto-point jockey, riding more than 100 winners. When he moved into training pointers the success levels were equally impressive (more than 300 winners). He married successful point-to-point jockey Gina Andrews and they were soon frequenting the jumps tracks with their horses, particularly in hunter chases. Latenightpass was the initial star in the yard when winning the 2022 Foxhunters at Aintree. Bred by his mother and ridden by his wife! Not sure any of the illustrious names above have done that.

Just to keep the family connections going Gina’s big brother Jack now rides many of Tom’s horses from their Rugby base. At over six foot he is definitely qualifies as big! One to look out for according to Tom’s racing secretary is the G&T Racing club’s 6yo mare SMURFETTE, a recent winner at Warwick and due to run again soon.

For those of loftier years you may remember Robin Dicken, both as a competitive jockey and latterly a fine trainer in handicaps. Two years ago Robin relinquished his licence and daughter Harriet took over the yard. Bumping into her at Plumpton I hadn’t noticed she had recently crossed over the Irish Sea with her 4yo DODGER LONG. He finished a good third in a Grade 3 hurdle race behind highly-rated Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot horses. Whether the gelding will replicate her father’s Kadastrof, who won 15 races, is questionable but judged on the Fairyhouse performance he must be a future winner.