Amateur jockey Henry Crow is still getting used to that winning feeling at Cheltenham. Crow guided Barton Snow to victory in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last week.
That race is seen by many as the “amateurs’ Gold Cup”, as it occurs directly after the big race on Friday. Only amateur riders can compete aboard registered hunter chasers, from which crowd Barton Snow emerged the strongest.
Many were quick to praise Crow’s horsemanship in winning the race. Barton Snow made a mistake at the last, but Crow had saved some energy without pressing for home too soon. As a result, his mount picked up again from that blunder to score in good style.
Barton Snow is now unbeaten in his last seven starts in hunter chases and point-to-points. Further glory could yet await the pair at Aintree too.
“I’ve had three champion jockeys text me” – Crow
Amateur jockeys and point-to-pointers provide a crucial backbone to the sport of National Hunt racing. It is often a pipeline for younger horses coming through, though also gives life to plenty after rules retirement.
Barton Snow never quite made it as a bumper horse. However, by remaining in the pointing fields, he has built up considerable racing experience. Crow was only in the saddle for the first time at Ludlow recently, but has now partnered him to back-to-back wins.
That winning feeling is particularly special at Cheltenham.
“It’s fantastic, it’s what you’ve always dreamed of,” Crow said to the Shropshire Star. “The Cheltenham Festival is like the Olympics – you don’t get any higher than this.
“I hadn’t realised how huge it is until everyone started texting through – people from different countries. It just shows you how many people watch it.”
The rider is a relative local, being from Shropshire himself. His plaudits did not just come from friends and family after Cheltenham either.
“I’ve had three champion jockeys text me and even one champion trainer in France who won two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe races.
“It is slowly sinking in. I’m still on a bit of a high from it. I’ll always remain an amateur, so this is as high as it gets for me.”
Nevertheless, it is family Crow has celebrated with since his triumph. Those moments are what have meant the most.
“It’s a family affair,” Crow said. “My nan, Sheila, was a big point-to-point trainer and she won the race in 2009.
“My nan did it and now I have – it’s quite nice to keep it in the family. She was extremely proud.
“My nan’s actually in hospital. That gave her a real pick-me-up. I went to see her after and we couldn’t stop talking about it.”