Former jump jockey Phil Harvey, who rode Foinavon in Grand National, dies at 77

Former jump jockey Phil Harvey, whose career spanned the 1960s, has died, aged 77.

Born in Hoby, near Melton Mowbray, Harvey began his career with Fred Rimell at Kinnersley, where he rode work on Grand National winner ESB.

A cousin of Jenny Pitman, he achieved his first success on Clougher Hero at Birmingham in January 1961 and went on to ride 92 winners, enjoying his best season in 1963-64 with a score of 20.

He rode for various trainers including Willie Stephenson, Tim Molony and Vic Speck, and partnered Red Rum, whom Molony then trained, on the gallops although not in a race.

Molony was unlucky not to win Cheltenham’s Massey-Ferguson Gold Cup in 1968 on Stephenson’s Sweet Score. Having led throughout, his mount blundered badly at the last fence and was overhauled on the run-in. He also finished third on him in the 1970 Mildmay of Flete Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

He rode in three Grand Nationals including, in 1968, on the previous year’s 100-1 winner Foinavon. They were brought down in a four-horse pile-up at the water jump.

In retirement, Harvey lived at Brewood, Staffordshire, where he maintained his lifelong involvement with racing as an owner and breeder. He bred 14 individual winners and had horses in training with Barry Hills and Mark Johnston. The last horse he bred, Last Page, is owned by his daughter Sarah Harvey and in training with Tony Carroll.

His funeral is at 11am on December 11 at St Mary’s and St Chad’s in Brewood. Contact Sarah Harvey 07753 659556 for details.

Doyle and Marquand set to ride against each other in Hong Kong

Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand have both been invited to ride in Hong Kong next month when they are to take part in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship for the first time.

The International Jockeys Challenge (IJC) is a four-race competition for 12 elite jockeys, and this year’s edition, which takes place on December 9, features six overseas riders and six based in Hong Kong, all battling for a HK$500,000 top prize.

Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle at their home in HungerfordCredit: Edward Whitaker

The British duo are to join the contest as two of world racing’s most rapidly ascending stars and will go up against familiar names such as Ryan Moore and William Buick and last year's winner and Hong Kong legend Zac Purton.

Doyle, 24, who finished just behind her partner when taking fourth in the 2020 Flat Jockeys Championship, will become only the third female rider to take part in the IJC after Emma-Jayne Wilson in 2007 and Chantal Sutherland (2009).

Christmas Cards supporting Bethell's daughter

Christmas cards in support of the charity set up in memory of trainer James Bethell's daughter Jessica, who died of meningitis in 2012, are now available.

Following on from the success of a similar venture in 2019, this year's cards feature a painting by Clementine St John Webster of the Low Moor in Middleham. Packs of ten cards are £10 and can be ordered at office@jessicabethellfoundation.co.uk or on 01969 640360.

The original painting will be one of the silent auction prizes at the Jessica Bethell Charitable Dinner at York racecourse on May 11 next year.

Fellow after snapping Fellowes

Newmarket-based photographer Jayne Odell FRPS has been awarded the 'Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society' – their highest distinction level of worldwide recognition - after a four-year project about horse racing.

Jayne Odell: Fellow Of Royal Photographic Society

Odell, 50, is now one of only 750 such Fellows in the world after submitting 21 emotive images capturing the world behind the scenes’ of horse racing in Newmarket. Titled ‘At the end of our garden’ Odell worked closely with the stable of Charlie Fellowes.

She said: "Following on from achieving my Associateship in 2011, the Fellowship requires that you have not only the highest level of technical proficiency, but can also demonstrate originality and a deeper understanding of the subject with strong narrative.

Motion by Jayne Odell

"The 21 printed pieces and statement undergo a stringent critique by a panel of highly qualified assessment judges before recommendation is made to the Board for Fellowship to be awarded. I’m very proud of the body of work and earning the accolade.".

Bob Bowden funeral

The funeral of owner Bob Bowden, who won the 1994 Whitbread Gold Cup with Ushers Island and was also a pioneering figure in bookmaking and racecourse management, takes place in Spain on Wednesday.

Bowden died at the age of 78 last week, having lived in Spain for more than 15 years. His family have asked for donations to Racing Welfare via Just Giving.

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