Annie Tory: a true Point-to-Point Aficionado

The PPORA is sad to announce the passing of Annie Tory, who died on Sunday 9^th November, at the age of 97.

Annie was involved with horses and racing throughout her life, firstly showing broodmares and foals, then as an owner for over 50 years. She is survived by her husband of 74 years Percy – another well-known figure in the sport, who was Chair of the PPORA in 1990, when it first had a seat on the Jockey Club Point-to-Point Liaison Committee, and who has been a recipient of the Sir Michael Connell Award for services to point-to-pointing.

“Her first really good horse was Court Gardens, who was left to her by her friend Steve Hughes, and was the catalyst that got her into racing” (who won 17 point-to-points and three times under rules in the 1960s and 1970s) recalls son Chris – himself a successful owner and breeder – “And, more recently, she enjoyed success with the likes of Trade Off (13 P2Ps and three Hunter Chases) and Tom Barton (13 P2Ps). She was lucky with her horses, thanks mostly to Robert and Sally Alner.”

Annie (second right, holding trophy) with fellow owners and jockey Stan Sheppard after Tom Barton wins at Badbury Rings (Tim Holt)

Son Martyn, who has followed in his father's footsteps as Clerk of the Course at Badbury Rings, added, “Mum’s lifelong passion was her involvement with horses… and betting! All her family and friends knew her for her flowers and cakes – her forte was never to run out of food or drink. At a point-to-point, her car boot was always a welcoming hub.”

In a fitting tribute, Go Sacre Go, running in Annie's dark and light blue colours, trained by Sally Alner and ridden by Annie's great-nephew Paddy Barlow, won the Restricted at Badbury Rings on Sunday 16th November, a week after her passing.

A thanksgiving/memorial service for Annie will be held at St Bartholomew’s Church, Shapwick, near Blandford DT11 9LA, at 11.30am on Tuesday 2^nd December.