Stories from the Saddle: Bruce Vaughan
- pporacommittee
- May 29
- 6 min read
Bruce Vaughan is the latest talent to emerge from the Welsh pointing scene. Despite not having his first ride until the end of February, the 16-year-old – from Coity near Bridgend – has already had three winners, along with seven placings, from just 11 rides. Having got off the mark on Ringsend John at the start of the month, Vaughan enjoyed a dream end to the season at the weekend, winning on Designer Destiny – who he trains himself at home – at Kingston Blount on Sunday, then on Ringsend John again at Chaddesley Corbett the next day.
Nephew of licensed trainer Tim, cousin to top point-to-point rider Ed, and a pony racing graduate, he and his father William talked to Jake Exelby about how his background has helped him towards an impressive first season between the flags.
What do you do for a living?
I work for Christian Williams two days a week, ride out twice a week for Luke Price, and am resitting some exams outside school.
Talk me through your career in racing so far and how you got into point-to-pointing in the first place?
My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents always had horses and both my Dad and uncle rode in point-to-points. (Tim had over 100 winners, William just the one – on Tixall Boy at Garnons in 1990). I started riding aged two, then did pony club at four. I won my first gymkhana a month after my fourth birthday, then progressed to showjumping, then pony racing aged nine.
My first racing pony was Emmie, my showjumper, then the first experienced one was Tealson Topic, who I sold to (fellow first season rider) Dewi Haddock. We’ve been friends for years.
You had a prolific pony racing career with over 40 winners. Tell me about some of the highlights.
In 2021, I won 12 races – nine on The Gentle Touch – and we were champion horse-jockey combination. Then in 2022, I had 21 winners, nine on Avalon Dancer, seven on The Gentle Touch, and five on Zendaya, including the Racecourse Series Final at Cheltenham.
I think we went to 42 meetings that year, in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and did over 30,000 miles. Other good ponies I rode were Gentle Dancer, Lady Moondancer, On The Line and Grey Crow II.
William: Pony racing is really important in bringing jockeys forward. Bruce competed against the likes of Dewi Haddock and Lucas Murphy, and it brings them forward as jockeys. I rode for eight seasons and probably had about 50 rides. Bruce could have that many in a single year pony racing.
How did you manage to combine such a busy schedule with your studies?
It was hard, and definitely had an impact on school, because I was addicted to riding horses! It was hard to juggle sometimes, and I had tutors.
Why didn’t you ride in pony races last season?
I stopped when I was 15, because I was quite tall – I’m six foot now – and was getting too heavy. It was frustrating, but also benefitted me, as I’d done so much travelling. Missing it helped me decide I wanted to ride in points.
How much of an influence and a help have your uncle Tim, aunt Abbi and cousin Ed been?
I’ve been riding for Tim since I was ten and have learnt a lot from him about how to handle racehorses – they’re crazier than other horses! Ed’s helped me through the process of getting ready for a race and Tim has supplied us with both my mounts – I couldn’t have asked for better ones.
Talk me through your first ride, on Designer Destiny at Kingston Blount in February.
It was the best I could have asked for – we finished fourth, and it was all down to her. She’s simple, knows her job well, and I can put my trust in her, which is a great confidence booster.
And your first win, on Ringsend John at Eyton-on-Severn.
It was immense! I had 46 pony race winners, so was looking forward to my first over jumps. Ringsend John is a nice, laid-back horse with lots of ability, and his front-running style has taught me how to pace a race.
What did it feel like last weekend, with wins on both your horses?
It was great to win on both, particularly to finally win with Designer Destiny – she deserved it, as she’s so consistent. It was overwhelming to have two winners.
At Chaddesley Corbett on Monday, to beat top novices like Lucas Murphy, Fred Philipson-Stow and Jack Stenhouse felt brilliant. It showed I can ride as well as them and gives me more confidence.
You train Designer Destiny at home, but Ringsend John is with Luke Price. What is the reason for that?
Luke trained Ringsend John for Tim before. He thrived there, so why change something that worked? We had capacity at home, so train Designer Destiny ourselves. We’ve also got two maidens – Gallant Warrior, who was placed in bumpers at Maisemore Park and Lower Machen, and Lady Anwyn.
You’ve had a great first season. What were your hopes before it started?
My ambition was just to try and get as much experience as I could, and I’d have been happy with one winner. So, from starting in late February to having three wins from 11 rides was better than I expected. I feel I’ve progressed well.
You’re friends with Dewi Haddock and Jimmy Munro, who’ve also had good debut seasons. Do you have a rivalry as to who is going to do best?
Not really, no – we’re quite supportive of each other as it’s a big step up from what we did before. Dewi and I pony raced together, and Jimmy was more into trotting. Maybe there will be more of a rivalry next season!
You, Dewi and Jimmy are the latest in a long line of promising young Welsh jockeys. Why do you think Welsh pointing has produced so much talent?
I feel that the Welsh boys love to work hard. We’ve got smaller budgets, so can’t compete financially, so we’ve had to learn to work hard. Then, when we have the same ammunition, we rise above the opposition.
William: (as I reel off a list of names who’ve been national champions and/or gone on so professional success) Don’t forget Dai Jones. And Tim – you’ve got to mention Tim!
Which other jockeys do you admire?
James King, a five-time champion, brilliant jockey and great inspiration. And Ed, obviously, as he’s my cousin!
Which horse (not one of your own mounts) would you most like to ride?
Lavorante. He’s been sensational again this season, leading horse with seven wins and four seconds.
What's your favourite course?
Kingston Blount. I’ve had three rides there and they’ve all won or been placed.
What are your plans for next season?
We’ve just bought two more horses at Doncaster Sales – Bold Opinion, who won a Maiden last time, and Samdegoda, who’s still a Maiden. So, potentially, I’ve got five or six horses to ride next season.
My main ambition is to get outside rides, as you can’t compete if you don’t ride for other people. If I can do that, I’d like to try and have a go at being leading novice.
What are your ambitions in pointing and racing?
Maybe to go professional one day, but I’ve still got a lot to learn, and I want to do at least two more years in points. I’m not sure if my weight will be an issue – I can do 10st10lbs no problem and could probably get lower. I’ve managed my weight quite well this year after struggling in pony racing and am taking it in my stride – I’m not walking along like Skeletor!
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’ll leave that one to Dad!
William: To be honest, I think they’re doing a good job and are being quite innovative with the races. The sport’s changed since Covid and it would be lovely if things settle down, people have more disposable income, and we have more owner-trainer-riders again.
What would you be doing if you weren’t involved with horses?
I’ve always been involved with horses so that’s not something I’ve ever thought about!
What are your non-horsey hobbies?
I used to play rugby and tennis – I won quite a few tournaments. But from the age of 12, horses took over completely.
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