Stories From The Saddle: Hannah Morgan

Hannah winning on Caspers Court at Flete Park (Tim Holt)

25-year-old Hannah Morgan, who works for Josh and Kayley Newman and is the yard’s novice rider, has enjoyed a fine campaign and visited the winners enclosure for the fourth time when Caspers Court – owned by Sally Godfrey, mother of Hannah’s partner, professional jockey Ben – won at Flete Park on Saturday. However, her season has not been without its bumps in the road, as Hannah explained to Jake Exelby when he spoke to her last week.

Talk me through your career in racing so far and how you got into point-to-pointing in the first place?

I grew up on a dairy farm in Somerset, in the Quantocks. We always had ponies, and I hunted and evented. I always loved going pointing – Cothelstone and Kingston St Mary were our local tracks.

I did an agriculture course at Cannington College but always wanted to work in racing, as eventing wasn’t for me, so I started working for Bob Buckler aged 17, and was there for three years.

Talk me through your first ride

Bob gave me my first ride, on All Kings at Chipley Park in 2020. He came up to me and said, ‘You’ll ride him in a point-to-point, won’t you?’ I was chucked in at the deep end, and nervous and excited at the same time. We came third, I got the bug… then lockdown happened.

How did your riding career progress after that?

During Covid, I moved to Harry Fry’s, but didn’t have a horse, so I spent my time learning and schooling. Harry then gave me Art Of Payroll, who I trained myself, but that didn’t go so well, as we pulled up on our only start, then he broke down.

I then found River Frost on Facebook, via Guy Brewer. I drove up to North Yorkshire to get him – it was a long way, but worthwhile, as he taught me so much, and gave me my first win (at Cotley in April 2023). I’d moved to Josh and Kayley’s by then, as I wanted to be in a pointing yard. I went there not knowing a thing about training and trained him in my lunchbreak. Josh and Kayley helped and coached me, and made sure I didn’t do anything wrong.

Why do you think you’ve really taken off this season and how has it gone?

After Frosty, I’d really caught the riding bug so I spoke to Josh and Kayley and asked how I could have more rides for them. They recognised that I’d worked hard and said I could ride Sixteen Letters and The Kings Writ.

It’s been a complete roller-coaster of a season. I started with a win, on The Kings Writ at Wadebridge and thought it would be a great season. But then we lost Sixteen Letters at Badbury Rings, which was one of the saddest days ever – days like that don’t happen often. He had the heart of a lion, and it affected everyone in the yard for a few weeks. I drove back from racing with Purdy Peaster – she’d been injured a few weeks before – and we both found it tough, as when you don’t ride many horses, they really mean a lot to you.

Kayley told me that the hardest thing would be getting back on a horse and, when Purdy said I could ride her Rocheston in the Members at Cothelstone, I knew it would be a make-or-break day. To win for Purdy and her Dad on our home track meant so much. I was so happy that I couldn’t find the words to explain it, and it got my confidence back.

How did you get Caspers Court and what did it mean on Saturday?

He was in training under rules with Kayley and Sally bought him to run in points to sweeten him up. It meant everything and was a special day, particularly as Ben has won on Casper too, as well as in his mum’s colours.

What are you most looking forward to about the rest of the season, or will you be stopping riding now to remain as a novice next year?

I’m going for the Devon & Cornwall Area Novice Ladies title. I’d like to win the national title, but think I’m too far behind, as there are less than three weeks to go, and I’ve only got Casper left to ride.

What are your ambitions in pointing and racing?

I’ve no plans to turn conditional and I’d love to be like Jo Supple, to carry on riding pointers, be successful and have a good time. It’s crossed my mind to take out a Category A or B licence, but I’m going to stick to pointing for now.

What has been your career highlight?

Winning by 30 lengths on The Kings Writ at Trebudannon. He jumped brilliantly, meeting every fence spot on, and towed me round. I was grinning from ear to ear afterwards.

Which has been your favourite horse?

It’s really hard to choose between River Frost and The Kings Writ. Frosty taught me so much and gave me my first winner, but The Kings Writ has taught me even more!

Which horse (not one of your own mounts) would you most like to ride?

Josh’s Noble Blue, who I was riding out this morning before we spoke. I ride him every day and love him. He’s a happy chappy, who’s full of energy.

Which other jockeys do you admire?

Jo Supple, obviously, Rachael Blackmore and Gina Andrews. I’ve never ridden against Gina, but she’s so determined. She channels her energy in racing in the right way.

What's your favourite course?

I really enjoyed riding round Flete Park last weekend. It’s a quirky track – there’s no other one like it – which makes it fun to ride. Frosty hated it but Casper loved it!

What do you enjoy most about pointing?

It’s just a fun day out, with the picnics around the car boots. It’s traditional and low-key.

What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?

I’d extend the time you’re a novice rider and get the allowance (in Opens) up to ten wins. As it stands, you can ride out your claim and lose your novice status very quickly. Five wins doesn’t give you enough experience to be thrown in with the big guns and making it ten would allow you to stay in your own company for longer.

What are your non-horsey hobbies?

I like going to the beach! Lyme Regis is my favourite – it’s a lovely place, and nice and local. Me and my brother have been going since we were kids, and I like to do a bit of paddleboarding.