Trainer Profile: Teresa Clark
The picturesque hills of the Quantocks are home to several point to point trainers including Teresa Clark and I visited her to get her plans for the forthcoming season.
Born into an equine dynasty, it was obvious which direction Teresa was going to take from an early age. Her father John Honeyball had been responsible for the early education of Gold Cup legend, The Dikler while her mother show-jumped professionally and was later to help with the purchase of her yard. Initially cutting her teeth with trainer Vic Soane in Berkshire, she then spent the next ten years with Richard Barber who she credits with being hugely instrumental in her fledgling training career. After purchasing the diminutive Bathwick Scanno from the David Pipe stable, the popular gelding provided both Teresa and jockey Jamie Bargary with a first winner before going on to win another five races. Recently retired “Scanno” enjoys his new career as a show horse as a 3rd at Frome Show proves and is more than just a member of the family. (Rumour has it that the soon-to-be converted barn which will be the family home will have an additional bedroom for a four-legged inmate, so close is he to Teresa’s heart). Her horses train over the Quantock hills and enjoy plenty of days out hunting while their immaculate condition on a racecourse means that Best Turned-Out awards are numerous during the season.
Mujadel, a 5 year old gelding who was purchased at Doncaster Sales in September from Noel Meade for whom he had two runs in NH bumpers and one over hurdles finishing 4th. Bought for local farmer and long-time point to point supporter, Ray Barrow, this son of Derby winner, Sinndar will run in a maiden at the beginning of the season before hopefully progressing through the ranks. He has two entries for Buckfastleigh this Sunday.
Milsean, bought by Teresa for Mike and Naomi Roe and is another September Doncaster Sales purchase. Having been with Gordon Elliott prior to the sales, he has also spent time with Willie Mullins and Mouse Morris. He had high class form previously including a second in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham and if it is a case of point to pointing rejuvenating him, he could be a very interesting recruit to the game. He will be aimed at a start date of December.
Port Navas finally repaid his patient owners, Ann Underhill and John White, with 2 thirds last season and a much deserved win at Bratton Down under jockey Bryan Carver. Teresa will hope to have him running in January.
Pancrace is another ex-Gordon Elliott inmate who was bought from Ascot Sales in 2017 to replace Our Chief for owners Sean Finn and John White. Held in very high regard at home, Pancrace clearly didn’t read the script and after a frustrating early part to his season, finally rewarded his owners with a hugely impressive win at Upcott Cross under Will Biddick. With further confidence boosting runs, he could have an exciting future ahead.
Willem was formerly with David Pipe and is owned by The Only Fools Buy Horses Partnership. He won twice for them firstly at Cothelstone in 2017 and last season followed up a good third at Milborne St Andrew with a win at Barbury Castle under Bryan Carver who has struck up a good partnership with him. A slight injury will mean that he won’t be seen until March/April.
Youngsters
Teresa has two 3 year olds, the first which is by Passing Glance and the second by Alkaseed both of which are out of winning mares. They will be aimed in point to point bumpers having both shown plenty of promise at home.
Jockeys
Will Biddick will continue to ride whenever possible together with Bryan Carver and Rob Hawker who has reverted to his amateur status. Lucy Mager who struck up such a great partnership with recently retired Subtle Sovereign will ride any horses that run in Ladies Races.
