In our series on the individuals who make Christmas in the country so wonderful, Kate Green meets Philip Hobbs and Johnson White to learn how racehorses are cared for even when everyone else is inside eating mince pies and turkey. Since it and the two days before are the only days of the year when there is no racing,
Christmas Day itself is one of the more relaxed times in a racetrack. It’s the lead-up to a high-stakes National Hunt racing event that requires military-style logistics and quick sobriety because to the large number of entries, staff with family obligations, scheduling jockeys, transportation, and several owner badges. On top of the roads being congested with holiday traffic, there are eight meetings on Boxing Day alone.
The main Boxing Day meeting at Kempton Park (outside London), Fontwell Park (West Sussex), Wincanton (at the far end of the county), or one of the northern tracks may be the destination for runners trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, who share a license to train roughly 70 horses in hilly west Somerset with a view of the Bristol Channel.
According to Mr. White, “because racing is early anyway due to the fading light, horses will be fed at about 5am and leave the yard at 6am.” While a victory on any day is pleasant, Boxing Day is undoubtedly unique. Owners are typically present, and it’s always a huge family outing.
Both trainers had risen well before dawn on the foggy November day of Country Life’s visit. History doesn’t tell us whether Mr. White, his longtime helper, had breakfast, but Mr. Hobb, whose wife, Sarah, daughter of Olympic eventing gold winner Bertie Hill, is a major part of the operation, managed a boiled egg and toast at 10.30am.
Mr. Hobbs has been training at Sandhill Racing Stables since 1985. The land was held by the Crown Estate and was farmed by his late father, Tony, who was an elegant and sensible horseman in his own right.His success — more than 3,000 winners, including the 2003 Champion Hurdle with Rooster Booster, and a regular slot near the top of the trainers’ table — is a great source of local pride and interest.
Sandhill Racing Stables always has a cheerful Christmas Day. All employees report to work until approximately 11 a.m.; those who live nearby and work on-site complete afternoon stables and are given a day off in exchange. In addition to the fact that it’s the only day of the year that former jockey Mr. Hobbs mounts a horse, there is a lot of festive tinsel on bridles and skullcaps.
‘It’s a standing joke that I ride out on Christmas Day – on something really safe. Before a large family supper, we may invite local acquaintances around for a drink after church. Christmas treat: “I don’t talk to anyone on the phone on this one day of the year (Philip Hobbs).” “Staying at home with the family and not driving”(Johnson white).
