Ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, editor Laura spoke to the ultimate insider Joe Tizzard: from festival memories to Gold Cup predictions, he shares his tips, insights and one horse that just might cause a surprise
Few names in National Hunt racing carry the same weight as Tizzard. For decades, the family’s Venn Farm Stables in Milborne Port – perched on the North Dorset/Somerset border – has been synonymous with success at the highest level, producing some of the sport’s most beloved stars. Now at the helm, Joe Tizzard is carving his own legacy, blending the wisdom of his father Colin with his own formidable experience in the saddle.
Joe’s journey in racing began in the shadow of greats. As a teenager, he cut his teeth just 15 miles from Venn Farm at the powerhouse Ditcheat yard of Paul Nicholls, before making an immediate impact as a jockey.
He tasted Cheltenham Festival glory early, winning the 1998 Foxhunter Chase on Earthmover as an amateur. That same year he turned professional, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young riders in the sport. By the end of the 1998/99 season, he had been crowned Champion Conditional Jockey – the first major accolade in what would become a decorated riding career.
And then there was Cue Card
But it was in partnership with the superstar Cue Card that Joe truly etched his name into racing folklore. Together, they stormed to victory in the 2010 Cheltenham Champion Bumper, marking the beginning of a glittering career that saw them land 16 wins – including eight at Grade 1 level – and amass more than £1.4 million in prize money. With horses like Thistlecrack and Native River joining coming in Cue Card’s wake, the Tizzard yard became a dominant force in the 2010s, culminating in Native River’s memorable Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph in 2018.
After hanging up his jockey’s boots in 2014 with more than 700 winners, Joe stepped seamlessly into the training role alongside his father. When Colin retired at the end of the 2021/22 season, Joe took full charge – and wasted no time in making an impact. A seven-figure prize money season in his first year as sole trainer proved he was more than ready for the challenge. Now, as he continues to build on those foundations, all eyes are on his stable for this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
With the biggest event in jump racing fast approaching, Joe Tizzard sat down with editor Laura – who was on a mission to get the inside track from a man who knows Cheltenham like the back of his riding boots…
What makes Cheltenham different from every other racing festival?
‘I think Cheltenham is just different. It’s the most competitive of the festivals: it’s certainly what every trainer aims for.
There’s always Aintree and Punchestown, but I’d have to say it’s that competitiveness – everybody wants to be winning at Cheltenham.’
What’s your best Cheltenham memory?
‘That’s got to be Cue Card winning the Ryanair, closely followed by the Bumper. But the Ryanair … you know, we knew we had him right. All I had to do was steer him, and just get that right. And I knew I was coming to the end of my riding career, so I was able to get the job done on him, but then sit back and really enjoy the walk back, coming down the walkway and back in.
‘I really managed to enjoy that … It’s probably the only time I’ve ever been able to take a deep breath and suck in what it’s all about.’
If you could only watch one race this year, which would it be?
‘The Gold Cup. For me, it’s just the absolute pinnacle in my mind.
‘I think Galopin Des Champs is going to go win a third Gold Cup this year, and he could be very impressive doing it.
‘But I think that the whole build-up and the tension and the celebrations afterwards … I just don’t think there’s anything quite like the Gold Cup.’
Which horse could surprise people at this year’s festival?
‘One of mine, probably: First Confession in the Albert Bartlett. Whether he’s good enough or not … we’ll find out. But I think he’ll run a big race, and I think he’s got an each-way chance at 40 to one, so he could just frighten a few people. I think he’s a lovely horse.’
What’s your best piece of advice for a first-time festival-goer?
‘My first piece of advice is to get there early, and beat the queues to get in! But make sure you go and just sample everything: go and be out the front for the first race to witness the roar. Make sure you go to the Guinness Village and soak up a bit of that atmosphere in there, and then get yourself around the winners’ enclosure for when a horse comes back in, especially for the big race of the day.
‘You know, I find the atmosphere makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as soon as I walk in the place. It’s just got this energy.
‘But go and enjoy it all. Get the full experience, and be sure to get down the front so you can get up close to the horses.’
