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16-year-old Harry Neale from Launceston in Cornwall had the dream introduction to race-riding on Sunday when winning on debut aboard his family’s horse Hidden Heroics trained by Emma Summersby.
The eight-year-old had been bought privately out of Dan Skelton’s yard in the Autumn on the recommendation of Emma and Dean Summersby that he would ‘fit the bill’ as a suitable schoolmaster for Neale.
Neale started riding when he was four years old, and as he grew up, he went to a local riding school. He tells me: “Mum wasn’t interested in horses and Dad did a bit of hunting.” With no direct association to any racing contacts, it was down to pure chance that Neale’s interest in racing was ignited. He explains: “About three years ago Dad won a lot in a charity auction to go to the races with Dean and Emma Summersby. So Dad, Grandad and I went to Stafford Cross and had a brilliant day. I started going to their yard at the weekends to ride out a bit, and it has spiralled from there.”
A period of time passed with Neale becoming involved at the yard, spending each weekend there and going pointing to help. He became keen to pursue racing, and Summersby suggested that a pony-racer was something that should be considered. ‘Two The Manor Born’ was found and together they ran in eight races, winning two at Flete Park and Upcott Cross and being placed on four other occasions. Neale says: “I trained the pony myself around the farm at home. Darren Edwards helped me a lot, and it was great to have a winner at Upcott Cross because Dad is Clerk of the Scales there.”
Natural progression to riding point-to-pointing was inevitable, and Neale says: “I have been involved with Dean and Emma for a few seasons now, and once I was too old for pony-racing, sourcing a pointer was the obvious move. I ride out at the weekends and as much as I can in the holidays. They have even let me school other horses in the yard occasionally, too.” too.” Neale adds: “I also go to jockey coach Rodi Greene weekly and that has been brilliant for me to learn, meet like-minded people and make new friends.”
Hidden Heroics ran in the ownership of ‘The Elmford Racing Club’, and Neale explains to me who they are: “My Grandad had a herd of cattle called the Elmford Herd, so we decided it would be nice to get that in there. The syndicate is made up of Grandad and Granny, Mum and Dad, my brother and his girlfriend.”
Emma Summersby, who now handles the point-to-pointers since Dean took out his professional license, says: “Since meeting Harry and his family when they bid for that prize, Harry has become part of the furniture. His riding has progressed immensely, and he is a really good lad, he thinks and is very helpful. He keeps learning, and Sunday’s result was the reward he deserved for his hard work. All the family were there and the tears were flowing.”
Neale is studying P.E., Biology, and Photography for his A levels, and it is clear he is aware that education is essential. I ask him about photography, and he tells me: “I really enjoy photography, mainly equine. I make a calendar for Dean and Emma each year with pictures of the horses for the owners and things. I do their social media account photos, and I am very grateful to Tim Holt, who has been very helpful to me. It is definitely something I would like to pursue.”
At only 16, Neale has a grown-up demeanour and an intelligence beyond his years. When asked how he felt before his race and his expectations of the day, his reply was: “You have to believe to achieve.” He added: “But there are no expectations, and we will take it one race at a time.”
In Hidden Heroics, Neale has found a super partner, and at only eight years old, it would not be mad to assume he will improve for Sunday’s win. He was a winner at the Cheltenham December meeting in 2022. He reached an official rating of 137 at his best, but a recent loss of form under-rules led to him being offered for sale. There is no doubt that a change of scenery and regime has re-ignited his love for racing.
My assumption is that Hidden Heroics and Harry Neale will grace the winner’s enclosure again this season, providing the family with many more happy days.
