GRASSROOTS: SAM BURTON

On Easter Saturday at Bitterley, a memorable double was achieved by 26-year-old Sam Burton. Teaming up for the first time with trainer Nikki Sheppard, he rode Samba Mambo to win the Restricted, and for regular supporter Jane Allfrey, he rode Try The Money to win the maiden.

Burton tells me: “Saturday was brilliant, it was my first double at the same course. I rode across the card double at Paxford and Lockinge years ago on Easter Monday.”

Growing up in Calne, Wiltshire, being a jockey was always the dream. Supported by parents Alex and Gerald, many happy days spent in the Avon Vale and Tedworth pony club doing all activities before becoming hooked on pony-racing from aged nine. Elder brothers Danny and Wayne were soon to become jockeys and aged 16 Burton had his first point-to-point ride at Black Forest Lodge on Typhon de Guye. It took a few rides to gain a completion, but a first winner in April 2017 on The Rodeo Clown was made even more special because it was the Tedworth Gold Cup, run over 3 miles 6 furlongs, and trained by Dad, Gerald.

Over the next few seasons, momentum built, connections were made nationally, and Burton was ridden for Alan Hill locally, and in the north for Nicky Tinkler and occasionally Cherry Coward. Burton says: “I was working for Tom Lacey and Nicky rang him to see if Tommie O’Brien could ride for him, he was unavailable, so Tom put my name forward. It worked out very well as I won on Indian Hawk for him.” Looking back through Burton’s form I noticed he had ridden the legend Tempelpirate for his equally legendary owner/trainer Tim Underwood, Burton picks up the story: “It didn’t quite go to plan” he laughs and adds: “I had three chances- I fell off him, he fell with me, and I got beaten on him at Cocklebarrow when I really should have won! I must be the only jockey to have ridden him and not won!”

Burton works part-time for Worcestershire-based national hunt trainer Sam Drinkwater and has done so since July 2019. His role has been varied during this, and he admits he has worn many hats. “I have done it all, the travelling, head lad duties, riding out, maintenance, you name it I do it.” he says.

Sadly, in March 2020, aged 20, Burton stepped away from race-riding and by his own admission ‘lost my way.’ He tells me: “My weight was terrible, things hadn’t been going well and I just didn’t have the headspace. The race-riding just wasn’t happening as I had hoped, and I gave up. My brothers were both professional jump jockeys, and it was all I ever wanted.” With no intention to return, the weight crept on, and he admits: “In no time at all, I was 16 stone. I ate takeaways every day, often more than one, had far too many carbs and just went mental! All of a sudden I had a non-riding role at work and life had changed. Sam, though, stood by me throughout. He is a great boss and an even better friend.”

Burton is very open and honest about the struggles he faced, recognising his obsession and need to achieve at a faster rate than what was happening being the cause of the troubles.

However, with the support and encouragement of friends and family, a first ride back nearly five years to the day at Didmarton in March 2025 was a brilliant achievement. Now more in control of his weight than ever, the appointment of jockey agent Russ James has seen him riding under-rules regularly and is capable of riding at weights well below 11 stone. This week, he is in action on Friday at Sedgefield, riding for Victor Thompson and on Sunday, at Edgecote for Justin Brotherton.

“Marita and Rhondda Warner played a huge role in getting me back. They sent me a text asking me to go and ride out as they are very local to Sam’s. I told them I was disgustingly heavy but they were quite happy and said they wanted my help. I got more and more involved with them and they gave me my first ride back on French Piece who has become a favourite of mine. He is just a good old boy, one of those you can really trust. I rode for their Dad Jason before he died so it was just a nice situation and it continues to work well.”

Burton’s newfound level head brings with it a calm determination, and he is hopeful of becoming one of the bigger fish in the small pond that the point-to-point field offers. He admits: “I admire Will Biddick and all he achieved, he set the bar for us all and from when I was a kid, it was him I aspired to be like. I would love to work my way up the ranks and be up there with the big boys one day. I appreciate how hard it is, but I will put in the hard work and hope to be in the right places at the right times.” He adds: “Of the professionals, Paul Townend is a role model. His coolness and the way he conducts himself is unreal.”

Burton has ridden 14 winners, pointing and one under-rules against professionals for boss Drinkwater, who says: “Sam is a great horseman, he is very hardworking and deserving of success.” As well as having ability in the saddle, he has a likeable character and sense of humour to match, Nikki Sheppard confirms: “When he won on the mare at the weekend, he said she jumped like a ‘bunny’, especially for Easter!”

Burton’s favourite tracks are Lockinge and Edgecote, and he says: “I have always had lots of luck at Lockinge and was local growing up. I had pony-racing winners there, and I don’t think I have been out of the frame round there. I won on Dr Oakley at Edgecote last season, and it’s a nice, fair track.”

My last question to Burton is what’s next? What are the goals?

His modest reply: “I have achieved my main goal for now and that was to come back, I shall now just keep my head down and ticking away.”

I can’t help but admire Burton; his story is nothing short of inspirational.