The Paddock and The Pavilion - The Horse Racing and Cricket Podcast

In the second of our Women’s T20 World Cup build up episodes, Stephen Wallis is joined by Netherlands international Sterre Kalis to look ahead to a historic moment for Dutch cricket, as the women’s team prepare for their first ever qualification for a global tournament. Sterre shares her thoughts on how the Netherlands secured their place and the excitement of facing Australia, India, and South Africa on the biggest stage. She also reflects on her experiences playing abroad, in The Hundred, and in county cricket with Yorkshire, and gives her reaction to the recent Hundred draft, where she has been signed by London Spirit. Attention now turns to the Women’s T20 World Cup for Sterre and the Netherlands.   Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John James, known affectionately as “Jinx,” joins The Paddock and The Pavilion. During the 1960s and 70s, he was associated with three Grand National winners — Kilmore, Anglo and Rag Trade as well as a second-place finish. He also rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 1973 on his first festival ride, in quite unusual circumstances. John now has a successful career running Brookside Stud just outside. Newmarket. Fifty years since his last connection with Rag Trade he takes a trip down memory lane to share some wonderful Aintree tales. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordan Thompson has spent his entire cricket career at Yorkshire CCC before making the big move south to Warwickshire CCC. In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, he talks about leaving his home county, the reasons behind the move, and his plans for the 2026 season. Now Edgbaston bound, the 29-year-old all-rounder will play his home games there for Warwickshire and in The Hundred after being bought in the auction by Birmingham Phoenix. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday 11 March, cricket in this country entered a new era with its first player auction. In Cricket’s Bargain Hunt, Rosa Simki of Rosa Talks Ball joins the podcast to discuss how the eight Hundred teams went in search of new players for the 2026 season. A transformational moment for the women’s game, Rosa explains the bidding process, highlights the best value picks, and looks at why teams targeted certain players, running through each franchise’s key signings. She also gives an early prediction on who she thinks will win the women’s Hundred competition. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Roland Butcher returns to offer his thoughts on the recent Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The former England international discusses whether India are becoming invincible in the T20 format and reflects on England’s run to the semi-finals, including what that campaign means for Brendon McCullum’s future. He also shares his views on the performance of the associate nations at the tournament, and what they must do to improve their chances of competing more effectively against the major nations. Looking ahead, Roland turns his attention to England’s early summer Test series against New Zealand in June, where he gives his first prediction for the summer. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Stephen Wallis brings you a featured excerpt from episode 405, focusing on the club game in Cambridgeshire. Stephen is joined by James Williams, Head Coach of the Cambridgeshire men’s team and Head of the Cambridgeshire performance pathway, who offers a candid assessment of the current state of club cricket in the county.  This segment also focuses on Wisbech, with James sharing insight into the situation at his own club, both on and off the field. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Stephen Wallis turns the spotlight on Cambridgeshire cricket with guest James Williams. A former Cambridgeshire captain and current men’s head coach, James also leads the county’s Male Performance Pathway while continuing to play for Wisbech Cricket Club in the Cambs and Hunts Premier Division. He reflects on his playing career, his role in developing cricketers across all levels, and the latest from Wisbech. The conversation begins with a standout moment from last summer, as James recalls making his debut at Lord’s, achieving a lifelong ambition at the Home of Cricket. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com         Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extraordinary cricketing adventure. At just 18, Tommy Lamb set off from Manchester with one goal: to reach Australia for an Ashes Test without getting on a plane. His journey began with the ferry to Holland and took him across Europe, through Iran, Pakistan, and China, and on into the Far East, facing challenges, risks, and unforgettable moments along the way before finally arriving in Australia. He came incredibly close to achieving that aim. This interview was recorded on the 17th of February. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming to England and Wales this summer, Stephen Wallis looks ahead to one of the biggest events in the global women’s game in this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion. Joining him is tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild, who is counting down the days until the opening match. With fewer than 100 days to go, Beth discusses the preparations taking place behind the scenes, the significance of hosting a tournament of this scale for women’s sport and women’s cricket in this country, and England’s chances on home soil.  The conversation considers what success for the tournament could mean for the wider game across the UK once the competition has finished. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our third and final Cheltenham Festival episode of The Paddock and The Pavilion, the guest is Richard Pitman. Born in Cheltenham, Richard rode major winners at the Festival before going on to spend 37 years working for the BBC as a TV horse racing presenter. In this conversation, Richard looks back on his time working for the legendary Fred Winter, champion jockey turned champion trainer and explains why he says, “he was my hero.” He talks about what it was like working for Winter, the qualities that made him such a remarkable figure, and how he dealt with both success and disappointment in the world of top-level National Hunt racing. Richard shares some wonderful stories in a packed hour-long show from one of Cheltenham’s own. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Cheltenham Festival special, Painting the Festival, Stephen Wallis is joined by Emily Johnson, the resident artist at Cheltenham Racecourse. Emily is currently creating a community celebration in art project featuring Rachael Blackmore riding the two-time Champion Hurdle winning mare Honeysuckle. The striking piece, measuring six feet by four feet, is being painted live at the racecourse throughout the four-day meeting, with Emily aiming to complete the artwork during the Festival itself.  The artwork is also being decorated with signatures from some of the most recognisable names in horse racing, along with many others who have connections to Cheltenham Racecourse. The piece is intended as a celebration of the people who make the racecourse what it is, both on and off the track. Emily discusses the inspiration behind the project, the experience of painting during one of racing’s most iconic meetings and reflects on her work as an equine artist. Stephen is also joined by Andre Klein, Assistant General Manager at Cheltenham Racecourse, who shares an update on the final preparations and what racegoers can look forward to during the week ahead. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Festival Runner is the 400th episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion with Stephen Wallis. Trainer Nick Scholfield, the former Cheltenham Festival winning jockey, joins the podcast to discuss his move into training and the excitement of preparing his first runner at the Festival. His six year old mare St Irene runs in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday 12 March and Nick reflects on her preparation, the challenge of the race and the significance of saddling his first runner at the Cheltenham Festival. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion Stephen Wallis speaks to 20 year old Aamilah Aswat who made history on 2 February by becoming the first Black female jump jockey to ride a winner in the UK. Riding Guchen to victory at Kempton Park racecourse for trainers Kim Bailey and Matt Nicholls the landmark success carried added significance as the horse was owned by friends of the Ebony Horse Club, the Brixton based charity that gives young people from inner city communities access to horses and riding opportunities. Aamilah reflects on her journey from riding ponies as a young girl to competing under rules, explains how the two mile five furlong hurdle race unfolded and discusses the reaction that followed her breakthrough moment. She also shares how joining the Riding a Dream Academy played a pivotal role in helping her pursue a career in racing. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part Two of our conversation, former 1960s and 70s National Hunt jockey Ian Watkinson reflects on his return to Newmarket and his successful spell riding for Tom Jones, as well as one of the standout moments of his career, victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup in 1976. Ian speaks candidly about the fall in March 1979 that brought his time in the saddle to an abrupt end, and how he approached the next stage of his life in racing, going on to train and remain involved in the sport. An honest and reflective look at glory and heartbreak, with personal memories from a very different era of jump racing and a few memorable tales from the weighing room along the way. If you missed Part 1 click below https://chrt.fm/track/4F8ACF/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG7946616322.mp3?updated=1772178529 Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and The Pavilion, Stephen Wallis looks back at National Hunt racing of yesteryear, the 1960s and 70s, and shares some wonderful racing memories with former jump jockey Ian Watkinson. During a 14 year career in the saddle, Ian rode some of the true legends of the sport, the brilliant Flyingbolt, the mighty Night Nurse, the dual purpose superstar Sea Pigeon, and the explosive Tingle Creek. Ian’s story is told in his autobiography, The Going Up Was Worth the Coming Down, written by racing historian Chris Pitt. In Part One, Ian reflects on riding these outstanding horses before discussing how he began in racing and his early years as a jockey. Part Two follows with the glory days of his career, his retirement from the saddle through injury in 1979, and the next chapter of his life including time spent training in Australia, along with more amusing tales from the racing world.   Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During my time down under, I met two England supporters who were living the dream watching every single Test of an Ashes series in Australia. In this episode, It Was Worth Every Minute, Ian Jones from Chester and Graham Pickering from York reflect on their unforgettable 50-day plus journey following the Ashes across Australia. We talk about the cricket, the different grounds and cities, the hospitality, and what it’s really like being away for that long. They also share what Christmas and New Year were like on tour, spending the festive period in Australia while following the Ashes. It’s a brilliant insight into life on the road following the Ashes, and a reminder that sometimes, if you can do it, it really is worth every minute. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After just eleven days of cricket, Australia retained the Ashes, sealing a 4–1 series victory. In The Ashes: The Final Say, Stephen Wallis is joined by a range of guests former Test cricketers, current internationals, journalists, authors, and a radio presenter across five episodes to look back at the action and give their reaction to how the series unfolded. In this episode, Stephen Wallis is joined by Leena Moin Aziz, Asia's first female cricket commentator, John Evans England's over 70s World Cup winning captain, children's cricket book author Jenni Douglass and the master of suspense and intrigue Felix Francis, the best selling horse racing thriller writer. to share their reaction to the series as part of The Ashes: The Final Say. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Wallis turns his attention to the second Men’s Over 70s World Cup, taking place in Christchurch, New Zealand between 18 February and 5 March. He is joined by Lance Ryan, Chairman of the World Cup Organising Committee, to discuss the planning behind the tournament, while England captain John Evans, Australian all-rounder Murray Harrison and New Zealand’s Jeremy Wilson look ahead to the global event.   Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After just eleven days of cricket, Australia retained the Ashes, sealing a 4–1 series victory. In The Ashes: The Final Say, Stephen Wallis is joined by a range of guests former Test cricketers, current internationals, journalists, authors, and a radio presenter across five episodes to look back at the action and give their reaction to how the series unfolded. In this episode, Stephen Wallis is joined by Rosa Simkin of Rosa Talks Ball, Mark Campbell of 89 7 FM in Perth, Australia, Murray Harrison Australian over 70s player and Richard Whitehead author of Victory in Australia to share their reaction to the series as part of The Ashes: The Final Say. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After just eleven days of cricket, Australia retained the Ashes, sealing a 4–1 series victory. In The Ashes: The Final Say, Stephen Wallis is joined by a range of guests former Test cricketers, current internationals, journalists, authors, and a radio presenter across five episodes to look back at the action and give their reaction to how the series unfolded. In this episode, Dennis Amiss, the former England opening batter who played in four Ashes series between 1968 and 1977, shares his reaction to the contest as part of The Ashes: The Final Say. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices