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

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

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 Stuart Law, the former Australian intenational and current Head coach of Nepal to share his 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, Stephen Wallis is joined by Rick McCosker, the former Australian opening batter to share his 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

In part two of the Ashes round up, Roland Butcher takes more listener questions about the action on the field and discusses the future of England head coach Brendon McCullum. In between Ashes chat, Roland gives his views on the upcoming T20 World Cup which begins on the 7th of February before ending with a look into his crystal ball and his thoughts on the next Ashes series in 2027.   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 one of this two-part Ashes round up, former England Test player Roland Butcher joins The Paddock and The Pavilion to assess what went wrong for England down under and what Australia got right. Roland also highlights positives for England, including his personal insight into rising talent Jacob Bethell, who was brought up in Barbados. Part two is coming soon, featuring more listener questions on the Ashes. 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 is joined by Ukrainian cricket coach Olena Kravchenko and South African-born coach Kobus Olivier, speaking from Kyiv. You may remember Olena and Kobus from their achievement last October, when they brought a group of Ukrainian children to the UK for a cricket tour based at Rugby School. That tour proved a success, and they are now planning two further tours this spring. Stephen speaks to Olena and Kobus about the Victory Auction, an initiative set up to help raise funds towards travel costs, helping make these tours possible for many children affected by the war in Ukraine. A thoughtful and heart-warming conversation about cricket, opportunity, and the role sport can play in young lives. If you can help Olena and Kobus with the Victory Auction, please contact Kobus via LinkedIn. Special thanks to Daryll Cullinan, the former South African international for his help with this episode. 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 is joined by Racing Post bloodstock journalist Kitty Trice for a Breeze through the 2025 flat racing year. Kitty reviews the bloodstock season, the leading sires, and the horses that dominated the headlines, with stops at the sport’s biggest global races  from the Saudi Cup to the Japan Cup. To round things off, Kitty also reveals her three favourite horses of 2025 and explains what made them stand out.   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

As we build up to the Men’s T20 World Cup starting on the 7th of February in India and Sri Lanka, Stuart Law joins The Paddock and the Pavilion. The former Australian international and current coach of Nepal discusses the state of cricket in Nepal, a busy and successful 2025 for the national side, and their desire to cause an upset at this year’s T20 World Cup. 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 in June and July 2026, this episode looks ahead to the shape of the tournament. Host Stephen Wallis is joined by Rosa Simkin of Rosa Talks Ball to discuss the competition format, the teams involved, and England’s prospects on home soil ahead of a major summer of women’s 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

Esha Oza, captain and leading batter of the UAE women’s cricket team, joins The Paddock and the Pavilion to reflect on a busy 2025 that saw the UAE compete in World Cup qualifiers, the Gulf Cup, and the inaugural Emerging Nations tournament. The all-time leading run-scorer in T20 cricket by an associate nation batter also discusses the team’s plans for 2026, shares her thoughts on the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, and reflects on the current state of women’s cricket in the Middle East. Plus, Esha a previous winner at the FairBreak competition in 2023 shares her excitement about the tournament’s confirmed return in Saudi Arabia in autumn 2026. She reflects on what FairBreak has meant for her career so far and speaks enthusiastically about the possibility of being part of the event again and the opportunities it could bring. 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