Tom Broughton (18) rode his first winner on Cian Boy at the 2015 Brocklesby Point-to-Point and followed up this success by winning on Kayjaydee at Garthorpe. Both these horses, owned by his parents and trained at their home at Searby Top near Caistor are ready to run again this year. In addition to this Tom, who is in Year 13 at Brigg Sixth Form College studying A-Levels in Sport, Geography and Business Studies, rides out for Nick Kent at Cadney five mornings a week, he also hunts regularly with the Brocklesby. Since last Point-to-Point season Tom has gained more experience having had a handful of rides for Nick Kent under rules the most notable being Celtic Sixpence who finished third in an Amateur riders race at Leicester last October. He is an emerging talent in the Midlands area and someone to watch out for in the months ahead.
How is the Point-to-Point season going so far?
I have had just the one ride on No Alterations at Sheriff Hutton in January. It was very wet but he coped well with the soft going and jumped well to finish third in a very competitive Restricted race. We were delighted with him and I was pleased to be asked to ride for Jane Kent’s yard and Victoria Cottingham.
What rides are you expecting to have on Sunday at the Brocklesby?
I ride No Alterations in the Member’s race; the ground is likely to be on the softer side which will suit him and he jumps well so the track should be in his favour and he has a solid chance. If No Alterations doesn’t run then we will run Kayjaydee in the Member’s otherwise she will line up in the Connolly’s Red Mills Intermediate race. It will be nice to get a run into her and it isn’t far to take her to Brocklesby. She does better towards the end of the season as she likes the sun on her back and Garthorpe so the aim would be to try to win with her there. Later on I ride Balinderry in the final Maiden. He is a nine year old that has been in training with Nick Kent and been placed under rules. He is owned by a group of people (the BDS Pointers Partnership headed by Bob Carter) who are hoping to have some fun with him; I have schooled him a lot and he jumps well, hopefully he will be able to win a race for them this season. He is certainly more experienced than most of the other entries for Sunday.
What do you like about riding at Brocklesby?
It’s great to ride in front of a home crowd, the fences are brilliant and the ground is always well prepared.
What are your aims for the season- have you set yourself any targets?
I can’t wait for the season to get into full swing as I have a few good rides to come. My main aims are to win with both Kayjaydee and Cian Boy again. I would really like to win a race for Nick and Jane as they have been really good and helpful. Nick rides out so we go up the gallops together and he gives me tips and shouts instructions as we are going along. He also watches races with me on DVD’s and tells me what I should have done; he knows all the tricks!
Once you have finished your A-Levels do you plan to go to University?
No, I intend to get a job in racing; I’d like to be attached to a trainer’s yard as an amateur rider next season.