Joe Tizzard, with his horses pounding the turf, returns to the scene filled with memories—the Cheltenham Festival. Known for his impressive feats both on the saddle and behind the stable doors, Joe is a name that echoes across the racing landscape. As a jockey, he led four to victory, including cues that cued his success: Cue Card and Flagship Uberalles among them. Now, wielding the trainer’s crop, he looks to carve out a fresh legacy under his own name at Spurles Stables, drawing from a well of past triumphs like his father Colin’s reign with Native River and Thistlecrack.
But, as the racing world knows, it’s not all fairy tales and glory laps. Joe finds himself in the third stretch of his training career, forging forward with the sure-footedness of his thoroughbreds. Reflecting on past splendors and future aspirations, the seasoned trainer shares, “To have a Cheltenham winner is just beyond magical. I was fortunate to experience it four times as a jockey. The moments, like Flagship Uberalles in the Arkle, live on, intertwined with my journey.” His passion shines through as he adds, “2018’s win with Kilbricken Storm and Native River still feels like yesterday. Now, I aim to etch my own name at Cheltenham.”
Tizzard is choosing the path of quality over quantity this season, opting for a refined selection of thoroughbreds instead of the previously brimming stable roster. Although there’s no Native River or Cue Card this time around, he’s directing his faith in a promising fleet headlined by The Changing Man. Having galloped triumphantly to a Grade Two victory, the eight-year-old stands tall as a key contender. The decision of which race this equine contender will tackle remains undecided—a tactical deliberation to ensure the best possible outcome.
“Winning in a field that fell apart does not deter his mettle,” Tizzard comments, buoyed by The Changing Man’s performance at Ascot despite the rollercoaster run-ups. Content with the ground they’ve gained, Joe reflects, “Our season rides high on young horses I’ve sourced with Ross Doyle. With momentum on our side, more tales of triumph are on the horizon.” The prospect of breaking new ground in success alongside cumulative prize money gains fuels the trajectory.
Adding to his Epsom-bound hopefuls, Lord Of Thunder stakes his claim. After shaking the jitters over a two-mile-seven at Newbury, his eyes are set on glory in the Grade Two novitiates’ contest. Should conditions agree, JPR One could gallop to Queen Mother Champion Chase glory or the Grand Annual. However, tread carefully, warns Tizzard—the race hinges on the clay’s embrace. “The Queen Mother is no ordinary invitation,” Joe explains, eager for conditions ensuring a sure gateway or a detour towards other mounts like Aintree.
The hopefuls don’t tire here—First Confession strides on the horizon to possibly emulate Kilbricken Storm’s Albert Bartlett shocker. Blazing with undemanding winners at Ascot, the colt’s inclusion in the Turners consolidates the trainer’s strategic intent. Tizzard recognizes, “His Ascot display speaks volumes. While unproven at this level, he steps up to three miles, ready to deliver. His hidden potential awaits its stage.”
Copperhead, with his seasoned hooves, and the fresh-faced Rock My Way join the fray, enriching Tizzard’s charge with experience and renewed vigor. Each possesses qualities worth the ride—Copperhead’s veteran wisdom and Rock My Way’s ambitious stride echo the yard’s ethos, capturing the trainer’s unyielding spirit.
While the odds stack against them, Tizzard holds his ground firmly planted in optimism: “Though I’m not carrying a favorite’s weight, I’ve got hearts with a fighting chance. Every mount, whether from the back or bursting out, points to a competitive spirit stirring the Cheltenham air.”
With every gridded move, Joe Tizzard weaves a tapestry of achievements, a testament to years of insight and learning weaving into anticipation for the next lap. As horses burst forth, tails high and hooves beating sure, Cheltenham 2025 awaits moments of memories yet to be written.
