An Interview with Amateur Jockey Henry Crow

Henry Crow was still on cloud nine after his Aintree Foxhunters’ victory on board the heroic Barton Snow. And rightly so.

Adding to shrewd trainer Joe O’Shea's previous Aintree Foxhunters’ wins with Cousin Pascal in 2021 and last year’s Gracchus De Balme, Aintree had been the aim for Barton Snow. The win in the Cheltenham Foxhunters’ had been a ‘bonus’.

With a family history rich in point-to-pointing, Henry’s Grandmother, Sheila, won a Cheltenham Foxhunters’ in 2009 with Cappa Bleu and his father, Alistair, won the Amateur Championships in 1993 and 1995.

Whilst studying for A-levels, Henry cut a swathe through the point-to-point scene and, less than a decade later, swiped the biggest prizes at the pinnacles of jump meetings. Even on the amateur stage, he won the prestigious Lady Dudley Cup at Chaddesley Corbett in 2023 on Encounter A Giant, trained by Thomas Britten. So far, this season, he has had nineteen winners from forty-seven rides. Overall, Henry has ridden fifteen winners from thirty-three rides under Rules and over sixty between the Flags, giving an impressive career strike rate of 27%.

When Henry rode his first winner on his first ever ride, Executive Benefit at Chaddesley Corbett in December 2016, Joe O’Shea was that early supporter: ‘For Joe to put me on such a good horse on my first ride when I was so inexperienced, I will always be grateful.’ Even when studying Economics and Finance at the University of Bristol, Henry continued riding winners.

Henry winning on Boley Bob at Hexham

Pairing up to begin their season with a win in a Ludlow Hunter Chase in February, Henry and Barton Snow then beat favourite It’s On The Line by a neck in an ice cool ride at Cheltenham before assertively taking the honours at Aintree by seven lengths. It had been ten years since the double had been previously won and Barton Snow joins that short but esteemed list.

A true amateur, Henry, 25, was born and bred in Shropshire, where he runs the family arable farm and works on barn conversions. He also rides out every morning for Joe, as well as for a few other trainers.

Did you have a horsey childhood? Yes, I was always very busy with horses and flat out with ponies. I was a sporty kid – I ran for two counties in cross country and 800 metres and did a lot of sport.

First racing memory: I remember a day at Whitwick Manor really well, when My Flora and my parents’ horse, Current Exchange, both won for my Gran.

Was it always inevitable you’d go into racing? I was always with the horses and I grew up around the yard so it really was inevitable.

Did you ever use any steppingstones to become a jockey? I did pony racing. My pony wasn’t that great and she’d always finish second.

Favourite racecourse between the Flags: Overton up in Scotland is very very well run.

From a Ludlow hunter chase to the Cheltenham Foxhunters' to the brilliant win in the Aintree Foxhunters' 

Favourite racecourse under Rules: Cheltenham.

What do you love about racing? The horses are fantastic. I love the camaraderie – that we’re one big team. I also love following the progress of each horse.

What do you love about point-to-pointing? The owners are always lovely people to be involved with – I love the journey I share with them and their horses. 

Can you personally split your Cheltenham and Aintree victories in terms of achievement? They’re very different. The Cheltenham fan is more of a diehard racing one, whereas Aintree has a more light-hearted and fun vibe on course.

Cheltenham was just incredible – everyone dreams of having a Cheltenham Festival winner – it’s made more special because it’s such a hard race to win. Because the races are so different, for a horse to do the double, they have to have the attributes to win both and that takes an incredible horse.

Favourite racehorse: Barton Snow.

Describe Barton Snow’s character: The best thing about Barton Snow is his character. He’s got so much ability and he always is so unbelievably focused in a race. He is such a placid horse. In fact, his breeder used to call him Bambi, which shows what type of character he was even as a youngster. He’s so nice but so hard when it comes down to it in a race.

Racing hero: Joe O’Shea.

How secure is the future of point-to-pointing? As a sport, it isn’t secure – they’re mostly run by hunts and it all stems from the hunting ban. It leaves ‘pointing in a predicament.

The quality of horse has definitely improved in my time riding but the number of runners has decreased, which is another concern.

Despite all you have achieved, what are your hopes and dreams for the future? To ride another Cheltenham and Aintree winner! To do the double again next year on Barton Snow!

Favourite meal: Sunday roast.

Favourite drink: Water.

Favourite music: I am a podcast sort of guy – I love listening to different podcasts.

Other hobbies and interests: Keeping fit, going to the gym, and yoga and Pilates keep me loosened up.