Mattie Batchelor Reflects On An Emotional Time In The Saddle For The Bradstocks

As the Coral Gold Cup draws closer, Newbury Racecourse reflects on  2011 winning trainer, Mark Bradstock, and his immense achievements both in and out of the saddle.

Based locally in Letcombe Bassett, Mark Bradstock created a huge legacy which extended well beyond the confines of Newbury and  remains a significant figure at Newbury and the Racecourse.

Mark began his career in racing under seven-time Coral Gold Cup winning trainer Fulke Walwyn, where he would stay for a successful 10 years. Mark started with Fulke as a stable lad, before quickly being promoted to Pupil Assistant, and then moving into the role of Assistant Trainer following many successes with the Lambourn-based trainer.

Throughout Mark’s own career he achieved many notable successes, including three wins in the saddle for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, winning the Champion Trainer title an impressive five times, training over 2,000 winners (four of which were Cheltenham Gold Cup victories), but most notably to Newbury Racecourse, his 2011 win with Mattie Batchelor and Carruthers.

Mattie Batchelor took to the saddle many times for  Mark over an 11-year period, but the win aboard Carruthers remains a huge highlight in his career.

“He took me to races I’d only dreamed of riding in, and that was all thanks to Mark and Sara.” Mark Bradstock continued to train a host of winners following his 2011 success, until February 23rd, 2024, when his last winner, Mr Vango, crossed the line in front, shortly before Mark sadly passed away in March 2024.

Mark made a huge impression on the racing community, and with all those who were involved with him.

Newbury Racecourse spoke with Mattie Batchelor about the emotional win aboard Carruthers and what the Bradstock family meant to him.

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