Get Involved... Terry Dadds

An Old Gold Racing owner shares their racing story.

Terry Dadds

Like many, I was introduced to racing through my Grandad who was an admirer of the great Mill House, unfortunately he had Arkle to compete against. It was Grandad who put my first bet on for me, which happened to be a winner in Highland Wedding in the 1969 Grand National.

I have watched racing on the television whenever it is on and since retirement have religiously watched all the major festivals. As a family we mostly went to Newmarket, but my wife and I branched out once we got married and have visited a number of courses all over the country. This blossomed when we joined MDM Thoroughbreds based in York in the late 1980's when we had most of our horses with Mel Brittain and Chris Thornton.

My best day at the races for picking winners was 2000 Guineas day in 1981 which also taught me never to back place only. It was ok with To-Agori-Mou who I backed at 5/2 but my other fancies were Cornishman at 20/1, Standaan 33/1 and another 16/1 winner that I can't recall. Needless to say I backed them all place only and they all won!

As our three boys flew the nest we could travel again to watch the racing and as my sister lived in Dubai at the time we went to the Dubai World Cup. It was in the early 2010’s and all I can remember was my wife Linda nearly being knocked down by Sheik Mohammed's bodyguards as she unaware stood just outside his private box as he came down to greet a winner.

Old Gold reignited our part ownership thrill in horses and we have had countless but currently have Chaos Control, Stroll On By, Sovereign Star and Jersey Rocs. Fingers crossed for further success in the near future, where hopefully we are at the course as we haven't been lucky enough to see one win in the flesh yet. However, we have enjoyed both the Old Gold racing days at Cheltenham and Chepstow and met friends who enjoy both the horse race ownership and backing horses. I also run a free tipping facebook page with competitions which some Old Gold owners really enjoy. Looking forward to when we win Owners Badges and one of our horses does the business on the day.

Favourite Racehorse

Flat - Standan

National Hunt - Desert Orchid

Favourite Trainer

David Elsworth and Ian Balding. Currently Charlie Johnston

Favourite Jockey

Graham Lee, Greville Starkey and Oisin Murphy

National Hunt or Flat

I always liked the Flat but now it's National Hunt

Favourite Racecourse /Meeting

Haydock Park but the Grand National is my favourite meeting.

Which Race would you want your horse to win

The Palace House Stakes, there is nothing like watching your horse emerge from the dip at Newmarket and hold on to win.

Any other interests

Ipswich Town Football Club and it would be nice to see them back in the Premier League next season. The club who provided the most successful England Managers ever. We also like to travel, especially on cruises.