Inside track: Jonnie’s death a blow to racing

May 15 2009 The Journal

IT was a huge blow to the northern racing community this week to hear of the sad death of Jonnie Fenwicke-Clennell on Saturday, a day when his big presence should have been looming large as clerk at Hexham racecourse.

Jonnie was a hugely likeable and well respected clerk who had infinitely more experience than anyone else on the northern circuit. His experience came from many years in the job and a good variety of courses that he managed including Carlisle, Hexham, Kelso, Ayr, Cartmel and Hamilton.

When I was a trainee clerk, 10 years ago, trying to gain the necessary experience to “fly solo”, Jonnie could not have given more time, help and guidance to me on my visits to Carlisle. One thing that sticks in my memory, and I hold on to, is his honesty. When people now call me regarding going descriptions and the possible outcomes of inspections I try to give them the candid answer that he would have done.

I am sure that has always stood me in good stead and helped build up my relationship with people in racing.

Jonnie’s passion for jump racing and his familiar dulcet tones that echoed around the northern point to point circuit will be greatly missed.

His interest in the sport was infectious and was made very obvious by the knowledge that flowed freely when he spoke about each horse and rider. He will be sorely missed by all who met him and I am sure that there will be a huge turnout at Alwinton Church, near Rothbury, Northumberland at 2pm on Monday.

I wish all his family well during these sad times.

This evening sees another six competitive race cards take place at Newcastle Racecourse. Gates open at 4.30pm. The going is on the fast side of good but rain later could see that ease. In the opening event at 6.10pm the David Barron-trained Tres Coronas could follow up on last week’s course win when he steps up from 5f to 6f which looks to probably suit.

In the 7.55pm, Dechiper can follow up on last week’s win. also over a slightly longer trip of 2m. Should the rains arrive and the ground ease a bit this could see a sequence of wins for the locally trained course specialist.

In the 8.25pm, John N Dunn Group Ltd Handicap Stakes over 7f, the Howard Johnson-trained Eton Rifles looks well handicapped to play a major part in the finish.

I look forward to an excellent night of racing and hope to see you all there.

JAMES Armstrong is clerk of the course at Gosforth Park.