In December we took some time out to speak with the Racing Manger and one of the founder members of Ursa Major Racing Club: Craig Talbot. He is the man who makes everything happen behind the scenes whether it is buying new horses for the club, speaking with trainers and jockeys over the phone or engaging and updating members.

Craig is one of the friendliest and likeable characters in racing and if anyone ever has any questions about the club, they can use the details to connect with Craig on the Contact page of this website.

Here is what we asked Craig in December 2020:

Q: Craig Talbot you are one of the founding members of Ursa Major Racing Club and are its Racing Manager, but what was the idea and motivation behind starting the racing club?

I run a successful tipping service called Teddy Tips we are now into year 9 of the journey. 3 years ago, myself and some long-term members of the service decided to make some enquiries to trainers. Mark Walford was the only one of the 10 we emailed who bothered to reply. We went to see him got Cape Hideaway and the rest is history.

Q: In those early days how did you take a vision and a dream and make the club happen?

It’s started as a fun hobby never in a million years did, I expect it to grow as quickly as we have. But there is a market there for this and us to keep growing by keeping fees to a minimum for the public. Some syndicates and how much they charge really bugs me I wish people would do their homework before signing up to things.

Q: Cape Hideaway was the club’s first horse, what was it like to see the famous Battenberg silks out on the racecourse for the first time?

Amazing! There was a lot of work put in by various members, but my wife and I spent hours and hours getting the club setup so to see the colours on the track and then for Cape Hideaway to win it really was special.

Q: Since, Cape Hideaway the club has been involved with lots of horses, what horse is the most special to you from all the Ursa Major horse’s past and present?

Take A Break was special we bought him from a seller, and he won his next two starts for us but Candescence winning earlier this year on debut was amazing. There is something special about buying a yearling and watching them grow up. Much more to come from Candescence in 2021.

Q: Craig, club members see there are many highs and lows to life as an owner of a horse and it can be a roller coaster ride, what is a day in the life like for a racing manager?

Challenging and Busy - We also have 100 owners now in URSA Major. As we are now using more trainers it’s trying to build a relationship like I have with Mark Walford. Getting information photos videos etc for the owners to keep them informed is paramount. There are more bad days then good days in racing so make sure you really celebrate the good ones.

Q: Ursa Major has had a close and fruitful relationship with Mark Walford since our inception, what was it that drew you to Mark as a trainer and now means we have an army of horses in his yard?

He bothered to reply to my first email! - Mark is a fantastic trainer we clicked from day one and have a great understanding. We have become good friends and look forward to a positive 2021. All owners love going to the yard everyone is so friendly and there is a great atmosphere always there. Special mention to Marks Dad Tim [Walford] who always gives his time and Makes us laugh at his stories. What a Legend!

Q: Now to mention our members, the club started from small beginnings and involved your friends, family and associates involved in ownership, however we now have members from all parts of the world, what do you think makes the club so special and appealing to old and new members?

Yes, we have members in Europe, USA everywhere in the world it’s amazing. People understand our vision and the fact we are trying to keep things as close to cost price as possible. We are a very social club running many different competitions and events. Pre-Covid we would regularly have meet ups at race days with our horses, a summer BBQ (at Mark Walford’s yard) and a Christmas Party. For us the social part of the club is just as important as the racing part. Our members are everything and are part of the Battenberg Army. Hopefully in 2021 if we have a horse that race’s in Europe, we can have a Battenberg international tour as well! Competition wise we are regularly running prize draws for shares in our horses or cash prizes. We even ran a competition in 2020 to donate a share in Kodimoor to a Key worker, the winner was someone that works for the NHS! It is just important to us to give back to our members wherever we can because they are the ones that make it all possible.

Q: Finally Craig, 2020 has been a difficult year for a lot of people in many ways but Ursa has been fortunate enough to buck the trend and grow as a club, with horses in training and a growing membership; but what does 2021 and beyond bring for the club? What are the plans for the immediate future and beyond?

I think the main vision for 2021 is to improve the quality of horses. We move into Ireland from January and I hope to crack that market over there and have 3/4 horses over there by the end of the year.

Finally, I just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021

Craig Talbot

Racing Manger