Richard Botterill RIP

Richard Botterill, the Marketing Manager and auctioneer at Tattersalls Cheltenham, and a man well-known to many point-to-point handlers and owners, has passed away following a short illness at the age of 60.

Richard played a pivotal role in establishing jumping sales at Cheltenham Racecourse during his tenure as Bloodstock Sales Manager for Brightwells Auctioneers. More recently, he was instrumental in ensuring the continued growth and success of these sales under the Tattersalls Cheltenham banner.

With an innovative approach to selling proven jumps horses, he backed his judgement with confidence and worked tirelessly to deliver results in an industry he was truly passionate about.

Tattersalls Associate Director, Matthew Prior reflecting on Richard’s passing: “It’s incredibly hard to put into words just how much Richard meant to all of us. He wasn’t just a colleague – he was a great friend and the heart and soul of the Tattersalls Cheltenham sales. He was innovative, had an infectious enthusiasm, and a warmth that made everyone feel welcome.

"Tattersalls is indebted to him for his contribution to its sales in both the UK and Ireland, particularly in the point-to-point sector, where he played a pivotal role in its growth over the past 20 years. His absence will be profoundly felt at the sales, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Raised in Yorkshire, Richard was destined for a career in racing, bloodstock, and auctioneering, following in the footsteps of three generations of the Botterill family who had already made their mark in the industry.

Richard’s great-grandfather Richard Percival Botterill was a trainer based in Malton, whilst his grandfather, Jack Botterill, founded the family auctioneering business, Botterills. Jack initially sold horses in York and at the local racecourses following selling races, before establishing the first sales at Ascot Racecourse in 1953. The business was later taken over by Richard’s father, Michael, and his uncle John, carrying forward the family’s proud tradition in the industry.

In an interview in 2023 with EBN, Richard said: “My first recollection of Ascot is standing at the entrance to the ring as a child during what used to be called the Derby Sale, which was the June Sale, and seeing all these gorgeous, big National Hunt horses come through one by one.”&

He added: “I had my head in pedigree books and catalogues from a very young age. At prep school in Yorkshire at Terrington Hall, while my friends played their music records which we were allowed to bring from home, I drove them mad by listening to an album detailing the life of Mill Reef!”

After finishing school, a young Richard pursued his passion, starting his career with leading jumps trainer David Nicholson before moving on to the smaller but highly successful Bob Woodhouse.

When the time came to embark on his auctioneering career, Richard secured an ‘apprenticeship’ at Goffs, following in the footsteps of his father. He spent six years based in Ireland learning his craft and developing his expertise in the industry. Many mornings before work, he would set out on his bike to ride out for trainer Ted Walsh, all while competing in point-to-points. Though he never reached the top of the winners’ podium, a particular highlight of his riding career was securing a few rides for the legendary trainer P.P. Hogan.

With his auctioneering skills finely honed, Richard returned to the UK in 1990 to join the family firm at Ascot, where he spent five years gaining invaluable experience. In 1996, he embarked on his own venture, specialising in the sale of sports horses. Richard’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on when he orchestrated his first major innovation – staging the inaugural National Hunt Breeze Up Sale of New Zealand Thoroughbreds for renowned trainer David Barons.

By then Russell, Baldwin & Bright, later renamed Brightwells, had taken notice of Richard. The company acquired his business, bringing him on board as a shareholder at the Hereford-based auction house.

As Brightwells expanded its bloodstock division, the company successfully took over the auctioneering business at Ascot following the retirement of Richard’s father and uncle, paving the way for Richard’s return to the rostrum at the venue in 1998.

Richard described Brightwells, with its diverse non-equine and agricultural divisions, as a “fascinating” company to work for. In 2004, Richard achieved another milestone with his involvement in a second ‘first-ever’ – establishing a bloodstock sale in the Centaur building at Cheltenham Racecourse, held in association with the track’s April meeting.

That inaugural sale saw 35 horses sold, generating a turnover of just under £800,000 and an average price of £20,000.

In a 2017 interview in the Irish Field, Richard recalled: “It was a huge step for the company which, at the time, was considered by the industry as less bloodstock-focused than others. I believe this was to our benefit as we naturally thought outside of the box and weren’t frightened at being innovative in our decisions.”

Richard and Brightwells identified a niche in selling selected point-to-point horses at the home of jump racing, and very quickly the Cheltenham sales venue became an integral part of the jumping market. Over the past 21 years, sales at the venue have realised exponential growth, driven by the increasing demand for Irish and British point-to-pointers and jumps form horses.

In 2015, Tattersalls acquired Brightwells’ Ascot and Cheltenham Sales division, retaining the bloodstock team including Richard. Shortly thereafter, Richard played a pivotal role in successfully establishing the Ascot Yearling Sale, which has since been rebranded as the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale.

Richard took particular pride in his 21-year association with sales at Prestbury Park, including the most recent ten years with Tattersalls Cheltenham, as well as his family’s longstanding history with the Ascot sales.

Richard valued his interactions with both consignors and buyers, consistently striving to achieve the best outcomes for all parties involved. He took great pleasure in securing good prices in the auction ring and was immensely proud to witness graduates from the sales achieving success on the track.

Richard also deeply appreciated the camaraderie on the sales ground and took great satisfaction working closely with the team on a daily basis.

One of Richard’s most memorable moments on the Cheltenham rostrum was selling Envoi Allen, who has gone on to become a nine-time Grade 1 winner. The talented four-year-old point-to-pointer sold for £400,000 in 2018 after winning his maiden.

Auctioneering horses was Richard’s enduring and lifelong passion. Speaking on camera last autumn, he reflected on the excitement of his role, saying “To sell horses at Cheltenham under Tattersalls is amazing – there is such a buzz to it.”

Richard is survived by his wife Liz, and their son Jack.

Funeral details will be announced in due course