'WIZARD OF THE TURF'

It amazes many people to learn that Rugeley was once the home to one of the greatest names in horse-racing who produced no less than three Grand National winners (1907, 1910 & 1931), one of which was trained at his stables on Flaxley Green.

Rugeley has a long association with horses and racing - the annual Horse Fair was held here until well into the 12th century and Etching Hill was once host to a racecourse, but it was Tom Coulthwaite, who placed Rugeleys name well and truly into the Racing History books.

Born in 1861, Tom came to the Cannock Chase area from Manchester, having also trained in Carlisle. He was an accomplished sports figure, as a trainer, but also showed extreme talent at athletics and rugby.

He owned stables at Hazel Slade for some years before moving to Rugeley, and it was there he trained two Grand National winners and numerous other accomplished horses. Renown for his generosity to the poor, he bestowed local miners with gifts of meat and the local children with boots during stoppages at the pits. He also paid fares of passengers who were travelling on the same bus!

Tom stood as Conservative candidate for Council Elections in 1908, but felt snubbed when he was defeated which may have prompted his move a few years later to Rugeley, where he built training facilities on Flaxley Green, an immaculately maintained miniature Grand National course and a bungalow and outbuildings. His bungalow was known as 'The Castle' and was regularly visited by the most distinguished of visitors, including Edward Prince Of Wales, who covertly stayed at the trainers home when visiting Lord Ednam at Hindley Hall, Dudley, who had horses in training with Coulthwaite.

Tom was also a founder member of Beaudesert Golf Club, which he started with other golfing friends, but although he was the first Captain of the Club, he never found the time to become a particularly skilled golfer!

In 1913, Tom had been suspended from training along with jockey Bob Chadwick following an enquiry into the running of two horses he trained. Although he protested his innocence in the matter his licence was with-held for some years. His training methods were subject to much comment within the racing world but his results spoke for themselves and his understanding and respect for the horses he trained was doubtless. His inventions to promote the well being of his charges are still used today in many stables, and his famous winner Grakle,(pictured below) trained at Flaxley, gave its name to a type of crossed noseband used to control headstrong horses.

This National winner came when Tom was 70 in 1931. Grakle, a brown gelding owned by a Mr. C R. Taylor, won the National in 9 minutes 32.4 seconds - only two fifths short of the record.

The springy quality of the Chase turf had always appealed to Tom and he liked Rugeley's central position, often commenting  "You can take a horse anywhere from here!" and it was in the town that Tom retired to the house next door to the Police Station, still named 'Rathlea' after a favourite horse that won the Liverpool Spring Cup, Great Northern Handicap and the Chester Cup in 1912. He loved his garden, particular roses and had a magnificent display, winning numerous prizes for these.

Celebrating his Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1942, he invited many friends to the Plaza Cinema where he showed a film put together from numerous news footage depicting his wins and career in racing. They attended a party at a Rugeley cafe afterwards, and whilst this was taking place he provided his stableboys with a champagne party.

As a man, Tom strived for perfection in all he did. He never smoked or drank alcohol. As well as his racehorses and roses, he also kept prize pigeons and became an accomplished dancer after being taught by Victor Sylvester.

Sadly, Tom died on 13th January 1948 and his body was taken to Brooklands Cemetery in Sale, near Manchester for burial, and although there remain no trace of his gallops or bungalow on Flaxley Green, his memory remains deeply carved into the history of Rugeley and of the Racing World.