‘Heart and Soul of Tattersalls Cheltenham’ Richard Botterill Dies at 60

[Wandering Eyes]

Richard Botterill, marketing manager and auctioneer at Tattersalls Cheltenham, has died at the age of 60 after a short illness. 

Announcing his passing, a statement released by Tattersalls read, “[Richard] died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. His loss is felt with immense sorrow across the entire Tattersalls group, and heartfelt condolences are extended to his family and friends during this difficult time. 

“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.”

Botterill, who grew up in Yorkshire, followed the tradition of three generations of his family when pursuing a career in the bloodstock industry. His great-grandfather Richard Percival Botterill trained in Malton, and 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.

After stints working for David Nicholson and Bob Woodhouse, Botterill followed his father in serving an 'apprenticeship' at Goffs, spending six years in Ireland, during which time he rode out for Ted Walsh and competed in point-to-points.

Returning to the UK in 1990 to join the family firm at Ascot, he later embarked on his own venture, specialising in the sale of sport horses and staged the inaugural National Hunt Breeze-up Sale of New Zealand Thoroughbreds for trainer David Barons. His business was subsequently bought by Russell, Baldwin & Bright, later renamed Brightwells, and he became a shareholder at the Hereford-based auction house.

Botterill 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 Botterill, who played a pivotal role in successfully establishing the Ascot Yearling Sale, which has since been rebranded as the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale.

Tattersalls associate director Matthew Prior said, “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.”

Botterill 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. Auctioneering horses was his 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 Botterill is survived by his wife Liz and son Jack. Funeral details will be announced at a later date. 

 

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