Advertise on podcast: The Paddock and The Pavilion - The Horse Racing and Cricket Podcast

In this episode ofThe Paddock and The Pavilion, Stephen Wallis is joined by Cambridgeshire Women’s Head Coach Lee Smith, along with players Jess Pugh and Sophia Pearson, as the club continues its journey in Tier 3 of women’s county cricket. They reflect on the challenging 2025 league campaigns in both T20 and 50-over cricket, alongside a strong T20 County Cup run, before looking ahead to the new season. The group also discusses the wider growth of women’s cricket in England, including the impact of the tier system introduced last year, and each guest gives their perspective on this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in what is a significant year for the women’s game in this country. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scotland leg spinner Abtaha Maqsood joins The Paddock and The Pavilion ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup to discuss her second World Cup campaign, Scotland’s ambitions in the tournament, and the upcoming clash with England on 20 June. She looks ahead to her upcoming season with Essex and her hopes of returning to The Hundred in 2026.   She speaks thoughtfully about her role both on the pitch and beyond it, embracing the responsibility of being a modern day sporting role model for young Muslim women. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Woodward is known to many as the Voice of England Cricket and Lord’s, a presenter whose work is a familiar part of the matchday experience for supporters across the game. In this episode of The Paddock and The Pavilion, Graham reflects on his journey from being asked to move a car at a Sussex game to working at the Home of Cricket. Along the way, he shares insights into some of the biggest moments in the game, including Ashes contests and the 2019 Men’s World Cup Final. Graham also offers a behind-the-scenes look at a typical working day, explaining how preparation, style, tone, and vocal projection all play a crucial role in his role. He discusses how his approach adapts depending on the format whether it’s the rhythm and tradition of a Test match, the pace of a county game, the energy of a T20 Blast fixture, or the fast-moving entertainment of The Hundred. Beyond cricket, Graham highlights the variety in his career, with experience commentating across horse racing, greyhound racing, and motor racing. A fascinating insight into the craft of sports presentation and the voice behind the game. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second of our Women’s T20 World Cup build up episodes, Stephen Wallis is joined by Netherlands international Sterre Kalis to look ahead to a historic moment for Dutch cricket, as the women’s team prepare for their first ever qualification for a global tournament. Sterre shares her thoughts on how the Netherlands secured their place and the excitement of facing Australia, India, and South Africa on the biggest stage. She also reflects on her experiences playing abroad, in The Hundred, and in county cricket with Yorkshire, and gives her reaction to the recent Hundred draft, where she has been signed by London Spirit. Attention now turns to the Women’s T20 World Cup for Sterre and the Netherlands.   Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John James, known affectionately as “Jinx,” joins The Paddock and The Pavilion. During the 1960s and 70s, he was associated with three Grand National winners — Kilmore, Anglo and Rag Trade as well as a second-place finish. He also rode a winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 1973 on his first festival ride, in quite unusual circumstances. John now has a successful career running Brookside Stud just outside. Newmarket. Fifty years since his last connection with Rag Trade he takes a trip down memory lane to share some wonderful Aintree tales. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordan Thompson has spent his entire cricket career at Yorkshire CCC before making the big move south to Warwickshire CCC. In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, he talks about leaving his home county, the reasons behind the move, and his plans for the 2026 season. Now Edgbaston bound, the 29-year-old all-rounder will play his home games there for Warwickshire and in The Hundred after being bought in the auction by Birmingham Phoenix. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday 11 March, cricket in this country entered a new era with its first player auction. In Cricket’s Bargain Hunt, Rosa Simki of Rosa Talks Ball joins the podcast to discuss how the eight Hundred teams went in search of new players for the 2026 season. A transformational moment for the women’s game, Rosa explains the bidding process, highlights the best value picks, and looks at why teams targeted certain players, running through each franchise’s key signings. She also gives an early prediction on who she thinks will win the women’s Hundred competition. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Roland Butcher returns to offer his thoughts on the recent Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The former England international discusses whether India are becoming invincible in the T20 format and reflects on England’s run to the semi-finals, including what that campaign means for Brendon McCullum’s future. He also shares his views on the performance of the associate nations at the tournament, and what they must do to improve their chances of competing more effectively against the major nations. Looking ahead, Roland turns his attention to England’s early summer Test series against New Zealand in June, where he gives his first prediction for the summer. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Stephen Wallis brings you a featured excerpt from episode 405, focusing on the club game in Cambridgeshire. Stephen is joined by James Williams, Head Coach of the Cambridgeshire men’s team and Head of the Cambridgeshire performance pathway, who offers a candid assessment of the current state of club cricket in the county.  This segment also focuses on Wisbech, with James sharing insight into the situation at his own club, both on and off the field. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion, Stephen Wallis turns the spotlight on Cambridgeshire cricket with guest James Williams. A former Cambridgeshire captain and current men’s head coach, James also leads the county’s Male Performance Pathway while continuing to play for Wisbech Cricket Club in the Cambs and Hunts Premier Division. He reflects on his playing career, his role in developing cricketers across all levels, and the latest from Wisbech. The conversation begins with a standout moment from last summer, as James recalls making his debut at Lord’s, achieving a lifelong ambition at the Home of Cricket. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com         Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extraordinary cricketing adventure. At just 18, Tommy Lamb set off from Manchester with one goal: to reach Australia for an Ashes Test without getting on a plane. His journey began with the ferry to Holland and took him across Europe, through Iran, Pakistan, and China, and on into the Far East, facing challenges, risks, and unforgettable moments along the way before finally arriving in Australia. He came incredibly close to achieving that aim. This interview was recorded on the 17th of February. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup coming to England and Wales this summer, Stephen Wallis looks ahead to one of the biggest events in the global women’s game in this episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion. Joining him is tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild, who is counting down the days until the opening match. With fewer than 100 days to go, Beth discusses the preparations taking place behind the scenes, the significance of hosting a tournament of this scale for women’s sport and women’s cricket in this country, and England’s chances on home soil.  The conversation considers what success for the tournament could mean for the wider game across the UK once the competition has finished. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our third and final Cheltenham Festival episode of The Paddock and The Pavilion, the guest is Richard Pitman. Born in Cheltenham, Richard rode major winners at the Festival before going on to spend 37 years working for the BBC as a TV horse racing presenter. In this conversation, Richard looks back on his time working for the legendary Fred Winter, champion jockey turned champion trainer and explains why he says, “he was my hero.” He talks about what it was like working for Winter, the qualities that made him such a remarkable figure, and how he dealt with both success and disappointment in the world of top-level National Hunt racing. Richard shares some wonderful stories in a packed hour-long show from one of Cheltenham’s own. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Cheltenham Festival special, Painting the Festival, Stephen Wallis is joined by Emily Johnson, the resident artist at Cheltenham Racecourse. Emily is currently creating a community celebration in art project featuring Rachael Blackmore riding the two-time Champion Hurdle winning mare Honeysuckle. The striking piece, measuring six feet by four feet, is being painted live at the racecourse throughout the four-day meeting, with Emily aiming to complete the artwork during the Festival itself.  The artwork is also being decorated with signatures from some of the most recognisable names in horse racing, along with many others who have connections to Cheltenham Racecourse. The piece is intended as a celebration of the people who make the racecourse what it is, both on and off the track. Emily discusses the inspiration behind the project, the experience of painting during one of racing’s most iconic meetings and reflects on her work as an equine artist. Stephen is also joined by Andre Klein, Assistant General Manager at Cheltenham Racecourse, who shares an update on the final preparations and what racegoers can look forward to during the week ahead. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Festival Runner is the 400th episode of The Paddock and the Pavilion with Stephen Wallis. Trainer Nick Scholfield, the former Cheltenham Festival winning jockey, joins the podcast to discuss his move into training and the excitement of preparing his first runner at the Festival. His six year old mare St Irene runs in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday 12 March and Nick reflects on her preparation, the challenge of the race and the significance of saddling his first runner at the Cheltenham Festival. Please subscribe to us on Apple podcasts, Amazon music, Spotify or on our YouTube channel. Connect with us on X, Facebook & Instagram @ThePaddandPav www.stephenwallismedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices