With the 2022/23 jumps season now reaching full flow, we’re all looking for some horses to follow this winter and Fergal O’Brien’s stables are packed full of equine talent.

After combining forces with fellow Cotswolds trainer Graeme McPherson, Fergal sent out a record 128 winners last season, passing the £1million prize money mark for the first time. H&H went behind the scenes with the Ravenswell team to find out some of the secrets to the team’s success (which you can read in Horse & Hound magazine issue, dated 20 October) and here are some insights as to their horses to follow during the 2022/23 National Hunt season.

Fergal O’Brien’s horses to follow: Hullnback

“We went to Chepstow for his first start [last season] having not really done a great deal at home,” explains Fergal of the first of his horses to follow. “He’s owned by a great bunch of lads from Hull and they were really keen to back him and I was trying to calm them down!

“Evan Williams had a couple of runners and he doesn’t have many in bumpers so I was thinking that a top six finish would be a great result and I was telling them that. We rode him like that and [jockey] Paddy Brennan said once he gave him a squeeze turning into the straight he just took off. It does happen sometimes that horses that show very little at home just light up at the track. For a bumper horse he absolutely galloped through the line and I was just thinking ‘jeez’.

“We then went to Newbury for a Listed bumper and it just didn’t work as well for us dropping him in that day,” says Fergal of the son of Schiaparelli. “The owners took it on the chin and we went to Aintree after that as he’s a big raw horse and he ran a screamer.”

Captain Cattistock

“He could still be on a good mark,” says Fergal of Nic Brereton’s nine-year-old, who finished third in his season opener at the Cheltenham Showcase Meeting (22 October). “His first target will be the Edinburgh National [at Musselburgh in February]] once again. We’ll see how we go there and I’d love to get him into the Grand National. Nic Brereton who owns him and sponsors me has always dreamed of having a runner in that race, so it would be lovely if we could do that.”

Paint The Dream

“He was smashing last year and we’ve got a bit of a divided camp on whether he’ll stay or he won’t stay, our only way to find out is hopefully aiming him for the Hennessy [Coral Gold Cup] at Newbury and then we’ll see where we go from there,” says Fergal of the eight-year-old chaser, a son of Brian Boru owned by David Brace.

Horses to follow: hurdler Poetic Music

“She was sixth in the Champion Bumper when it went very heavy; she wants a bit of soft ground but it was very soft that day,” says Fergal. “She travelled really well down the hill and didn’t quite come back up it, but she’s only a four-year-old and she ran a blinder. She’s come back in looking a monster and hopefully we can move forward with her this season, she’ll go over hurdles.”

Punctuation

“He’s a lovely horse and he’s from a nice jumping family,” says Fergal of Grant Leon’s five-year-old, bought from The Queen. “Charlie Longsdon was just a bit unfortunate with him and it didn’t happen for him there and when we got him we were able to give him a break because that’s what he needed.

“Paddy Brennan was very good at him at Warwick the first time and I thought he was very good at Newbury last time. I thought going to the last there that we’d be second, but he absolutely winged it and put his head down and really tried. He wants a bit of cut in the ground and two and a half miles minimum, but hopefully there’s a nice race in him somewhere.”

Bonnttay

“She was great for us last year and she’s three from three, she got a heart murmur but if we can get that right she’s got a massive engine,” says Fergal. “She’s got a great temperament and does everything you’d want her to do, we just need to get over that heart murmur. She literally lives with an ECG machine on her and it’s so far so good.”

Fergal O’Brien’s horses to follow: Silver Hallmark

“Nothing went right for him last year, he was either right and then the ground was wrong or the ground was right and he wasn’t,” reveals Fergal of the next of his horses to follow, an eight-year-old chaser by Shirocco. “He’s a lovely horse and he’s got a huge engine in him, he beat McFabulous on his first hurdle run at Chepstow and I probably haven’t placed him the best since, but he’s won a Grade Two Chase for us [Altcar Novices’ Chase] at Haydock Park. On his day he’s very good and I think he’s got stronger this year. I think if we can get a few more runs into him, there’s a good race in him.”

Pull Again Green

“He was a superstar for us last season and he’ll go novice chasing this term,” says Fergal of the six-year-old, who finished third at Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting (21 October). “Paddy wanted to stick over hurdles with him but he’s such a good jumper that I just felt that handicap hurdles might be a bit tough for him. He’s a big beautiful horse so fingers crossed he makes up into a nice chaser.”

Mortlach

“We call him the cash cow, because he’s won six for us and he’s been placed in all of his other races!” says Fergal of the seven-year-old. “He’s been a great horse for us this summer, but I can’t see him going too much further into the season. He’s very straightforward though and a pleasure to train.”

Horses to follow: hurdler Shallow River

“He’ll want further in time and I think he showed that in his bumper win at Wincanton,” says Fergal of Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club’s Ocovango six-year-old. “He was very good in his hurdle race at Huntingdon [in January], so he’s a lovely horse.”

Crambo

“[Jockey] Connor Brace said he was never going to get beat that day [at Huntingdon in March], so he’s really exciting,” says Fergal of the last of his horses to follow this season, a five-year-old, owned by Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd and Chris Giles. “He jumps really well and I’m looking forward to him.”

With thanks to The Jockey Club

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Opinion

I would like to start by wishing Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry both a happy retirement. They’ve been excellent, not just as lady jockeys, but as jockeys of any gender, with wins at the Cheltenham Festival, Irish Grand National and so on. They are both phenomenal riders and great role models for young female jockeys, too.

For kids like my daughter Fern, who’s really getting into her racing, seeing women like that is important. Not only are they a good example in terms of race-riding, but are also a lesson in how to conduct yourself. They will both be very successful whatever they do next, and credit to them for really opening up the sport for lady jockeys to be competitive.

On another note, a couple of weeks ago at Cheltenham, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) cancelled a long-distance chase at Cheltenham due to the heat, which split opinion. None of the horses were conditioned for it, so it was in the animals’ best interest. I was surprised they didn’t cancel the rest of the races, but it was proved the right decision.

The BHA is doing a great job, prize money is up and I think racing is in a really good place. The record crowds keep proving this and I think family days are an excellent way to get people involved.

We’d all love a Tiger Roll

This year’s Randox Health Grand National was a really well-run race, and was a great spectacle. You’d normally not get too excited if you were an outsider at 50/1, but here you’ve got every chance. It didn’t go brilliantly for us — Perfect Candidate fell at the first and Chase The Spud pulled up after a circuit.

Tiger Roll is a freak. He’s done so many things — to win at Cheltenham and at Aintree, credit to Gordon Elliott, who’s done a great job. We’d all love to have a horse like Tiger Roll, and Davy Russell gave the horse a fantastic ride, too.

Back to business

The season is over and the champions have been crowned. You have to take your hat off to Nicky Henderson, who won the trainers’ title for a fifth time. He’s always quiet at the start of the season, but he cleans up when the National Hunt proper starts. He’s been so consistent all year, has a great strike rate and it’s well deserved.

Credit also to Richard Johnson, as he’s done really well to pick up the jockeys’ title again and has a great support team of trainers. James Bowen, who won the conditional jockey’s accolade, is also worth a mention — he’s just 17 yet looks like he’s being doing it for years.

We are ready to start again now for the forthcoming season, and it’s straight on to the next one for us. The break is more for the jockeys really, but we have a runner on Saturday so it’s business as usual for trainers and staff.

We finished the season in a great position, at 13th in the table. We had 60 winners — 61 if you include the one on the Flat — and had our first Grade One with Poetic Rhythm, so there have been lots of positives. We’re delighted, and it’s thanks to our owners, jockeys, staff and horses.

We have some lovely youngsters now for next season, too, including Jarveys Plate, who won the bumper at Perth and was our 60th winner of the season, equalling our total of last year.

Ref Horse & Hound; 3 May 2018

OPINION

One of the most exciting times of the year is nearly here — the Grand National meeting at Aintree. It’s always a great occasion, as everyone goes and stays up in Liverpool.

There’s a real festival spirit. While it’s the infl ux of Irishthat add to the atmosphere at Cheltenham, it’s the people of Liverpool that make Aintree; they really go all out.

We have Perfect Candidate and Chase The Spud entered for the big race. Only if the ground stays soft will Chase The Spud have a run — he’ll like the trip and the track will suit him.

Ahead of Aintree we don’t change our routine — some people like to school over the

National fences at Lambourn, and some trainers have them at their yards — but we don’t do that. We just get them as fi t as possible ahead of the day.

I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in two Grand National winners when I was at Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard (Earth Summit and Bindaree) and it’s always an exciting time.

This year, I can’t look past Blaklion, who is also trained by Nigel. I think you have to discount the run in the Grand National Trial at Haydock (where he was beaten by 54 lengths), it was a gruesome race that day, and judging by his win in the Becher Chase he’s a solid National choice.

He’s the right shape and size for the race, not too big and burly, and he’s got the speed.

And if there’s someone who knows how to train a National winner, it’s Nigel.

Reflecting on Cheltenham

It was a shame the Lambourn Open Day was a bit of a wash-out. However, Nicky

Henderson’s yard was open, so at least fans were able to visit there. I think it’s a great idea and a brilliant fundraiser. It brings the sport together and it’s good for people to see behind the scenes and meet some Cheltenham winners.

Cheltenham seems a while ago now, but we were delighted with all our runners. We sent seven to the Festival and four were placed, which was great for the team and the owners. Most handled the testing ground OK, bar Poetic Rhythm, but he goes to Aintree now.

Cheltenham was a top event, and that was reflected in the record crowd numbers.

National Hunt racing is a very good place to be right now; there’s been lots of positive feedback and it seems to be growing in popularity outside of the direct community.

I tipped Native River ahead of the Gold Cup and was thrilled to see him win.

It was an excellent training performance from Colin Tizzard and a fantastic ride by Richard Johnson. It was a solid race, a great Gold Cup and fascinating to watch.

Talking of the Tizzards, I think it’s nice they’ve chosen to announce Cue Card’s retirement ahead of time. I’m sure he’ll get the send-off he deserves and his final run will draw in the crowds. The Tizzards always do the right thing by him,and Cue Card has been a great character for racing.

Dragging up old history

There has been more talk about banning the whip recently, however, I don’t think that it helps our industry to keep bringing it up when there’s not an issue. If there was a welfare issue, it absolutely should be addressed, but the authorities are happy, and the record crowds show the fans are, too. It’s more damaging to public perception to be dragging it up.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 5 April 2018

Opinion

Grand Military day at Sandown is a great occasion, and this year was especially memorable for us as my partner Sally Randell won the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorial Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle on Ratify.

Sally served in the army, but hadn’t race-ridden in three years, although she has won that race before. Sally said to me a few weeks ago she’d like to compete in the race, and she’d like to ride Ratify. He’d never won over hurdles, and he’s 14, but she’s been riding him out in the past few weeks and his owners John and Val King said they’d like to give it a crack, so we went for it.

Tactically, she was the most experienced jockey in the race and they won by one-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Nicky Henderson’s No Hiding Place. It was Ratify’s first win over hurdles and it was wonderful for both of them.

Afterwards we went to Windsor Castle to meet The Queen. It’s the third time I’ve met her and she was so relaxed. We had a chat, she was very engaging and said to Sally, “I thought you’d retired” — which of course she has, a couple of times.

The Queen also said she was pleased to see a 14-year-old racehorse looking so sprightly, which was nice that she’d obviously watched the race and is very interested in her racing. She was there mingling with her guests and she seemed very at home. It was very special and we have some lovely memories.

A good win for a young jockey

I was delighted for Jamie Bargary to win the Imperial Cup on Mr Antolini. It was a great effort to win on a 20-1 outsider and, although there was a bit of a barging match, the team came out on top. He’s a good rider and has a supportive boss in Nigel Twiston-Davies. We’re all thrilled for him.

Ref Horse & Hound; 15 March 2018

Opinion

The Injured Jockeys Fund’s Oaksey House in Lambourn (pictured) has had a revamp and it’s great news for the sport. Now its gym is three times bigger and it even has a hydrotherapy pool, named after AP McCoy. Alain Cawley, who rides for us, dislocated both of his shoulders and they were fantastic rehabilitating him. I’m sure footballers get looked after well, too, but what we have in racing is second to none. It looks after them mentally, too, and they are helped to recover quickly in all ways.

The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards are another strong initiative to support the industry. Jessica McLernon, who won employee of the year, is a great example of why these awards are so important. To rise up through the ranks at Richard Fahey’s, which is a big yard, to become assistant trainer is an impressive achievement and the recognition is well deserved. It’s acknowledging racing is not just a day job; it’s doing what you love, but doing it well.

Mares-only day is a winner

I’m delighted with the news that there’s to be a mares-only raceday at Cheltenham on 19 April. We’re lucky to train some nice mares, so fingers crossed it should be an excellent day. There’s good prize money at £190,000, too.

There are some great initiatives with mares’ programmes, including this one. The focus has grown on mares in recent years — they’re every bit as good as the boys, and the British Horseracing Authority should be applauded for its promotion of mares’ races. This should be an exciting day.

£100,000 win a huge deal for my team

It’s been a great week for my yard with Master Dee taking the Grade Three Handicap Chase at Kempton under Barry Geraghty on Saturday, 24 February. He’s a very consistent horse; he’s never been out of the first three, and to win a £100,000 race for his owners is amazing.

There were times I wanted to run him ahead of this, but it wasn’t quite the right moment so we were patient and it’s paid off. He has options at Aintree now, maybe the Topham or a handicap, but we’ll see. Cheltenham is too soon, he’s had a hard enough race already. A race like this is a huge deal for the yard — prize money aside, the press interest and publicity is fantastic.

Eyes on Cheltenham

It’s all about the preparation for Cheltenham now. It’s an exciting but nervous time for us. We’ve been trying to keep the horses in good form. They are running well at the moment, so we just have to hope they go there in the best possible form, and we’re really looking forward to it.

I think it’s the right choice for trainer Colin Tizzard’s stable star Cue Card to head to the Ryanair. The Tizzards will always do the best thing by the horse, and his best chance is in the Ryanair so that’s where he should head. Paddy Brennan was exceptional on him last week to finish second in the Grade One Ascot Chase, but the Gold Cup isn’t on the cards.

It was nice for Ruth Jefferson to have a big winner in Waiting Patiently, who beat Cue Card, especially as she’s had such a tough time recently as her father, trainer Malcolm, passed away. She’s taken over his licence and is doing amazingly. It took me six years to win a Grade One, and it’s taken her six days. I’m really pleased for her.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 1 March 2018

Opinion

Our fortunes have turned, as after a quiet January, we’ve been all go. It’s been a good start to the month, with six winners at the time of press. Our 50th winner of the season came at Huntingdon on 8 February — at the same meeting as last year — and for the same owners, John and Val King, just with a different horse. This year it was Ratify while last year it was Petite Power, so we were thrilled with that.

On Sunday, we had a winner at Exeter with Time To Move On, making it two from two in bumpers with him. He’s been ridden by Barry Geraghty both times, and he’s been impressed with the horse, so we’ll see how he goes. He’ll be aimed at either Cheltenham, Aintree or Punchestown.

Everyone in the yard is in good spirits. Paddy Brennan took everyone out for a meal the other week, which was good fun, so morale is high. The whole team works hard and gets involved.

Pointers from Newbury

Altior and Native River were very impressive at the weekend, and couldn’t have really been more so, both coming back with a win after long lay-offs. It was a great bit of training from Nicky Henderson and Colin Tizzard respectively, it’s a lot of hard work doing that. However, the difficult thing is now keeping them on track and getting them to their peak on the day at Cheltenham. Both trainers are more than capable of doing that so it’s an exciting prospect.

It was also great to see Amy Murphy train a winner in Kalashnikov in the Betfair Hurdle. She works really hard and it was nice to see the horse win. It was also good for Jack Quinlan — the team has stuck with him even though they could have gone with someone with more experience, and their loyalty has paid off.

A successful inaugural meeting

The new Dublin Festival (2-3 February at Leopardstown) is a great initiative and it went well. Some of our owners went over and said it was a great weekend and the atmosphere was buzzing — I think it helped that Ireland won the rugby and I imagine there were a fair few sore heads on Sunday. It was a great Festival though and Willie Mullins was phenomenal. I don’t think it’s fair to say that it wasn’t supported by trainers in England, just that it’s a long way to travel for heavy ground when you had a Cheltenham trial in the UK just a week before. It’s a matter of doing what’s best for your horse, whether that’s putting them on a lorry for ten hours or just going down the road. It’s not like it’s an easy option either — you’re on Mullins/Elliott territory and that’s tough.

The organisers were rewarded with some good runners and I think the Festival has a great future. It was heartwarming to see Edwulf win the Irish Gold Cup, especially after what happened at Cheltenham where he collapsed after the finish. It was a super team effort and everyone was quick to praise the hard work of the Cheltenham vets. That’s a nice side of racing.

A bit of a mix up

For the second time in sixth months horses have run in races they haven’t been entered for (at Southwell on 14 January African Trader was declared to run, but Scribner Creek ran instead, and vice versa). It’s beggars belief how it can happen as horses need scanning in and out so it should be nigh on impossible. Hopefully it was just a blip and won’t happen again.

Ref Horse & Hound; 15 February 2018

Opinion

All eyes are on the Cheltenham Festival now, especially after Trials Day at the weekend. Cheltenham’s always a great place to have runners, and although we didn’t have any winners, we were pleased with the ones we sent out. Aye Aye Charlie finished third in the Grade Two Novices’ Hurdle and did really well to do so; Paddy Brennan gave him a brilliant ride. The horse looked like he didn’t like the ground, which was heavy, but he showed his grit.

Colin’s Sister also ran a good race in the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle, which was won by Agrapart. I thought she might go better, but they probably didn’t go as quickly as we’d hoped early on. She ran a credible race, though, and had some good horses behind her.

Well done Brian

We were delighted with Perfect Candidate. He came back from a bad run at Sandown, and in Saturday’s race, the BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase, he made a mistake but stayed on and finished fifth, so he did as well as we could hope.

The race was won by Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red, and I’m thrilled for Brian. He’s one of the nicest people, he’s very genuine and always has time to say hello to everyone.

Mares’ race hots up

Stuart Edmunds’ Maria’s Benefit won well at Doncaster winning the Mares’ Novice Hurdle (27 January), which means the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham is looking interesting. She went very well around Taunton at the end of December and looks a really smart filly. Laurina, Willie Mullins’ charge, is also a fascinating prospect.

We have Cap Soleil who’ll be going for the same race, and think she goes there with a great chance. She’s a nice horse and fingers crossed that it’ll go to plan.

Some very sad news

The whole National Hunt and point-to-point industry has been shocked and saddened by the passing of trainer Richard Woollacott. I knew Richard from the pointing scene, he was always a very nice chap. It’s devastating for his family.

I think mental health is much more freely spoken about now, whatever sport you’re in. His wife Kayley said he’d been fighting for some time, and she’s appealed for people to support charities such as Mind and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Ref Horse & Hound; 1 February 2018

Opinion

The highlight for us recently has been Poetic Rhythm winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury just after Christmas and we’re all absolutely thrilled. We were hoping he’d run well, as he was sent off 15-8 favourite, but to secure my first Grade One as a trainer is really something.

He is a genuine horse, but he had colic in the run-up to the race. Luckily the vet didn’t have to do anything so we continued with his normal training and it all went to plan.

It wasn’t an easy race —the ground was heavy and Paddy Brennan really had to battle. He held off frontrunner Mulcahys Hill by a short head, so it was very exciting. It’s really important for us as a yard, we’ve had a good season and to get that Grade One was a big deal. It was fantastic to win it for The Yes No Wait Sorries syndicate too, as founder/manager Chris Coley, is such a major supporter of the team.

It’s great to get that achievement ticked off the list, now we’re just hoping for a Cheltenham Festival winner.

Could Bowen be the next AP McCoy?

James Bowen has been making waves this month, too, winning the Welsh National. Chase The Spud was disappointing for us in the race, but came back fine and he’ll have his day.

However, all eyes were on James. He’s just 16 — the youngest jockey to win the race — and gave Raz De Maree such a cool ride. Then to win the Lanzarote Hurdle for his boss Nicky Henderson in the same month is really something.

When using the whip, he looks a natural both right- and left-handed, which a lot of young lads can’t do. I think the comparisons being made to AP McCoy are valid — this time last year he hadn’t even ridden in a point-to-point, and now look at him. His biggest asset is his family. His dad, National Hunt trainer Peter, and mum Karen really keep him grounded.

Frost is a great women’s role model

Bryony Frost, who became only the second female jockey to win a Grade One last month, is continuing to prove herself as an excellent jockey, especially when winning the Classic Chase at Warwick by 11 lengths with Milansbar.

As we’ve said before, 22-year-old Bryony speaks well and is a great ambassador for the sport. I have two daughters — Fern, aged 12, and Daisy, 10 — who both want to get into racing, and someone like Bryony is a great role model for my girls. Both of them are in the Cotswold branch of the Pony Club and we’ve just found a pony for Fern to start pony racing, so watch this space.

Ref Horse & Hound; 18 January 2018

Opinion

Boxing Day is all about Kempton and the King George VI was a good race this year, as Might Bite was very impressive. It was disappointing for Nigel Twiston-Davies that Bristol De Mai didn’t run well, finishing sixth of seven, especially after his 57-length victory in the Betfair Chase.

He also lost his chance for the £1m bonus for the Triple Crown (the Betfair Chase, King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup). However, the Twiston- Davies-trained Imperial Commander ran badly in the King George twice; after the first he landed the Ryanair at Cheltenham in 2009, and after the second he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010 — so I wouldn’t write Bristol De Mai off yet.

Might Bite looked the real deal though — he travelled and jumped really well. He’s also won at Sandown, which cements his ability, as Kempton can be a specialist track. Another highlight was Bryony Frost winning on her first Grade One debut— the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. She’s struck up an excellent partnership with Black Corton and has a good boss in Paul Nicholls, who has kept the faith in her. Black Corton is a wonderful horse, and the result was really good for racing, as she’s a great ambassador.

Welsh hopes

The weather’s been causing problems again. We woke up to four or five inches of snow on 27 December — we’d been predicted wintry showers so it was a bit of shock. It’s a pain, but it’s the same for everyone.

It meant the Welsh National meeting at Chepstow was called off, which was a shame. We were hopeful for Chase The Spud, but he should be good to go for the rescheduled race on 6 January.

He should love the ground and trip; he has plenty of weight but he’s on good form. Paddy Brennan gets a good tune out of him and after his Haydock win in November he shouldn’t be far away.

Our horses are still going well, and a highlight was Pauls Hill, who won at Towcester on 21 December. He was 999-1 in running, yet managed to beat the favourite by a head. The Towcester hill really came into play here. They were starting to stop in front, but he held on and managed to forge ahead. He’s owned by a local syndicate called the B Lucky Partnership, and they were that.

Staff are vital

It was business as usual for us over Christmas. On 23 December, we had a big owners’ morning — we were expecting around 80 people, but there were about 150 in the end. Our local pub, the Black Horse, did a good job of keeping everyone well stocked with breakfast rolls and cups of tea and it was a great atmosphere. It’s important for us to do things like this for the owners, it’s what it’s all about, especially at Christmas when people have more time off and like to bring their families. I had to dash off early to go to Haydock, where Cap Soleil won, so it was worth the trip.

Despite the weather all our staff have come to work. We’ve said it before but they are so vital for racing. Recently the National Association of Stable Staff have been calling for free meals at all racecourses for lads. That should come in, I’m not saying it needs to be a full roast dinner, but something to eat. Most tracks do give stable staff a voucher, which is good. The rights for stable staff are improving steadily — I’ve definitely seen a change in the time I’ve been in racing. The rates of pay have risen and are good compared to other jobs. Racing does well for its lads, but more can always be done.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 4 January 2017

Opinion

Winter has properly arrived and we’ve had a fair bit of snow. We had five to six inches where we’re based in Gloucestershire, and this obviously affects work and racing. A few meetings, including Huntingdon, Kelso and Musselburgh were abandoned.

It’s been a real effort to get in and make sure all the horses are hayed, watered, rugged and looked after, and our staff have all been brilliant. Racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life, and the dedication stable staff show is admirable. We all do it for the love of the job.

At this time of year, most people are thinking about their Christmas breaks, but for us it’s the busiest time of year. We’re planning who’s working when, not what everyone’s having for Christmas lunch. It’s hard for the staff as they have family who do “normal” jobs, and therefore it’s a sacrifice to work over the holidays — but no one complains.

With the snow you have to get in one way or another — if you worked in a supermarket 12 miles away, you might call up and say you couldn’t get in, but you can’t do that with horses.

While the weather’s bad, we’ll get as many out as possible, but only the ones that really need to, the rest will go on the walker. It’s the same over Christmas, only the ones that really need to be ridden out will be. Although saying that, Christmas morning is always really busy and we have a lot of people wanting to ride out — maybe it’s so they can justify their turkey dinner later on!

Two outstanding winners

We’ve had a successful week — Barney Dwan ran really well at Market Rasen on Thursday last week, winning by 15 lengths on his first time out over fences. He was a real star and jumped brilliantly.

Meanwhile, his half-brother Time To Move On won in the bumper at Exeter on Friday (8 December). He bolted up by 10 lengths, which is very exciting for the future.

The Ladbrokes Winter Carnival was great; Newbury, as ever, was brilliant and there were some big crowds, plus all owners and trainers were well looked after. It was disappointing for us as Cap Soleil lost her unbeaten run when finishing second in the Ladbrokes Mares’ Hurdle.

We have a quieter couple of weeks coming up. We’ve had a lot of horses out running recently and we’re all looking forward to Christmas.

Ref Horse & Hound; 14 December 2017

Opinion

The winners are continuing and we had a fantastic November Meeting at Cheltenham with Perfect Candidate’s victory in the Grade Three BetVictor.com Chase. He’s a real star for the yard and Paddy Brennan gave him a great ride in some tough ground. We bought him in Ireland for £16,000 and he’s now won seven times, totalling career earnings of nearly £110,000.

Jennys Surprise also won for us recently in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter. This mare made the news when winning the Royal Artillery Gold Cup last year under Brodie Hampson, riding for her late father who was terminally ill. It was Jennys Surprise’s first run after a long injury lay-off and so it was great for her to return with a victory.

Colin’s Sister and Cap Soleil run at Newbury at the weekend, so we’re looking forward to that.

Wind operation debate

There has been a lot of talk recently about wind operations (surgery to aid breathing and the free flow of oxygen to the lungs). From 19 January 2018, trainers must declare when a horse runs for the first time after having the procedure.

It will be noted with a “WS” on the racecard, so everyone is aware.

I don’t think it will really affect punters but it will create data, which means it’s a good fact-finding mission. I do think it could have been gone about in a different way though — there was talk about it two years ago, so the process could have been started sooner.

Of course, it’s good if the sport is more transparent to the general public.

Flat trainer and vet Mark Johnston came out saying that he believes this could result in large numbers of horses, especially on the Flat, having surgery unnecessarily because of the belief it will improve their performance.

I think they are more common than many might think, especially in jumps, and I’d say around 50% of mine have had one at some point. Wind ops sometimes work and sometimes they don’t.

Sometimes the horse takes a couple of runs to work out that they can breathe easily and therefore it works. It’s about making the call for the particular horse.

There isn’t too much racing

There have been more cries recently saying there’s too much racing, which is leading to small fields in big prize-money races. It’s obviously a shame when there aren’t many runners and it’s often surprising. However, without the amount of racing we have here, it might get like Ireland, where we’d only have racing four days a week and, unless you’re one of the big boys, you’re not going to be competitive.

Where would these horses go if you had less racing? I don’t think there’s too much.

Bristol’s stellar performance

Bristol De Mai’s massive 57-length victory ahead of Cue Card in the Betfair Chase at Haydock was incredibly impressive. It’s great for everyone at Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard, too. The horse is ridden out every day by Richard Bevis, who is a great friend of mine, and I’m thrilled for him.

Finally, many congratulations to Flat jockey, Josephine Gordon, for riding 100 winners — it’s a truly fantastic achievement.

Ref Horse & Hound; 30 November 2017

Opinion

We have had a few more winners recently and were especially pleased with Colin’s Sister in the Grade Two West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby a couple of weeks ago. She beat some really nice horses and was very impressive — she put in a super run and I’m thrilled.

Cap Soleil also ran a cracker on her hurdle debut at Newbury last week and I was delighted with Master Dee coming second at Aintree over the weekend. He’s now finished within the top three in all his runs.

Meanwhile, Strong Glance ran really well to win the bumper at Southwell on Monday last week. We had his dam, Strong Westerner, when

I first started training. But sadly she broke her pelvis and never ran, so it’s really nice to have her son with us now. He’s from a good family, and one that’s close to our hearts, so he’s one to watch.

We put in a lot of work up until the horses’ first runs and then ease off a bit when they’re properly fit. We don’t really do anything different throughout the season — it’s good to keep them in a routine, especially feeding-wise. We feed them depending on what work they’re doing, and they’re running well.

Like father, like son

I know we talked about Aidan O’Brien’s amazing achievements last time, but I have to mention Joseph’s this week. To send out the winning horse of the Melbourne Cup aged just 24 and to beat his dad is some achievement. He became the youngest winning trainer of the race by saddling Rekindling to victory. It’s great for the sport — to have had so much success as a jockey and now as a trainer at such a young age is incredible.

Positive moves

Newbury Racecourse has just opened up a new owners’ and trainers’ facility and it’s superb. We all went there last week and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

It’s a positive move for racing, and it’s great to see the owners being looked after — without them the sport doesn’t function. It’s important that racecourses look after people in the industry, too, and it was excellent to see Aintree giving out meal vouchers for staff at the weekend.

Looking ahead

There has been a lot of talk about Cue Card recently. I’m not qualified to discuss him, but what I would say is that the Tizzards know the horse better than anyone and will always do the best by him. Paddy Brennan losing the ride, well that’s life. But he showed his mettle riding some good winners for us since. It’s a job and you’ve just got to get on with it.

We’re looking forward to Cheltenham’s November Meeting at the weekend — it’s always a marvellous meeting — in fact, it’s probably my favourite. It’s a lot of fun, there’s always a great buzz and atmosphere. We have a couple of runners we’re hopeful for, including Alvarado, so fingers crossed for a good one.

Ref Horse & Hound; 16 November 2017

Opinion

The National Hunt season proper is now under way and it was great to see a lot of the big guns out over the weekend at Cheltenham and Aintree.

This season has been ‘so far, so good’ for us. We’ve had 26 winners, our best start yet. Last year we finished on 60, so this year’s aim is 61! We’ve had a good level of consistency the past couple of years, so we’re just out to win as much as we can.

We had a good winner with Poetic Rhythm in the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow a couple of weeks back, which was a great start to the campaign. The ones that aren’t winning are still running well, so we’re not scratching our heads wondering what went wrong.

We have 55 horses now; we had around 30 last season, and have even built 10 new boxes at the yard, so there are plenty of new ones to keep an eye on.

We’ve been based at Upper Yard at Naunton in Gloucestershire for a couple of years, and one of the best things about it is that it’s such an open yard. We have 15 to 25 people up at the yard every Saturday, watching the horses and enjoying themselves. I’m sure that’s helped by the fact there’s always cake, which started a couple of years ago, when Great British Bake Off was on, and one of our owners said if you wanted to watch the horses you had to bring cake. We don’t judge them (though I’m the best taster), but it’s become a fun tradition.

Early-season form

It is always lovely to be back at Cheltenham and the track looked magnificent at the weekend. The ground was safe and they were rewarded with plenty of runners. There was a great atmosphere and a decent crowd — showing the sport is in great health especially at this stage in the season.

Herecomestheboom won the bumper at the meeting on Saturday (28 October). We bought him recently — he’s a five-year-old son of Darsi and we’re excited about his future.

It was lovely to see Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horses do well too — especially some that didn’t bring such good news last season. Foxtail Hill, who Nigel’s son Willy had a bad fall on, and Cogry, who injured Ryan Hatch, were both in the winner’s enclosure — it was good to see them well for their owners.

Another one to watch is Philip Hobbs’ Gumball. He was very impressive winning at Chepstow a couple of weeks ago and he’s a smart-looking horse.

Ones to watch of ours this season would be Herecomestheboom, Cap Soleil, Global Stage, Oscar Rose, Barney Dwan and Colin’s Sister. Alvarado is back in form as well.

It’s early to talk about trainers’ titles, but it’ll be between Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. Dan Skelton won’t be much behind — he’s given it a good go over the summer — but whether or not it’s a year or two too soon, we’ll see. Nicholls says he hasn’t got the horse power, but don’t take that at face value. He has a great group of owners and jockeys and isn’t to be underestimated. Let’s wait and see.

Hats off to O’Brien

I have to mention Aidan O’Brien’s achievements [winning 26 Group Ones in a season] this week. People throw around accolades like “genius”, but really there aren’t words to describe him. You could say it’s because he has the ammunition, but you have to use it. He always praises his team around him, his wife, brothers, nephews; and it’s a system that clearly works.

To beat Bobby Frankel’s record is special. He’s similar to AP McCoy in that the likes of them won’t be seen again.

Ref Horse & Hound; 2 November 2017