Insightful Horse Trainer Analysis 2021 (Richard Fahey)

Perfect Power - The best 2yo this season 💯 @RichardFahey

Very exciting horse for next season 🏇 pic.twitter.com/QSD5hoDQuq

— Jake Russell 🏇 (@JakeRuss1000) September 25, 2021

This time of year there may be a lack of two-year-old horse racing but that doesn't mean I put my feet up and whistle in the wind.

Out of season, I start my mammoth horse trainer analysis.

I do all this manually, which may seem a laborious way to work in these days of data retrieval and platforms which do all the calculating in a few clicks of the mouse, rather than pay for a monthly subscription. I would rather update the info and assess it from my own perspective as it helps build a better picture. 

It's a working knowledge: looking at horses rather than data alone.  

I wouldn't say it is a labour of love but more a task to complete. With each trainer reviewed I have a better understanding of how they work. It is simply a way of finding answers to questions. Without this knowledge you are searching for the unknown and that's similar to looking into the distance without a reference point. It's much quicker to find an answer to a question and appreciate what it is saying. Each to their own. It might seem too much like hard work. However, if I asked you to give me a brief understanding of let's say Richard Fahey's two-year-olds for last season, would you be able to detail anything of real note? You may rush to the Racing Post and look at his statistics there and feel you know everything you need to know. Truthfully, you know something but it's the same info which everyone can assess which doesn't help separate you from the crowd. 

My assessment of each and every trainer details information that is freely available, with a bit of work, but in all honesty, is probably understood by less than 1% of all punters. They don't know the information because they either haven't thought about finding the answers or the thought of the work is off-putting. 

It's surprising how many trainers are out there vying for trade. All hoping for the next wonder horse to come their way. 

From the one-man band to the colossus of the leading trainers. 

In fact, there are several hundred horse trainers of two-year-olds. Most lucky to train one winner, even a lowly nursery, but they all have hopes and dreams. It's what keeps them going on cold, winter mornings. 

I completed my stats for Richard Fahey's two-year-olds. The study run from the start of the 2021 Flat Turf season until its conclusion in early November. 

Fahey is a very capable trainer of juveniles. To be fair, last year wasn't one of his best although Perfect Power didn't let the side down with his Group 1 successes and total earnings of £385,943. 

However, from the 72 two-year-old debutantes just four tasted success of their racecourse bow. And even more surprising that just six two-year-olds won on their second start, the biggest odds being 4/1. 

This information details the difference between knowing the facts and simply saying: ''I think Richard Fahey had a decent year!''

When you consider from 72 two-year-olds he had just 10 winners for both first and second starts, it just shows how difficult it is even for the most successful stables to win a race. 

In truth, this is just the tip of the iceberg of information you can glean from any horse trainer. Never forget the strength of data and what it tells you. It helps predict the future. A couple of hours work can help you appreciate the strength and weakness of stables. This tells you where the winners start and the losers end. True, data can only tell you so much. It simply helps you look in the right direction. Any horse can defy the odds. That's why 100/1 shots sometimes win. 

Wouldn't you rather bet with understanding or is finding answers to questions too much like hard work?

By all accounts, it's time well spent. 

Author: Jason Coote

Micky Hammond from Stable Lad to Top Trainer

Based at Oakwood Stables, East Witton Road, Middleham, Micky Hammond has a wealth of experience within thoroughbred horses racing. A top jockey in the 1980s and established horse trainer who knows how to get the best out of his horses. Not bad from a young man who didn't come from a racing background! 

With an eye for spotting a good horse and known as one of the best-dressed trainers in the game, he's one of those people you just can't help but like. 

Micky, how long have you been involved in horse racing? 

I've been in racing over 40 yrs, having never ridden before leaving school! I actually wrote a letter to Epsom horse trainer Brian Swift about becoming an apprentice jockey but started working weekends for local trainer TM Jones while in my final year at school in preparation. When I left school, Mr. Jones asked if I would like to work with him, the bonus being I could still live at home.

If you weren't a jockey or a trainer what would you have done?

I would have gone into the building trade. 

What memories do you have about riding Hardy Lad to victory in the Scottish National? 

He jumped well throughout the race, taking it up in the home straight. It was a brilliant feeling and one I will never forget. 

Do you feel a lot of pressure training horses or is it a relaxed career that you enjoy all the time? 

A lot of situations are beyond our control when dealing with animals, staff, and jockeys.

It's good when its good but can be very lonely when it's not. 

What race would you love to win before you retire? 

The Champion Hurdle.

What do you do to relax when you get the time? 

I love eating and drinking in nice places. Also, attending football matches.

Cornerstone Lad looks an absolute star and after winning the Fighting Fifth what plans do you have for him next? 

Cornerstone's gutsy win will see him next at Haydock 18th March.

How is the old fella Alderbrook Lad? 

It looks like he’s still enjoying racing at the ripe old age of 13.  Alderbrook Lad is in fine form, he is going to have his final season contending (and enjoying himself) around Cartmel.

Do you have any dark horses for my readers to follow this season? 

Rory And Me and an unnamed Mahler gelding.

Visit Micky Hammond Website

Facebook Page

Related post: Hammond priming Fighting Fifth winner Cornerstone Lad for Champion Hurdle trial

MORE ABOUT MICKY 

Noel Williams: As Dedicated as they Come

Based at Churn Stables, Blewbury, Oxon since 2016, Noel Williams is as dedicated as they come. Known for his patience with horses Noel couldn’t have had a better mentor in Alan King overseeing class horses like Voyer Por Ustedes, Katchit and My Way De Solzen before starting his own journey on his own. 

Noel, have you always been involved in horse racing? 

I started off my working life as a 3-day-Event rider, and also produced young horses for that sphere before going into racing where I spent 12 years as Alan King’s Assistant before venturing out on my own. 

If you weren’t a trainer what would you have done? 

If I wasn’t a trainer I would probably be a bloodstock agent as I enjoy working the sales. If it was nothing to do horses or racing I would say probably something to do with criminal psychology as that’s a subject that really fascinates me. 

Do you feel a lot of pressure training horses or is it a relaxed career that gives you a lot of pleasure? 

I rarely feel pressure training the horses. There is quite a lot of pressure that comes from running the business, however. The financial margins are extremely small in this line of work, which many people wouldn’t realise, so that makes it a hard way to make a living and indeed stay afloat. The vast majority of trainers do it purely because they love training horses and I’m no exception. 

If you could train any horse in history who would it be and why? 

This is a difficult one as there have been so many superstars over the years. The likes of Frankel, Cigar, Makybe Diva, Deep Impact and Zenyatta to name just a few on the flat. However I’m a jumping man and although I could easily choose Kauto Star, Arkle or Istabraq I’ll go with Desert Orchid. Sure there have been higher rated horses who’ve won more money but this swashbuckling grey with his fantastic jumping really captured the imagination of the racing public at the time, as he did mine when I was just a young lad. 

Do you have a favourite horse in the yard?

No I try to never have a favourite, although some do make more of an impression on you than others from their character or the effort they put into the training and racing. 

What's been the highlight of your career so far? 

I’ve won a couple of races at Cheltenham and there’s just something a bit special about having winners there. I’m still working on that first “big” winner though, but I have a feeling it’s not too far away! 

A typical day in the life of Noel Williams 

Quite honestly there isn’t a typical day for me. Apart from getting up and training the horses in the mornings every day can be really quite varied. That’s one of the things I love about the job. 

If you could win any race before you retired, what would it be? 

The Cheltenham Gold Cup. It’s the pinnacle of jump racing. 

How is Another Crick and any plans for him this season? 

 Another Crick is very well but he won’t be running this season. He picked up a slight leg injury in March and we decided to give him all this winter off. All being well he’ll be back and raring to go next Autumn and I’d like to get him ready for a crack at the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

If I’m not racing on a Sunday I try to keep the day as free as possible so in the summer I play Cricket at which I’m more enthusiastic than skilled! In the winter when I tend to be busier I try to enjoy any free Sundays with my wife, and sometimes friends, perhaps enjoying a good lunch. 

Any dark horses for my readers to follow this season? 

Sol Plum Creek could be an interesting runner in a bumper in the early spring. 

A huge thanks to Noel Williams for spending time answering questions for my blog and good luck for the rest of the season.

Visit Noel Williams' Website

Horse Trainer: Oliver Greenall

Oliver Greenall 

Based at Stockton Hall Farm Oldcastle, Cheshire, Oliver Greenall had a successful career as a point-to-point jockey winning the men's point-to-point Championship in the 2007/8 season. Oliver retired from race riding at the end of the 2014/15 points season and hasn’t looked back since. The up and coming trainer had a great 2018/19 season with 20 winners with the prolific Gamesters Icon among them. 

Oliver, have you always been involved in horse racing? 

Yes, my father rode as an amateur and my mother is a Weatherby. 

If you weren't a trainer what would you have done?

Farmer, I have Aberdeen Angus cows. 

If you could train any horse in history who would it be and why? 

Kauto Star – the ultimate racehorse and so consistent. 

You train horses over the jumps and on the flat, how did that come about? 

I worked for M W Easterby and he did both so I was always keen to and with Chester so close.

Do you have a favourite horse in the yard?

Zalvados always was but he struggled to win over fences.

What's been the highlight of your career so far? 

Gamesters Icon winning four in a row. 

A typical day in the life of Oliver Greenall? 

Watching horses on the gallops, dealing with owners and going racing.

If you could win any race before you retired, what would it be? 

Grand National. 

What do you do to relax when you get the time? 

Riding, tennis and cross country skiing. 

Any nice horses for the jumps season that my readers can follow? 

Evander and Midni. 

A big thanks to Oliver Greenall for his time to answer questions for my blog. 

James Given Talks Racing And Meeting The Queen

Based in the village of Willoughton in Lincolnshire since April 1999, James Given has some great winners to his name including Wunders Dream who was a stable star in her own right. Wunders Dream went on to win the Molecomb Stakes and the Flying Childers in what was a great 2-year-old career. Hugs Dancer another stable star who won the Ebor Handicap and the following year won the Chester Cup. The list of big winners James has had goes on and on. It wasn't just in England as James travelled far and wide for success and Jessica’s Dream was the filly to do it with Group 3 wins in Ireland and Italy. 

James, have you always been involved in horse racing? 

No, I started working in racing when I went to work for Mark Johnston as his resident Vet and Assistant in Feb 1995.

If you weren’t a trainer what would you have done? 

Well, I worked as a Vet before and during my time working in racing so that’s what I would have continued with. 

What keeps you motivated on those cold winter mornings to keep going? 

The next winner and seeing how the yearlings are developing. 

If you could train any horse in history who would it be and why? 

Frankel. He is the best horse that has ever raced and the challenges that Sir Henry Cecil overcame to guide the horse through his spectacular career and all the problems I would relish trying to emulate. 

Do you have a favourite horse in the yard? 

The good ones are always favourites, but currently, the lowish rated Blyton Lass has just got her hat trick up and has won 5 races in total, so far. She is such a trier and any horse who tries as hard as her is always a favourite. 

What's been the highlight of your career so far? 

Not a result of a race but having lunch at Windsor Castle and sitting next to the Queen, a remarkable woman and an extraordinary experience. 

A typical day in the life of James Given? 

No 2 days are ever the same, however, the yard starts at 7.00am, getting 3 lots out, a coffee break, 2 more lots out, doing entries and declarations during this time and usually quite a number of phone calls to owners updating them and discussing plans. Grab a sandwich and set off to the races. Hopefully celebrating a good run then home, catching up on the evening stables report and doing the list for tomorrow. Increasingly there is more racing in the evening so either attending this or discussing the race on the phone with the owners. And finally, to bed before it all starts again tomorrow! 

What do you do to relax when you finally get the time? 

Golf and cooking. 

If you could win any race before you retired, what would it be? 

The Melbourne Cup. 

Any dark horses for the All-weather that my readers can follow? 

She is not a dark horse but I don’t think she has finished winning yet, Blyton Lass. 

A big thank you to James Given for answering questions for my blog and good luck for the future.

Ruth Jefferson Talks Racing, Horses To Follow And Peaky Blinders

Based at Newstead Cottage Stables, North Yorkshire. Ruth Jefferson is the new kid on the block. However, following in the footsteps of her late father, Malcolm, she is a trainer who is going places. She has a decent strike rate with a number of lovely horses including Double W’s, Mega Yeats & Waiting Patiently. 

One of her favourite hunting grounds is Hexham were she has a healthy points profit.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH RUTH JEFFERSON 

Ruth, have you always been involved in horse racing? 

Mum and Dad moved to Newstead in April of 1981. I was born in November. I grew up in the yard and always took a keen interest in horses. There are pictures of me in the feed room making up feed and of me brushing horses aged around 3 so it's fair to say I was involved from a young age. I started riding out when I was 12. 

At what age did you decide to become a trainer and why? 

I always wanted to train, the thought that goes into it interested me and I love the horses. At 16 I went to the British Racing School and whilst everyone else wanted to be a jockey, I wanted to be a trainer. I’m probably better at giving instructions than following them. 

I know you did a lot of riding out when you were younger, did you have a favourite horse?

I’ve had several down the years. The first horse I rode out was Magic Bloom – mother of According To Pete and the first winner I lead up at Bangor aged 14. Anabranch was another I rode – not sure I loved riding her but she enjoyed herself! 

You have trained plenty of classy horses over the years including Dato Star and the brilliant Waiting Patiently.  How have you managed to keep on top of your game for so long? 

To be fair we have had quieter periods in between but I hope to emulate Dad in that we always have a nicer type around the yard to keep our names in lights. The training methods don’t alter much you just need a nice horse and a bit of luck. 

If you weren't a trainer what would you have done? 

I actually trained as a Dietitian so maybe I should re-qualify and go back to that. 

What do you like to do in your spare time if you get any? 

I don’t get much so I read, but binge-watch TV shows like Game of Thrones and Peaky Blinders and take my dog for a walk! 

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 

Waiting Patiently’s Grade One success. Also, Dad was quite ill for a while before he passed away so it was nice to give him an ITV double in his name before he died with Waiting Patiently at Kempton and Black Ivory at Warwick. 

With the new season approaching can you give my readers a couple of dark horses? 

Not dark horses but I like both the mares we purchased at the May sales following runs in point to points. Blossoming Forth and Clondaw Caitlin. 

A big thank you to Ruth Jefferson for giving me an open and frank piece for my blog.

Visit Ruth Jefferson's website here.