A team of eight horses has been assembled that are already in training at Manor Farm. Ian said:
“They are all young and have potential with different strengths. His latest purchase Jessber’s Dream won three of her seven starts for Harry Fry and was also second in a Grade 1 mares’ novice hurdle in Ireland. Garo De Juilley, who won four time times in succession on the flat in France, should make a decent novice hurdler while Marracudja, a slick jumper, should be one to follow over fences. In addition Coastal Tiep, Coilltte Lass and Clo Sacre all boast smart form in Point-to-Points.”
Running the rule over the horses, Mr Nicholls said:
“They are a useful and very exciting mix. Coillte Lass has summered well and looks set to make her mark in mare’s races straightaway; Coastal Tiep has a pedigree laden with stamina and will make his presence felt in national hunt novice hurdles; Clo Sacre is a gorgeous horse and a chaser for the future; Garo De Juilley was good enough to win on the level in France and I’m optimistic he’s a nice novice hurdling prospect; Marrracudja has held his own in excellent novice company and is good enough to compete in some graded novice chases this season; Orbasa looks set to continue up the ladder in handicap chases; the target for Jessber’s Dream is the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival in March and Volpone Jelois is a hardy horse who will make a nice juvenile hurdler.”
Ian moved to Ditcheat six years ago and become involved in racehorse ownership. Captivated by the sight of squads of jumps horses hacking past his house on the way to the gallops he quickly became friends with their trainer Paul Nicholls and his landlord Paul Barber.
Over a drink at the village pub he asked Barber how much it cost to own a racehorse. Suitably encouraged by the answer he dipped his toe in the water by acquiring a half share in the tough staying chaser Join Together with Barber taking the other half. He gained the greatest success in his own colours with Vicente in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April.
He said:
“Owning horses has given me tremendous enjoyment. By setting up Ditcheat Thoroughbreds I am hoping that we can provide the same sort of entertainment for lots of others who maybe cannot afford to own one outright. Most hobbies are expensive including racing so splitting the cost is surely the best way for people to get involved.”
