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OPEN SCORER: Garthorpe winner Sheriff Hutton, seen here with Oliver in the plate, returns for 2012/13
photo: Jackie Oliver

Oliver Greenall has assembled a useful-looking team of horses for the coming campaign, and many of these were on show at his Open Morning on October 28. In addition to parading some of the horses and arranging a schooling session, Oliver had also organised a raffle in aid of the Injured Jockeys' Fund, which raised £105.

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Facilities at the trainer's Stockton Hall premises, near Malpas, are second to none. A loose school, lunging ring and two horsewalkers are sited at the rear of the roomy and airy stables, from where their occupants can survey all the comings and goings in the yard, while those horses housed in boxes within a large barn are no less well off when it comes to being able to watch the day to day activity.

Oliver's all-weather gallop is sited just a few minutes' hack away from the yard, there are both hurdles and fences on the schooling ground, and the acres of grassland for both riding and turnout ensure the horses are kept fresh and happy.

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Oliver's aim this season is to better the eight victories he notched up in 2011/12, and to train a Hunter Chase winner. Perhaps the most likely candidate for a success over regulation fences is Cool Friend, who has scored over hurdles and fences for Jeremy Scott. She may run in an Open at Chaddesley at the end of December before graduating to Hunter Chases. She is thought to be better at a sub-three mile trip, and qualification for the Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase is on Oliver's mind.

The other experienced campaigner in the yard is former Rules scorer Sheriff Hutton, who triumphed at Garthorpe last season. He is on the market, and is considered to be an ideal schoolmaster.

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The members of the Ridgeway Racing Club were thoroughly spoiled last year, one of their first purchases, The Wychough, winning two races for them. He is now into Intermediate class, and will appreciate some cut in the ground. The Club's second horse is the maiden mare Stuff Of Dreams, who was in training with Ferdy Murphy.

There are shares available in both horses, and Club organiser Mark Astbury can be contacted through Oliver.

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Threapwood lost his confidence after falling at Eyton last season but it is hoped that he has put that mishap behind him. He showed his cheekiness last week by dropping his handler, who admits that he is "quirky, and a hard ride," but nonetheless holds him in some regard. It is hoped that he will win his Restricted and move up the ranks.

The same agenda is being mapped out for Skybull who, if his performance in holding ground at Corbridge is any guide, will be best suited by a reasonable test of stamina. His owner Lucy Morrison, a niece of Midlands area chairman Joey Newton, has moved him to Stockton Hall from last season's Northern base.

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One who may need better ground is Journeyman, an inexpensive purchase at Doncaster in May. He has had a wind operation and has been off the track for over 18 months. Oliver had a sight of him at Worcester in 2010 when he finished third in a Bumper for Nicky Henderson, with his new trainer just behind in fourth! He is for sale, and may be out at the end of January.

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The late-developing Burdock ran in 2011 but missed the last campaign due to a few niggling problems. He will carry Oliver's own colours and should be out early in the New Year.

Quick Live is another who met with problems and has had time off. His legs are now fully healed, and a Maiden should easily be within his compass.

Molanna View suffered an injury at Bangor but is reported to have summered well. He will not run until the spring.

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Tatonka was bought in France by Oliver's father Lord Daresbury, and had a couple of runs in April. He was very green, and had originally proved hard to break in, but is considered to have grown up somewhat, although he still needs to mature mentally.

The same comment applied last season to Samtomjones, although Oliver felt that on his final outing the penny was starting to drop.

Sporting Music also ran as a four-year-old, and he has done well over the summer.

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Visitors to the Open Morning were able to see Sparkle Star, an unraced four-year-old son of Alflora, being put through his paces in the loose school, jumping poles at a variety of heights. He is very athletic and has a good attitude, and should be ready to run early in the New Year.

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Oliver always has a selection of horses for sale or to lease or syndicate. Among them is a three-year-old by Tamure, a stallion whose progeny Oliver has found tend to be tough and good battlers, and often need a test of stamina. The current inmate is reported to be very forward, and although green is a quick learner and goes up the gallops on the bridle. He will run as soon as he turns four.

There is a half share available in a big scopey gelding by Gentleman's Deal, bred by owner Eric Brook, while also for sale is a filly by Flemensfirth. She is straightforward and going the right way but may need more time and is unlikely to be seen before March.

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One who has already found an owner is a well-regarded son of Heron Island, a good mover who impressed Open Morning watchers when schooled over the fences. He would not want the ground too soft, but if conditions are right the plan is to run as soon as possible.

He, and the majority of the youngsters, will be partnered by Oliver himself, as Sam Allwood, who will again be riding for the yard, is unable to do low weights.

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Up-to-date information can be obtained from Oliver's website, www.olivergreenall.co.uk.

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