Alan Hill was one of the most successful jockeys of his generation – winning the Cheltenham Foxhunters and the Aintree equivalent twice among nearly 150 career victories. And he’s proved equally adept as a trainer – champion in 2013/2014 and runner-up five times since. While his stable stalwarts of recent years – the likes of multiple winners Broken Eagle, Consigliere and Start Royal – are no longer racing, he continues to have a big string comprising both established performers and promising newcomers and has already enjoyed three successes on the first two weekends of the season. He gives me the lowdown on the current inmates of Woodway Farm.
Back Bar
Has won a hurdle and four points and has shown good form since coming from Gordon Elliott’s. A big horse who’s been slow to mature, the aim is for Opens and Hunter Chases, starting in a Ladies at Charing.
Backinthegame
A maiden who’s been placed in an Irish point. Will start in a Maiden around Christmas and hopefully go on from there.
Beautiful Prospect
Made her debut in a bumper at Maisemore Park. Bred and joint-owned with (wife) Lawney by racing broadcaster Nick Luck.
Bramble Brook
Bought in January for Ben Sutton to ride and, having won three chases, should be a good ride for a novice.
Captiva Island
Won two points and placed five times. Just ran once last season, as he got a piece of birch in his coronet (like Buveur D’Air). Ran well on his reappearance at Maisemore Park.
Changeofluck
Won seven points and looked good in two Ladies Opens last season, even though I didn't think he’d be quick enough for them! He’ll run in them again this year, as he’s not over big.
Clondaw Westie
Won six chases for Lawney and will be aimed at the Aintree Foxhunters. Pulled up at Kimble on Sunday.
Craven Bay
Unraced, but well forward as he was nearing a run last season. Will run early.
Getting Closer
Won an Irish point then was bought by David Minton for a syndicate led by George Cranfield. Won a Horseheath Restricted, then was second to Fumet D’Oudairies giving 7lbs, so we have lots to look forward to. Intermediates await.
Hawkhurst
Won ten points. Lost his way last season and had a wind operation, but seems to have found his old form again based on his Kimble win.
Hop ‘N Skip
Two seconds and a third in Maidens from three runs. Had a wind operation after his final last season and has grown a lot this summer.
Horizontal Speed
Has won a chase and three points and was very impressive at Barbury last season when blinkered for the first time. Will run in Opens and Conditions races in the new year.
Knight Bachelor
Bought by the Cranfields from (PPA Chairman) Andrew Merriam for their daughter Henrietta to ride and she’s had a win and a second on him. Has been a really nice schoolmaster and fun horse and will hopefully be the same again.
Laurium
Three Ladies Open wins from three runs. Will be aiming for Ladies races again in the spring on fast ground.
Lisheen Prince
A winning hurdler we bought from OIly Murphy’s yard. Ran well at Ffos Las in heavy ground until blowing up two out. Will run in Conditions races in the new year.
Mahlers Star
Won a chase and has given owner-rider John Simpson some great rides, with three placings. Third on Sunday and will hopefully continue to be competitive.
Man Of Steel
Has won three bumpers, seven Hunter Chases and eight points. Quirky to say the least and was never right last season with back problems, which are hopefully sorted. A stable star and entered at Chaddesley Corbett.
Mythical Prince
Replacement for Broken Eagle. Disappointed at Larkhill, where he ran with the choke out and wouldn’t settle. We’ve changed his training methods and ran with more promise at Maisemore Park. Heads to Charing next.
Namako
Bought as a schoolmaster, but not the best ride for a novice as he needs the run of the race and has won an Open for James King. Will run in Conditions races in the new year.
Niftyfifty
A maiden, who was placed in Irish points. Bought to replace Start Royal, who’ll be a hard act to follow. Ran well on his debut for us at Horseheath until his wind cut out, so has had an operation. Fourth at Kimble on Sunday.
Normofthenorth
Placed in Irish Maidens, then won his Maiden and Restricted in his first two runs for us before a good third in an Intermediate. Third again at Kimble and may be good enough for Hunter Chases later.
Ringa Ding Ding
Last season’s milk bottle horse, but didn’t deliver! A total change of training regime this season may bring out some of his previous form so he can win a Maiden.
Salt Of The Earth
A lovely big horse who was about two weeks off a run when last season finished early. Has a very relaxed attitude and was going well when unseating at Kimble.
Sens Unique
Has run in France. A lovely big, strong mare who has come on well since arriving at the yard and we hope to run her in the four-year-old Maiden at Chaddesley Corbett with Will Biddick in the saddle.
Sir Mangan
Won two chases and three hurdles, then ran really well in a Ffos Las Hunter Chase on his debut for us for Ben Sutton. Won on Sunday at Kimble and will continue to be aimed at Novice Riders races.
Some Boy McCoy
Placed under rules for Olly Murphy and bought for (long-standing owner) Rodney Mann with the usual profile of having been placed under rules. Also owned by (son) Joe and I and has Sadlers Wells in his bloodline.
Sparkleandshine
Won a Maiden Hurdle then the Conditions race at Bishops Court first time out for us. If all goes well, he’ll go Hunter Chasing and maybe even back under rules (from Lawney’s yard).
Stage One
Bought from Dan Cherriman to run in Ladies Opens for our novice rider Georgie Benson. Ran three good races last year and we hope he’ll do the same again and come on for his run at Bishops Court.
Supreme Danehill
Won ten points and a Hunter Chase. A real schoolmaster and a novice riders’ horse so will go for Novices races in the new year.
The Brassmoulder
Won an Irish hurdle and was bought by Minty at Doncaster, then picked up an injury and missed last season. Will start in a Ladies Open in December.
The Gunner Brady
Has won nine points – three for us – and a very consistent horse who tries hard. Conditions races and Opens will be the aim.