At Manor House Stables we have a variety of Owners, all with different stories, backgrounds and experiences. We will periodically provide an insight into one of our Owners below. To view previously featured owners, please select from the archive list below:
Name: NIGEL & SHARON MATHER |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Yes
two boys Rhys aged 6 and Lewis aged 3 and Alfie the cat." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"We have a half share in Deauville Prince and a half share in Elusive Bleu." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"Not long, since April this year." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Early days yet but Deauville Prince has just run his second race and ran well to finish second." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"Both our grandfathers and fathers have had an interest in racing so we were brought up with racing." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"We
were really impressed with the set up and the facilities at the stables and recently had the good fortune to be able to become involved." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"That has to be Bob Champion." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"I like golf, supporting Manchester City (the best Team in the Land in all the World) and cooking. Sharon likes none of the above but enjoys meeting famous people, shopping, and looking after our two lovely boys." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"Dubai -The Atlantis Palm is out of this world." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Mine are The Great Escape and Only Fools and Horses.
Sharon's is Dirty Dancing and most of the Soaps." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"For them to be healthy, and look forward to them winning races." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Having only just got involved we are still being educated ourselves but make it more family orientated (Manor House is really good at involving the kids and other family members). More entertainment at meetings."
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Name: DAVID LOWE |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Wife Janet and two children Ethan and Amber." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have a quarter share in Premier Steps [pictured] and this year I was invited to be involved with The Folly Racers who have had horses with Tom for a number of years. Our horse is called Attenshun!" |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is my second year." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"I was involved with the Deva Racing syndicate that owned Misty Conquest who we had fantastic fun with last year. She won twice and was placed twice at Listed level, beaten just three quarters of a length in the Empress Stakes at Newmarket." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"Watching the ITV 7 on World of Sport with my Dad in the seventies, I was hooked instantly!" |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"It had always been a dream and something I always aspired to do when the opportunity arose." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Steve Cauthen and Matt Chapman (breath of fresh air on ATR!)" |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Aside from racing I am a keen darts fan and throw arrows for my local team." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"Really boring but I love the UK when the weather holds out!" |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"All the Mission Impossible films and Dejavu. Just got addicted to Sherlock and can't wait for the next series." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"To keep injury free and run at the top level." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"More prize money would help and a real tote system like in the US. That seems to work very well for the industry, putting money back in where it is needed, not into profit."
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Name: MIKE LILLEY |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Married for 38 years with three sons, five grandchildren and two cats." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I'm in The MHS 4x10 Partnership plus I am Chairman of the London Market Racing Club which owns an unnamed Three Valleys colt." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is only the second year." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"I am not sure if he was the best but a number of years ago I bought a horse at Ascot sales for £1,500 who won three races for us including a big race at Hereford which included a huge trophy!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My Grandmother spent a great deal of time with me in my early years and inspired me with stories of Steve Donoghue and Golden Miller." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I wanted to be part of the 'action' rather than looking in from the outside." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Ginger McCain (a proper bloke who lived a real life)." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Holidays and golf, and golfing holidays." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"I have a small holiday home on the island of Crete." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Papillon, The Court Jester and for some reason Come Dine With Me (where do they find these people)." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Keep healthy and hopefully for one to become a Group horse one day!" |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Prize money is an obvious gripe. The ability to lay just one horse in a race on the exchanges will always lead people to believe that the game is crooked. Bookmakers to be fairly taxed including those operating offshore, and some to be appointed with some ambition to take this UK product overseas and for us all to benefit. I could go on and on!"
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Name: DANIEL O'SULLIVAN (Panarea Racing) |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Married to Becky for two years, no children as yet and a cat called Mildred." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"Anton Chigurh an unraced two year old by Oasis Dream who is due to have his first run in September." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"I only purchased Anton Chigurh in June but I used to follow Tom's two-year-old runners when he was in Lambourn. I manage change programmes for a living and the move north was always going to have a period of bedding in and transition so when I decided to get involved it wasn't a hard decision given the investment which has gone into Manor House Stables as I think it is a stable on the up." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Anton Chigurh is my first horse." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My Dad took me to Cheltenham when I was 12 and my first memory is of Sheikh Mohammed's maroon silks winning the Triumph Hurdle in 1998 with Kribensis. He then let me put pocket money on big races and I picked Rhyme And Reason for the National and Terimon who was placed in the Derby that year so I have loved racing since. I met an old Maths teacher a year or so back who's memory was of me having the paper with racing cards tucked inside of my text books. I still argue that knowing odds from betting is as good a way to learn numbers, fractions and percentages than any other!" |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I started with an Elite Racing membership at college, then I had a small share in a racing club a few years ago but it has always been an ambition to be an owner." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Istabraq is my favourite horse for many reasons not least the story behind him. John Durkan who first spotted Istabraq's potential advised J. P. McManus to buy him, predicting Istabraq would be a Champion Hurdle winner one day. Durkin started training the horse but was diagnosed with leukemia, and the horse went to Aidan O'Brien while he was ill. Sadly John died a couple of months before Istabraq won the 1998 Champion Hurdle just as he had predicted. I think racing is full of stories which make it such a special sport." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Playing sport and keeping fit. Football in winter and then Gaelic football during the summer months. Watching football and rugby, support the red of Manchester United and Munster. Food is another way of relaxing and I do most of the cooking in the house." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"I have always loved going to Italy. Each year it is my New Year's resolution to learn Italian which I never seem to achieve." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"I don't get to watch much TV but when I do it's normally stuff like Silent Witness or Waking The Dead. One of my favourite films is No Country For Old Men where I got the name for Anton Chigurh. The character was a sociopathic assassin and Javier Bardem won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Chigurh." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Short term to stay fit well. In the future to increase the numbers of horses I have through attracting new owners to Panarea Racing and hope to have one good enough to be running at a big festival meeting." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Where do you start? I think racing is a great sport but all the key stakeholders involved are pulling in different directions and this needs to be resolved if the issues around prize money, bookmaker contributions, the calendar, regulation etc are going to be resolved. I worry about where the next generation of owners like myself are going to come from, so making ownership affordable is one of the reasons I set up Panarea Racing along with attracting new people to racing through organising race days for companies and groups. Racing is in competition with so many other things for people's time and investment that it needs to improve its marketing around the sport."
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Name: PHIL MOUSLEY |
Cool Hand Luke in the trotting ring |
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Yes, lots! Married Marl last August after a whirlwind 11 year romance! We have three daughters, Lottie, Amy and Hayley and one son, Luke. Closely followed by seven grandchildren; Lottie (twins Amber and Archie), Amy (Anabella, a recent arrival) and Luke (Patrick, Jamie, Josh and Hayden). Hayley is getting married herself in June to Ryan. We also have two labradors and two cats, fortunately only the pets live with us now!" |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"Cool Hand Luke [pictured], purchased in the Autumn as a yearling. He should be ready to rip up the racecourses of the country around the end of May, can't wait." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is the first horse, hopefully not the last." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Cool Hand Luke, as he's my first fully owned horse, so getting pretty excited already as he's getting close to his first run. I was previously involved with a syndicate who had a runner in the Derby Dash so that was quite good; getting sloshed in the Queen's stand at Epsom!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My Grandad was a big racing fan and when he couldn't get out and about much I used to drop down to the bookies and place his bets for him. We'd have a divi-up at the end of each week, when he was usually in profit. I think that planted the seed and I've been interested in various forms ever since." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"It's something I've always wanted to do, ever since I went to my first race meeting. I'm sure that somebody may have mentioned you could make some money as well, but everybody's denying that now! I'll let you know in a few year's time!" |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Probably Red Rum. When I was a lot younger I wasn't sure what the jockeys were there for (just to make the event a bit more colourful for the TV people?!) so I only concentrated on the horses. I couldn't understand the commentators either as they all talked far too fast! I'm also keeping a hero worship space available for whoever's riding Cool Hand Luke to victory!" |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Football; watching Birmingham City play our own brand of football, racing, going on holiday a lot, visiting Cool Hand Luke at the stables, having a few beers in the sunshine and taking the mickey out of my Father in law as he's a Wolves fan!" |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"So far, Key West. Went there last year and it was fabulous, hopefully we haven't had our best holiday yet." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"I'd have to say Cool Hand Luke (otherwise the horse may get upset). One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is a classic and Bullitt For The Mustang. TV shows would be Cheers and Hill St Blues from a few years ago." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Stay fit and healthy, get a place or maybe even a win. I'd like to own a filly as well in a year or so and have got the name sorted already, just need the cash to go with it." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Increase the winnings for the owners would be good. This is my first dabble into the racing fraternity so I'm only just getting to grips with the special language everybody uses and can't really comment too much as to what's going on in the industry just yet."
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Name: BEN DASCOMBE |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Yes. The numbers are growing all the time. Ruth and I now have four children, two new ones on New Year's Day. There is Ruben (7), Poppy (5), Cressida (0) and Rufus (0). We also have a kitten called Stingray." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have a share in Ballista and Sizzle. Historically I have had a few shares in horses with my brother, but I also helped out at the beginning by paying for a few that then later got sold, so far these animals have had a pretty good record." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"Pretty much since the beginning." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"The best horse or the best bet on a horse I've ever owned? Best horse was possibly Ruler Of My Heart, best bet was a horse called Inzacure." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"In about 1975 I went to Chepstow and saw a horse that was 30 lengths behind the field come and win a very ordinary novice hurdle. It excited me as I seem to remember having 10p each way. Tom and I grew up with my grandfather working out every horse's speed figure and my father losing a few pounds with the Tote, whilst watching ITV7. How things have changed; I now use Timeform and really stick to their analysis and ratings, plus my father has had his Tote Credit account closed down for being too successful!
I also became a junior member at Cheltenham and Bath. For my degree I wrote a dissertation on the 'Parlous State of the British Racing Industry' and when I was doing an MA at Kingston University I wrote a research paper for Edward Gillespie and Julian Thick on the potential developments for Kempton Park racecourse. I guess I may have been partially responsible for 'All-Weather' racing and floodlights at the Surrey track, but I'm taking no responsibility for the terrible food in the restaurant." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I reckoned I could make a small pile from betting on a good thing. It worked (small pile of 10 pence pieces!) but I'm not sure I needed to be the owner. Also being an owner tends to make you bet a bit more frequently. Frequency and success don't tend to go hand-in-hand." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Interesting question, I guess I should say Tom right? I think MCP was probably the most consistent and perhaps the best trainer of my generation. I think Sir Peter O'Sullivan would perhaps be classed as the racing hero. I think he has had a pretty amazing life." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Racing, watching Man U and Bristol City, Harlequins Rugby, playing poker, drinking beer and fine wine." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"The wife loves Mauritius but I prefer the Maldives." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"The Inbetweeners, Modern Family, loads of American cop shows, Rounders, the Bourne Films, James Bond." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"To have lots more winners and possibly Group winners. I would love to own one or two fillies that we actually ended up breeding from and then ran their offspring (who of course ended up winning a Classic)." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Pay me to work with one of my mates a create a fantastic advertising and promotional campaign."
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Name: MIKE FOSTER (Deva Racing) |
|
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Engaged to Janet who is also my partner in Deva Racing. We are getting married in March this year." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"Deva Le Deva, who was unlucky not to pick up a RP bonus last year and ran a decent race in a class 4 maiden at Doncaster last summer. She is from a family that improves at three.
Our latest purchase is a two year old filly by Mujadil who looks like being OK. Her half brother was group placed in the USA since we bought her and she has been lucky for us so far." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"We are original owners with Michael Owen and have been at Manor House since 2008. Being local we are really pleased that the Owen family have invested locally and they have done a great deal to support local businesses. We were delighted when Tom, Colin and Andrew Black joined Manor House Stables and are really excited about the stable's prospects." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Aegean Dancer was a Scottish Sprint Champion and he was a tough old-fashioned sprinter by Piccolo." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My grandad wrote a racing column in the local weekly paper and he had a system for picking winners which he taught me. I could read the form in the Sporting Life not long after I had started reading. I was hooked straight away; I even ran a book at school until a horse called Pulse Rate cleaned me out of pocket money!" |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"Being a racing fan I wanted to take my interest to the next level. I started with a 1/100th share in a very slow horse and my interest grew from there." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Steve Cauthen was my hero as a kid. He was very stylish in the saddle and it was always exciting seeing him ride around my local track Chester." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"I am a huge Chester FC fan and remember watching Michael Owen's dad nipping down the wing at the old Sealand Road ground. The club is now owned by the fans and it is great to own a part of the club you support." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"We love the laid back atmosphere in Greece." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"I don't have the patience to watch films, hence why I like sprint racing! My guilty TV pleasure was watching 'The Bill'. I was gutted when it finished!" |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"It would be great it Tom could get Deva Le Deva to win before she retires to the breeding paddocks. She is from a family that does improve at three and I know Tom and the team are doing everything they can to get us our first winner from Manor House Stables.
I am really excited about our Mujadil filly; she has got plenty of attitude and wants to get on with it. She has done well over the winter physically and she looks a real bargain. The shares have sold really well in her and all the owners are excited." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Horse Racing is entertainment and we need to get back to entertaining the public. The Morning Line is like a gentlemen's club and this is supposed to be one of racing's best adverts. I would revamp the programme and introduce racing to a wider audience. Features on some of racing's personalities and more of a behind the scenes look at racing would help give people an insight. We need a Simon Cowell figure to give racing some razzamatazz!"
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Name: NICK HUGHES |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"I'm engaged to my partner Victoria and we are getting married at Chester Racecourse (where else!!) in July 2012." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have recently taken a share in the MHS 4x10 Partnership." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This will be my first involvement, although I have followed Tom's career from the start to realise his potential as a bright young trainer." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Supermassive Muse. It has always been my ambition to win at Chester (my home town) so when he did in 2008 it was the greatest day of my life. I’m not embarrassed to say I cried my eyes out that day!!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"Horse racing has been my passion since my Dad took me to Chester races when I was an 8 year old. I’ve been racing every year since and it forms an important part of my social life." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"My Dad played golf with Eddie McMahon's uncle, so I was introduced through him to the trainer where I had two horses; Supermassive Muse and Starlight Muse. Both named after my favourite rock band ‘Muse’!!" |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Daryll Holland." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Football, tennis and drinking." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"South Africa." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Films would be Jaws, Snatch and Rocknrolla. TV Programmes would be The Apprentice, Match of the Day and Channel 4 Racing." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Well I would never tire of racing at Chester, but I guess a runner at Royal Ascot would be pretty special. Providing the horses come home safe and healthy, anything else is a bonus." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"That’s a difficult one, but from my experiences in both racing and football; attract people from a young age, make the day fun and exciting and they will always come racing. It’s in my blood because of my early experiences when I was a kid."
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Name: STEVE STROUD |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"No." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have shares in Julius Geezer, Ballista and Ollianna." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"Since May 2009." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"So far, Julius Geezer." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"From a corporate invite back in 2004. I also followed one horse's two year old career (Sumora), ridden by Jimmy Fortune. She won and I have loved the sport ever since." |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I purchased my first horse, Selkirk Lady, via Walter Swinburn's and learned the ins and outs of being an owner by spending every weekend at the yard for nearly 18 months." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Jimmy Fortune." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Football, motor racing and golf, to name a few..." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"Barbados." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Films would be The Insider, Dejavu and The Usual Suspects. TV show would be Fawlty Towers." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Have had a great year this year with Julius Geezer winning the prestigious Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester and Ballista winning first time out. Since then both horses have earned themselves black-type. I just need Ollianna to come through now; no pressure Tom!" |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Simply increase the prize money, reduce the number of meetings every year and promote ownership further via TV, press, media and racing organisations such as the ROA."
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Name: RICHARD WOODS |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"My wife Michelle, son Rickie and daughter Zara, and respective in-laws Charlotte and Ryan." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"Riczar [pictured]. Her name is taken from my children's names." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"Just since this year." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Riczar - she's my only horse!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"From my mum and dad betting every saturday on the ITV Seven, as well as my father in law who also likes a bet!" |
Q: |
"Why did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I had read a lot about Tom's success and really enjoyed my first visit to the stable; everybody was so friendly." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Frankie Dettori." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Football (supporting Everton) and Golf." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"Singapore." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, which reminds me of some people in racing. On telly I like Gavin And Stacey." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"That my horse has a healthy life and fulfils her potential, whatever that might be." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Educate people to realise it is not just the horse winning that counts. It is the whole package; race day, stable visits, meeting people in the industry and listening to their experiences."
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Name: MAUREEN COXON |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"My husband Colin and step-sons Andrew and Liam. My pride and joy is a 17h Irish sport horse called Conner." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I am part of the Folly Racers so we have Red Presence and Blackleyf." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is my third year. Last year, we had Orpen Grey with the Folly Racers and I had Haafhd Time who Tom managed to conjure two wins out of. She was the first horse Tom sold as a result of advertising on his website." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Orpen Grey." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"I met Colin at Salisbury races and the rest is history." |
Q: |
"How did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"Colin ran a small racing syndicate of friends based in the New Forest when we met eight years ago. We have had a number of winners over the years of which Convent Girl was the highest achiever until we moved to Tom's." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Laurence Bellman; a veritable legend!" |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Horse riding, dressmaking, knitting and feeding Andy MacCormack!" |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"Stellenbosch; the centre of the winemaking area in the Western Cape. Stunning scenery, great weather and first class food and drink." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Shrek and NCIS" |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"It is early days for both our horses this year and whilst the thrill of winning is a great buzz, I am equally concerned that our horses go to a good home if they are not successful on the track." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Increased prize money through more control over image rights and betting."
|
Name: EARL DE LA WARR |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"My wife Anne and two sons William and Edward. As for pets, I have a 17yo jack russell, 29 chickens, 10 pigs and 8 tumbling pigeons." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"High Table and Water Ice, both 2yos in De La Warr Racing, a syndicate I set up about 10 years ago." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is my second year." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"I was a part owner in Poteen who was group 1 placed as a 2yo, classic placed as a 3yo and group 1 placed as a 4yo. In the same syndicate we had Grapeshot who won the Derby trial at Goodwood." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"The brother of the local shopkeeper in Withyham, the village where I grew up and still live, was a bookmaker." |
Q: |
"How did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I was in Australia in my early 20s with a friend and we were determined, on returning to England, to find a group of friends who would buy a racehorse. We bought a horse and sent it to Jeremy Tree." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Henry Cecil, a living God." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Clearly racing, but also shooting and eating." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"The Hotel Residence and Spa in Dubai." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Favourite film would be Casablanca. TV show is Spooks." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"To compete in Black Type races." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Promote the number of syndicates that are available for people to have a share in a horse at an affordable price."
|
Name: TONY BASING |
Julius Geezer winning the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Barbara is my other half, and has been for over 40 years." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have shares in Ollianna, Julius Geezer, Ballista and Mundesley." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"A couple of years, and no regrets!" |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Hevelius, who ran in some of the valuable heritage handicaps last year. Janeiro must also get a mention as it is the only horse I have ever sold at a profit, so well done Tom!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My Granddad. He loved racing and was in the Royal Horse Artillery in WW1. He saved my like when I nearly drowned having been capsized from a catamaran aged six in 20 feet of water which my Dad and he were sailing. He was faced with a dreadful dilemma as his false teeth sunk past him on one side and I slipped past him on the other side. Fortunately, he grabbed me but was unfortunately unable to eat for days!" |
Q: |
"How did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"Through Peter Harris' pioneering partnership arrangements. We bought a 12th of 'Glimmer of Light' on a Thursday in May 2003 and saw him finish 4th at Kempton four days later. He followed this up with a win before the month was out. It was a marvellous feeling and we were hooked from then on." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Vincent O'Brien." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"I still play 5-a-side football, and support Barnet and Tottenham. In my spare time in enjoy investigating the JFK assassination; Lee Harvey Oswald did not do it!" |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"It has to be Barbados in February, and Las Vegas in late September." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Day Of The Jackal; I believe my friend, Jerry Patrick Hemming, who had an interesting career if you google him, provided advance on the tradecraft to Forsyth. I also like Waterloo - bad acting but great battle scenes." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Watch this space!" |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"A complete re-vamp viz;
- The authorities should listen to the views of the senior trainers, especially in connection with re-organising the racing calendar.
- Improve prize money through a division of the calendar into premier and secondary racing with central funds directed towards the former.
- Racing should buy the Tote.
- Improved marketing, enrol a Bernie Ecclestone?!
- Racing must move away from a fear of bookmakers and make its own decisions, shaping the product accordingly.
- Reduce entrance fees so that new customers are attracted and to generate larger crowds and more excitement.
- Re-create a sense of occasion which is lost at the minor mid-week meetings.
- Extend the careers of 3yos to enable top class animals time to become popular heroes." |
Name: NICK ATTENBOROUGH |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"My wife and I don't have kids but we do have a cat, as well as a 10yo sports horse called Dan." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I have shares in Wisecraic, a 3yo colt, and Back For Tea, a 2yo colt." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"This is my second season and I can't wait!" |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"Siena Gold, which I co-owned with Lyndsey Mann (co-owner of Wisecraic). She was a very fast 2yo filly who won three races including the Weatherbys Super Sprint." |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"My aunt and uncle had horses when I was a teenager. I got hooked when a good sprinter of theirs, called Sweet Revenge, won the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Prix de L'Abbaye at Longchamp." |
Q: |
"How did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"I first got involved in a partnership back in the early 80s. Two of the partners were Laurence Bellman, who's now involved in several horses with Tom, and James Stafford, who now runs the Thurloe partnerships." |
Q: |
"What has been your best racing experience?" |
| A: |
"My best experience was also my worst with my only runner in a Classic. Royal Amaretto was third favourite for the Irish 2000g after an impressive win at Newbury but ran a shocker. It was an amazing day all the same." |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Lester Piggott with Steve Cauthen a close second." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"Horse racing takes precedent over any other pastime but I was given a beehive last summer so I imagine that will be keeping me occupied this spring." |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"I particularly like visiting new places. The most amazing has been Bhutan in the Himalayas." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"I'm a big fan of blockbuster movies, such as Avatar, and am looking forward to the next Bourne film. I'm not an avid TV viewer but I have enjoyed 'The thick of it'." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"Any win seems pretty good to me." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"How long have you got? I'm one of the Racing for Change team so I'm trying to answer this question every day!" |
Name: LAURENCE BELLMAN |
|
Q: |
"Do you have any family, children, pets?" |
| A: |
"Yes, my wife Sarah, two sons and one daughter. Mark is 24, Katie 21 and Sam 20. I also have a labrador called Harry who's 11." |
Q: |
"What horses do you own at Manor House Stables?" |
| A: |
"I was very fortunate to be involved in Orpen Grey [pictured] and Janeiro last year at Tom's. I was also a part owner of Pomeroy who we recently sold. This year I am involved in 10 two year olds, some of which I and the other partners are still in the process of naming. The named two year olds are Ballista, Blackleyf, Classic Gem, Julius Geezer, Mundesley, Ollianna and Red Presence. The ones yet to be named are an Ad Valorem colt, a Redback colt and a Muhtathir filly." |
Q: |
"How long have you had horses with Tom?" |
| A: |
"My first horse was a yearling called Purple Sun that I bred with my partners and sent to Tom at the end of 2007. Unfortunately he never made the race track and became very ill and had to be put down." |
Q: |
"What is the best horse you've owned?" |
| A: |
"That's easy, Orpen Grey!" |
Q: |
"So where did your interest in racing originally come from?" |
| A: |
"I have always been interested ever since watching horse racing on television with my father. When I was very young our house had a through-lounge and I remember galloping around the dining room table whilst Dad was shouting at the television! I also remember watching black and white pictures of Arkle, Sea Bird II and the Grand National in the early 1960s, and then recall the excitement when my parents bought a colour TV in the mid 1960s." |
Q: |
"How did you first take the leap into ownership?" |
| A: |
"Well it's a small world isn't it. 25 years ago my wife Sarah had a business connection with Nick Attenborough and he formed a syndicate for a horse in the mid 1980s called Meteor Miss, trained by Peter Cundell, which won on her second outing at Warwick. We had one twelfth each and owned the horse for a year. This was the only horse I had been involved in before I came back to the game seven years ago. Ironically, Nick and I are now teaming up again 25 years later with the Redback ex Jasmine Pearl colt." |
Q: |
"What has been your best racing experience?" |
| A: |
"I have had some wonderful times. I have been to the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe, been helicoptered into Cheltenham, been in a box on several occasions at the Derby, the Grand National, Royal Ascot, but nothing beats being at the racecourse as an owner. Probably the best occasion was when Orpen Grey won at Warwick. Tom was dwarfed between Colin Coxon and me whilst we all shouted the horse home!" |
Q: |
"Who is your racing hero?" |
| A: |
"Tom Dascombe of course (creep creep!). No seriously, it has to be John Francome and Lester Piggott." |
Q: |
"What are your hobbies?" |
| A: |
"I am a West Ham season ticket holder and have recently gone into the thoroughbred breeding business. I have a couple of brood mares with offspring. Aside from that I obviously love going racing and also enjoy walking my dog. Eating used to be a hobby but not anymore!" |
Q: |
"Where is your favourite holiday destination?" |
| A: |
"In Britain it would have to be Mundesley in Norfolk, which we named a horse after this year. Further afield I like California, particularly Santa Monica." |
Q: |
"What are your favourite films and TV shows?" |
| A: |
"Films would be Jason & the Argonauts and West Side Story. On TV I watch St Elsewhere, ER and Brother & Sisters." |
Q: |
"What are your hopes for your horse(s) in the future?" |
| A: |
"I really can't wait for another season to start. I am afraid that with 10 horses at Tom's he is going to see rather a lot of me this season! I'm also looking forward to visiting some racecourses that I haven't been to before." |
Q: |
"What do you think the industry could do to attract more owners into racing?" |
| A: |
"Obviously ownership has to appeal to the younger generation at an affordable price. It doesn't help that the prize money in Britain is ridiculously low. I think existing owners should be well looked after at all racecourses. Last season I went to Chester for the first time where owners were very well looked after. Other racecourses should follow suit." |
