About:
Our Yard: A purpose built 21 box yard incorporated in 2 large 'American style' barn system. The boxes themselves are large, well lit and ventilated. Each horse can see up to 7 other horses at any one time. This helps to maintain a calm and content atmosphere.
The horses are bedded on shavings and have fresh buckets of water twice daily. They are fed a mild, bagged haylage and hard feed from Dodson & Horrell.
The Gallops: We are pleased to announce the opening of our brand new, state of the art, all weather gallop, 1st August 2010. Just over 4.5 furlongs of Martin Collins Active Track, which is a waxed fibre-sand and rubber mix on a tarmac and clean stone base. The gradient consists of two gentle bends up a steep first furlong which sweeps into a shallower straight before levelling off for a 2 furlong stretch, which allows some quick work when appropriate.
Schooling: We have a line of 4 fences, the last 2 of which are ex-Fontwell. In addition we have a line of 4 hurdles provided by Andrew Ross, placed on a strip of free draining land at the base of the 5 furlong gallop. We also have access to a schooling arena in the neighbouring village, which is useful for starting off youngsters.
Stalls: We have a tidy, 3 bay set of starting stalls for the few flat horses we train. An area I am really keen to develop.
Nick himself had an 18 year career as an amateur jockey with over 100 winners to his name, riding winners for, amongst others, Paul Nicholls and Robert Alner. He rode winners at Cheltenham, Wincanton and Sandown (Ride of The Week on At The Races) and Perth. One of his greatest thrills was completing the National course at Aintree.
In 1996 the opportunity came for Nick to train point to pointers as a private trainer at nearby Milton Abbas. He enjoyed great success over the next four years gaining invaluable experience running a yard culminating in a 32% win strike rate, with 60% of those coming first or second. In 2000 he spent a short while with the all conquering Paul Nicholls yard which 'opened his eyes' regarding the training of a racehorse. Later that year came the opportunity to join the well respected yard of Robert Alner as his assistant.
Over the next 7 years, whilst working with such horses as Kingscliff, Sir Rembrandt, The Listener and countless other top quality jumpers, Nick familiarised himself with all that is required to train under the expert eye of one of the best stockmen and judges of thoroughbreds in the business. The plan was always for Nick to train under his own name and on completion of his Trainer Modules in 2007, the opportunity arose in his home village of Piddletrenthide, Dorset.
Nestled in the bottom of the valley on Piddletrenthide Estates, a purpose built yard of 21 boxes was completed in 2008 when Nick was granted his license. After an admittedly 'tricky' first year things are now progressing nicely; with very good second season statistics, including a Grade 1 and Listed Chase winner in the bag.
The new all weather gallop now installed means that new horses are arriving and plans to expand are being discussed. Nick feels he is finally in a position to train horses 'as I've always wanted to'.
Services:
Racehorse Training