Trainer makes good start to season

One particularly special quartet of horses, running under the banner of the Richard Rowe Racing Partnership, have certainly been paying their way, with all four having finished in the first four on their outings so far.

Main flag bearer for this popular racing group is the good-looking High Oscar, who made a winning debut at Fontwell Park, then was third at Plumpton, before returning to the track last week in a very competitive handicap and finishing second.

Richard said: “He is a good horse and was beaten by an Alan King horse last time out, but I plan to run him again at Plumpton on December 1 when he should benefit from an extended two and a half mile trip.”

While High Oscar, who is normally ridden out by assistant trainer Paul Hacking, has already earned his corn for the season, the only mare in the quartet, The Bishops Baby, has impressed with her vigour and determination. Almost black, she is a striking individual and has finish in the frame on her two outings so far over hurdles - third at 33-1 at Fontwell and fourth at Lingfield, and she is expected to progress further following those outings.

Half Cocked had his first run at Kempton, finishing fourth in a competitive novice hurdle. He has impressed with his jumping and his future will be in chasing.

Helm is an established Partnership horse and already has a good track record with the group, having scored two wins and four places. He finished fourth in a handicap chase at Stratford on his seasonal debut and will come on for that run, being aimed at distance chases, with plenty of options. One of them is likely to be the Devon National on December 3.

“We try to keep the horses racing locally as far as possible, so that Partnership owners can see them in action. We make is as much fun as we can. It has been going for five years now and has been very successful,” said Richard.

For full feature and more pictures see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette November 24