Back with a bang and raring to go

And if the final race of the day at a recent Great Leighs meeting had not been cancelled because of fog, it would have been a full house of four wins.

Luke, who trains from Copped Hall Farm, between Billingshurst and Five Oaks, ended a lean spell of five months without a winner when American Spin spreadeagled the field and came home in style in the William Hill Auction Maiden Stakes at Kempton early this month.

The five-year-old had not raced since October 2006 when he finished third at Newmarket on his racing debut as a juvenile, then trained by Brian Meehan.

"He was injured after that race, doing a tendon, and then did the other leg. He went to another trainer who couldn't get him fit enough to go back on the track. He came to me last April and I have had to take things gently with him," said Luke.

He has a fine reputation for getting injured horses back on the track and educating quirky horses '“ and patience paid off with American Spin, who romped home at 7-2 and has come out of the race sound.

He could be back on the track in early February with a step up in class.

The yard's flagship horse is Innactualfact, a three-year-old filly, who should have run at Great Leighs.

Luke said: "We bought her as a yearling at the sales. A bloodstock agent picked several horses for us and she was the one I liked most.She turned out to be the cheapest of the bunch at 10,000, which is no price for a racehorse these days.

"We've taken our time with her and I was certain she would win at Great Leighs. She was absolutely bouncing and when the race was cancelled I transferred her to a race at Lingfield on January 9, because she needed to run. She was way out of the handicap that day and couldn't expect to win.

"The next time I ran her, in a more suitable race at Lingfield on January 17, partnered by Jim Crowley, she cruised home at 10-1. Unfortunately, she gets a 10lb penalty for that win and there is not another race for her before that comes into effect, but I'm sure she will improve."

At home she is ridden by wife Louise who, like his parents, is an integral part of the team.

Louise said: "She has a heart of gold and won on the bridle by five lengths. Last year she had pipped her hamstrings and had six weeks out in the paddock, otherwise she would have been in winning action earlier."

Colonel Sherman, a four-year-old colt owned by William Chambers, was born in America and brought over to this country.

Luke said: "When he came to me we couldn't hold him on the gallops at first. All he wanted to do was bolt. I spent a long time educating him and settling him down. Now he is so laid back, despite still being a colt, that he will just lie down in his box and go to sleep after morning exercise.

"He was very highly strung when he got here and it has taken time and patience. But he travels to the races with a filly in the box without any problems and has settled in his races."

After making the frame three times he won in style at Lingield on January 9, well ridden by Adam Kirby, coming home four and a half lengths clear of the field.

On Saturday January 24, shouldering a hefty 10lb penalty for his win and taking a step up in class, he put in an outstanding performance at Lingfield where he was beaten only by a very short head on the line after making all the running.

He is clearly an improving and gutsy horse and should win again.

Hip Hip Hooray, a shrewd purchase who won on the Flat in August, has been having a holiday and will be back in March.

And now is the time for prospective owners to take advantage of the chance to own winning horses, for half- shares are available in American Spin and Colonel Sherman.

There is also a syndicate system where members pay only 200 for a 12-month subscription fee and in return share the excitement and fun of following the progress of other horses in the string, including Innactualfact and jumper Snow Patrol. Members are rewarded with one per cent of the total prize money won by the horses plus a host of other benefits.

Louise, who runs the syndicate, said: "It is a very inexpensive way of owning horses. Most members are local and they get to go racing around 20 times a year on owners' badges, which more than covers the cost. They enjoy it immensely and have had a return on prize money too."

Anyone interested in a half-share or joining the syndicate can contact her on 07974 765506.

Luke said: "I have some horses for jumping, with Optimum Asset, who fell on his first run over hurdles but needs better ground could run at Fontwell on February 1. Patiently (six) wants good ground and she could run in an all-weather bumper in March, while Snow Patrol, an eight-year-old with a win and several places to his credit over hurdles, will also continue over jumps."