Duo heading for Kempton's Racing Post Chase

Tatenen, bounced back to form when winning the Victorchandler.com Handicap Chase at Ascot last month.

His early National Hunt career with top trainer Paul Nicholls had been impressive, but after two years without a win, his owner, stockbroker Andy Stewart decided a change of scenery would be beneficial and sent him to join the West Sussex yard.

Ashleigh House stables nestles at the foot of the downs and Tatenen has been rejuvenated by his change of environment and routine, putting in an outstanding performance at Ascot, coming home 16 lengths clear of the spread-eagled field with Andrew Thornton in the saddle.

Tatenen has been punished by the handicapper for that run and the seven-year-old will have to defy a mark 13lb higher than the one at Ascot, meaning a racing weight of 11st 3lb for the Kempton Grade 3 Handicap Chase.

But Richard Rowe said he was confident there is still more to come for the horse and is highly optimistic that the race will suit Tatenen.

He told reporters: “It’s the race we mentioned almost straight after Ascot and, even though he has been put up a fair chunk, if he reproduces what he did at Ascot he’d have every chance. You need a horse rated in the 150s to win the Racing PostChase.”

Tatenen’s stablemate, Burren Legend, also ridden by Andrew Thornton, was a good third at Sandown recently, beaten only a nose by the second-placed horse.

Owned by Tommy Thompson, a long-time owner at the Sullington stables, he started out as a 50-1 shot and was supported down to 8-1 in the Totesport Masters Handicap Race. Already a three-times winner over fences, he will also be considered for the 3m contest if the ground continues to dry out.

“He has been allotted a weight of 9st 11lb for the race.

For full feature and more equestrian stories, see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette, February 16 2011