Richard refuses to play the numbers game as he looks to up success rate

He is building on good results of last year with his progressive string, based at Ashleigh House Stables at the foot of the downs at Sullington.

Richard has a dedicated team with former point-to-point and champion amateur rider Paul Hacking as assistant trainer, Julie Lee as yard manager, a vastly experienced racing secretary in Vicky Williams and good stable staff.

The ground was frozen and Fontwell racing had been called off last week but his third lot was going out up a stiff all-weather six-furlong gallop '“ just part of the excellent training facilities at his base.

"Everyone is complaining about this freeze-up but it always used to be like this, with stable taps frozen, racing called off and sub-zero temperatures," he said.

And he should know, for he comes from a well-known racing family and was based with Josh Gifford for 16 years, riding almost 600 winners, including many big race ones, before starting training.

For full story and more pictures see West Sussex Gazette January 14