It is a common mistake to confuse the owner of a horse with its trainer, or assume that trainer and owner are bound to be the same person. It seems logical to assume that the person closest to the horse, the one rising at ungodly hours of the morning to go for a practise at the track, the one most in tune with the horse's moods and needs, should be the one owning the animal. In reality most trainers are hired by the owners of a race horse to help the horse achieve its racing best. A successful trainer of race horses will be able to generate certain amounts of price money for the owners of a horse, and by extension building a reputation for him- or herself that will ensure employment for a long and prosperous career. 6e4g4g
While the owner will reap the lion's share of the financial rewards if a horse wins a race, the trainer is harvesting track credit. As it takes a long time to build a reputation as a trainer and the early years are bound to be a struggle, the trainers who emerge on top with a stream of winning horses in their wake will never have anyone doubt their ion and commitment to the sport.
A high class race horse trainer will often have his own stables to house and train his or her charges for the seasons. Some training set-ups are almost reminiscent of a boarding school for talented race horses. This is another factor that makes a trainer's reputation imperative to his or her success. To gain sufficient access to a future trainee the trainer must hold the complete and unwavering trust of the horse's owner. In a profession that relies so heavily on word-of-mouth and proof of ability, it is no wonder that trainers of race horses take exceptional pride in their work.
Jonjo O'Neil
Legendary trainer of race horses Jonjo O'Neil was the first trainer to take 100 wins in a British season in 2002; a fact that demonstrates quite clearly the prowess and talent of the man. Just to make it a little clearer, O'Neil broke his own record and led his charges to 106 wins in the 2007-2008 season. Since he started his career as a trainer in 1986, O'Neil has produced a steady stream of champion horses at his Jackdaws Castle training stables. Most recently, O'Neil-trained Wichita Lineman took the win in the William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham. As it is almost impossible to read a race card without coming across the name Jonjo O'Neil, it will be easy for you to keep your eyes open for horses trained by this exceptional teacher.
Ferdy Murphy
After a lifetime spent in the horse racing industry (as a Scottish Grand National).
Nigel Twiston-Davies
This iconic trainer of not one but two winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Paul Nicholls
Specialised in Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2008 and 2009; it is no surprise that Nicholls is one of the most sought after trainers of his day.
Jenny Pitman
'Mrs P' also dubbed 'The Queen of Aintree' is undoubtedly one of the most important women trainers in a sport that remains a predominantly male domain to this day. She was the first woman to train a Grand National winner, her champion Corbiere in 1983; a feat she almost repeated in 1993, when Esha Ness was first to cross the line during the race which was declared void. However, in 1995 Pitman finally achieved her second win at Aintree, taking the lead with Royal Athlete. Until her retirement in 1999, Pitman worked tirelessly to prove her worth in a challenging environment, paving the way for young female trainers. In 1998 she was awarded the OBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for her services to the sport of horse racing.
