A HAPPY VISIT TO OXFORDSHIRES NOEL

Trainer Noel Williams Racing

A small yard that nestles next to the larger set up of Eve Johnson-Houghton’s. White Shoot stables master Noel Williams prepares patiently his small string of jumpers.

An enthusiastic and well meaning trainer takes his visitors first up a long inclined tack to some all weather gallops shared and owned by his neighbours to see his four charges go about their paces up the 7 furlong woodchip surface.

Krackatoa King one of them, this promising chaser who has only had the one run over the larger obstacles showed his audience his paces and his size. As his trainer commented,  he calls the horse, the giant.

Other horses on show were some very nice three year olds. Some un- raced as of yet, but this showed how the trainer takes time with his charges as he says, ‘I don’t really go into statistics too much, i just concentrate on the horse and work from that. Some of these here this morning only worked for the first time at the weekend, and what I saw was very pleasing.’

This young trainer who, in his third season with about ten winners to his name crafted his knowledge from the stables of Alan King, where he was assistant trainer. And speaks very fondly of his time under the master of Barbury Castle.

The stables that are all full at present and situated in an 18 boxed American barn system that as the trainer mentioned works well for him. ‘They are well ventilated so the horses have plenty of fresh air all the time.’ The trainer also commented that in time, a move to larger premises could be on the cards.

 Midnight Jitterbug                                                                                                                    Cinderfella

All the horse looked happy and contented. And, did not seem to bother with the out of the norm invasion by a group of enthusiastic racing buffs wandering in amongst them. Horse such as Midnight Jitterbug an unraced bumper horse by Midnight legend and the appropriately named for the time of year Cinderfella. ( oh yes it was)

 The atmosphere of the whole yard set up was friendly and relaxed, helped by the mulled wine and minced pies on offer from Noel’s racing secretary Clare Ludlow.  A set up that surely in time, like all his horses will come to flourish and emulate the successes of his former boss.

So remember the name, don’t tell me you were not warned, this trainer is one for the future.

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