Jumping for fun

by Hayley 

Some of you may be aware that Ann started out as a National Hunt trainer. Her first runner in a Hunter Chase was a winner that she sold on for decent money and her own words she made the mistake of thinking 'this is easy!'. She successfully trained jump horses for many years, the 1996-97 season was notably affulent, recording 25 wins from only 96 runs and working at a strike rate of  26%. Gradually more and more flat horses crept into the yard and, with the invaluable riding knowledge of George, the move towards the flat made sense. Before long the whole string was made up of horses to run on the level. We've had a few of the staying types run over hurdles over the last few years, often with success including debutant winner Heaven Scent and the ill-fated Falcon's Fire who was on course to rise through ranks very nicely indeed. Ann still holds a dual-license and recently welcomed a lovely strong National Hunt prospect by Yeats - an unbroken 3yo gelding bred by Bumble Mitchell. Henry Brooke was in to school Sunhill Lad over the hurdles in the newly postioned schooling lane. The grey son of 'Lilbourne Lad' has taken to hurdling well at home and it could just be the making of him...

JAAEZ - Ann's first winner