Paul Sellars has been an owner with Micky Hammond since he began training in 1990. He knows Micky and the team better than most and gives a useful insight into ownership in general, and with Micky Hammond Racing specifically. Our thanks to Paul for contributing this piece.

HE DOESN'T CALL HIS GEESE SWANS
“Get rid “ said the jockey to the trainer as he got off the horse following a race at Sedgefield. He was talking about a horse the trainer was trying to sell me. The jockey was Micky Hammond. What a refreshing change from “He needs a little more time”, or “wrong ground” or “wrong track” or “he needs to run on a Wednesday” as the jockey tries to please the trainer

It was this forthright and straightforward approach that was the beginning of an enduring racing relationship. Subsequently Micky rode a horse called Ballymore Park, which I part owned with a friend, and which was my first taste of racehorse ownership. He won twice on the horse but on his final run was unseated at the last at Hexham with the race at his mercy. As he trudged up to us on his way back to the weighing room he said “I owe you one.“ It did not take long to repay.

Shortly after this, Micky Hammond set up as a trainer at Tupgill Park and we moved ‘Bally’ to be trained there and it wasn't long before he was back in the frame. But as sometimes happens the horse ‘got a leg’ and spent the next 18 months in the paddock recovering. First time out, after a 2 year absence, ‘Bally’ won easily at Market Rasen at 12-1. The horse had a little talent and a big heart and I was hooked on racehorse ownership. During this period I learnt a lot about the trainer. He proved to be knowledgeable, dedicated and driven to succeed. Like other able trainers he has the ability to place horses effectively. This combined with a patient and caring approach to the horse's welfare ensures that, barring injuries, it will run at its best over a number of years. However if the horse is unlikely to win, you will be told. In this yard they do not keep horses that are not up to the job. They are moved on to more suitable options, and Micky and the team make sure they go to caring homes.

Micky has always understood the essential nature of surrounding himself with a good team. In the early days there were Andy Crook and Jedd O'Keeffe, the boisterous Irish conditional Shane Lyons and Dave Bentley, recently champion jump jockey in America, Karen in the office and, of course, Ernie Peterson. This ethos continues today with the likes of Ashley, Gemma , Hayley, Karen in the office and, of course, Ernie!

“Mornin Paul. I've found you the chaser you wanted. He's with David Nicholson and has got ability, in fact he ran in the Champion Hurdle. Apparently he is practically impossible to train and they want rid, but I’ll get to the bottom of him. He will cost you 4 grand and his name’s Valiant Warrior. My advice is you should take the risk.” This turned out to be a great piece of judgement. Over the next 6 years we experienced, as always, one or two lows but also some of the best times that racing can give. Is there a deeper feeling of pleasure, involvement and respect than being involved with a horse which has real ability, that is kept supremely fit and is persuaded, despite all his quirks (the horse that is, not the trainer!) to run at his best every time he goes to the races?

I mentioned lows. ‘Warrior’ won two good races on the trot in March 2006 and headed for Aintree as favourite for the “John Hughes” two and a half mile chase. We set off for Aintree with high expectations and a crate of ale, only to hear that ‘Warrior’ had kicked himself in the box and would not run.

It has always been our ambition to have a runner in the Grand National and the following year found us in the parade ring at Aintree watching ‘Warrior’ prior to his run in that race. Fifteen minutes later we were wandering the streets having had to leave the racecourse because of a bomb scare. After wandering the streets for 3 hours we learnt that no cars would be allowed out. Fortunately horse boxes were. Micky smuggled us into the box and we sat on the floor at the back facing the horses. Just as we set off for home Warrior sneezed covering us in white foam which very quickly dried to the consistency of super glue! When the race was run on the Monday he ran a blinder taking the National fences like a veteran. Having waited for this moment for about 40 years, I was not there, going on unavoidable business in London!! Valiant Warrior had a serious virus earlier in the year and had only one prep race prior to Aintree and that highlights what a great training performance this was from Micky and the team.

Micky is now firmly established at Oakwood stables in Middleham and has made this a permanent base by purchasing the yard and house. He continues to train a regular supply of winners over the jumps and on the flat. I had an unfortunate run with injuries but we are now back in the winners enclosure. It’s not just the racing though. An important part of owning a race horse is the involvement (not interference) in the horse's progress, and effective and honest communication from the trainer. These you will get at Micky Hammond Racing – you cannot help but enjoy the experience.

Finally a couple of tips. Don't be tempted to cancel your round-the-world holiday to watch your horse run in a novice hurdle at Fakenham. There will be a plague of frogs and the meeting will be cancelled. Secondly, if you own any paddocks – sell them. Otherwise your love for these magnificent animals may see you end up like us with a field full of retired horses who are unable to run as fast as you can!