Debut Rules winner for Harriet Dickin

Anyone following racing in the Three Counties will be more than familiar with the name Dickin, synonymous with Robin, a first class jockey in his time, who turned his hand to training, latterly from a base just outside Stratford. But as Robin would readily concur, nothing lasts forever, and the changing of the guard means 27 year old daughter Harriet is now the licence holder. 

And with Ballinslea Bridge, she broke her duck on Thursday at Market Rasen, winning the 3m handicap chase. 

But as with so many folk in our profession, this is not the start, only a continuation of the endless educative journey that is horses. Harriet has ridden since she could walk, but swerved racing to focus on an eventing career alongside partner Dominic Ruane. Som Pointers followed from 2 years ago, resulting in a brace of winners at Alnwick and Badbury Rings from 19 runners. 

Her father's retirement brought on a change of premises, as alongside so many others, she oscillated toward the Cotswolds, choosing Ben Pauling's old yard above Bourton-on-the Water. Bourton Hill Farm has already proven its worth as a winning premises. Pauling sent out Le Breuil to win the National Hunt Chase from there in 2019, and it provided the platform for his continuing success at his new yard at Naunton Downs. 

There was further good news of Point-to-Point graduates at Haydock earlier this week, when Horseheath maiden winner Mr Vango made an impressive winning debut for his new trainer Mark Bradstock in a 3m maiden hurdle. British Point-to-Point winners trade at a discount to their Irish counterparts, which present something of a value opportunity to handlers seeking a bargain.

In this neck of the Cotswolds, there's a trainer in virtually every village - a great endorsement of the sport.