In the latest in our Stable Tour series, Graham Clark pays a visit to Alan King to get the latest on his sizeable team for the 2024-25 jumps season.
The landscape at Barbury Castle Stables might be changing as trainer Alan King continues to increase his flat team, however National Hunt racing remains at the heartbeat of the yard.
While not quite possessing the numbers he once enjoyed, the father-of-two boasts a more select squad with definite focus shift towards quality over quantity.
Although King saddled just 36 winners last season there were several noticeable victories including Edwardstone securing Grade Two glory in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury and success for Favour And Fortune at the same level in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.
And with both of the aforementioned pair back for more alongside several promising bumper horses that are set to be campaigned over novice hurdles and a scattering of smart novice chasers a solid season looks to be on the cards for King.
He said “We have cut back numbers wise as we gave up the stables at Sharpridge. We have a smaller, but hopefully a more select team going forward. It is very much a focus on quality over quantity.
“Edwardstone winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last season was amazing and we finished off with Helnwein winning at Sandown on the final day.
"We also unleashed a few promising bumper horses in Blues Singer, Mythical Moon, who won at Stratford the other day, and Don’t Mind If I Do, so there is a bit of hope there for the season ahead."
