By Simon Mapletoft
Top trainer Mick Appleby has assembled a typically strong team for All-Weather Championships Season 10 as he begins his title defence with a 90-strong battalion at his Oakham base in Leicestershire.
The Yorkshireman has been crowned champion trainer six years in a row, breaking the 50-winner mark in each of the last four seasons. Indeed, with such strength in depth, he could be well placed to beat his previous best tally of 59 achieved in Season 8.
“We’ve got our usual number to work with and a nice mix of horses, but we probably have more higher quality runners than we’ve ever had on the All-Weather,” says Appleby, who is closing in on another calendar year century on sand and turf.
“I’ll have a team for Dubai this winter, which is exciting, but some of those horses will probably come back with Finals Day on Good Friday in mind as well.”
Appleby is full of praise for the new £1 Million Bonus scheme that will operate across all ARC courses this winter, offering a monthly share of additional prize money to the horses that accumulate the most points.
“I think it’s a really good idea because it gives horses racing at a lower level the chance to boost their prize money, too. I do think it’s going to make the racing more competitive but it’s a welcome initiative for owners everywhere.”
Jason Watson, who linked up successfully with the stable last year, will ride the majority of Appleby’s runners while stable stalwart Ali Rawlinson, who is on his way back from injury, will be another key component along with capable apprentices Fred Larson and Theo Ladd.
Here, Appleby nominates ten horses to follow through the new season.
