SPONSOR : HIGH VIEW RACING LIMITED

Ambitious Dominic Ffrench Davis set for move to former 

Dascombe yard

Lambourn trainer Dominic Ffrench Davis, who had his best haul of prize-money last year, is hoping his imminent move across the village to the yard that helped launch Tom Dascombe's career can do the same for him.

Based at Upshire Stables for six years, Ffrench Davis, who started training in 1994, will be much closer to the gallops in Upper Lambourn after his switch to High View, from where Dascombe made headlines with a 24-hour juvenile Group double at Newmarket's July meeting in 2008 with Classic Blade and Firth Of Fifth.

The premises, which neighbour's Joe Tuite's stables, has been empty since Daniel Kubler's departure from it over the winter.

"We're trying to go for something a bit bigger and better," said Ffrench Davis, whose ten winners last season was not far off his personal best of 13 in 2010.

"There are 32 boxes and we'd like to fill them. Upshire's just a bit far from the gallops and the facilities at High View are very smart. We had a good season last year and I was on the lookout. Fortunately, this yard came up and it's a very healthy one. 

"It's situated, as the name suggests, at an elevated level with very good ventilation and two first-class American barns. I'll also have an owners' room where we can entertain. I've never had that before and it's been more difficult to take owners back to our house in the village for breakfast and things like that."

The 53-year-old Ffrench Davis, who has spent time in his career working for Paul Cole and David Elsworth, added: "I can't wait to get going. It's a super yard and if horses can't be healthy there, they won't be anywhere. We've got 20 horses to take with us, but we're looking to expand.

"I've got some very nice two-year-olds, while I think Ragnar, who finished second at Chelmsford recently, is a promising horse, and Indeed is another. He's a Showcasing four-year-old from Juddmonte who could be seen to best effect with a bit of cut in the ground."