Quality over quantity for Alan King with strong band of novice chasers

The good news is that Alan King is about to celebrate his best year on the Flat in prize-money terms, with over £630,000 banked and several weeks of the season still remaining.

The not so good news is that two contributors to that haul, Cambridgeshire second Beringer and smart handicapper Trueshan, who between them have netted £200,000, will not be going hurdling but kept for more valuable pots on the Flat next year.

“It’s true our jumping squad is potentially a bit weakened as a result,” says King, “but it makes sound business sense. We are down slightly in numbers compared to last year, but I hope there are some lovely prospects coming through.”