'It's a gamble' - Roger Teal hoping switch to Henderson's first yard pays off

Roger Teal reckons his imminent move to the Lambourn yard that set Nicky Henderson on his way more than 40 years ago is a gamble, but it is one he is convinced must be taken.

Teal, who started training in 2007, cut his teeth in Epsom, making a name for himself with his handling of the smart Steele Tango, a winner in Dubai who was also fifth in the 2009 Eclipse behind Sea The Stars.

Four years ago, Teal made the move to a base not far from Lambourn in Great Shefford, which has proved productive. He saddled what was then an annual best of 17 winners in 2016 and pocketed lucrative prizes in Qatar with Tip Two Win, who went on to be second at 50-1 second behind Saxon Warrior in last year's 2,000 Guineas.

Tip Two Win (white and black silks) finishing second in last year's 2,000 GuineasCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The yard has sent out 18 winners this season, including important Saturday successes with Oxted in the Portland and Classic hope Kenzai Warrior, who landed the Horris Hill.

The time, however, has come to expand and, subject to BHA approval, Teal intends to move his string to Windsor House in Lambourn on Monday.

"We've gained a few extra horses, so we need more space and there's no scope to do that where we are," he said. "We'll look to have around 35 horses and see how we go, but we've capitalised on the year we've had and hopefully can keep improving next year.

"We used the gallops in Lambourn quite a lot anyway and it's very exciting as in Oxted, Kenzai Warrior and Tip Two Win, who stays in training, we've got three potential Group horses for next year.

"Winners get your name in the Racing Post and having a horse like Tip Two Win gets you noticed. We've had a wonderful year with Oxted and Kenzai among others and it's just about keeping the momentum going."

Oxted: Portland winner is a major hope for next seasonCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Five-time champion jumps trainer Henderson began his career at Windsor House, which has also been home to Flat icon Peter Walwyn, Ralph Beckett and most recently Harry Dunlop.

"It's got a horse swimming pool, which should be helpful," added Teal, whose son Harry is a conditional jockey with Warren Greatrex.

"It wasn't an easy decision to move at all. This little yard has been very lucky for us and we've done well, but there's limited space. We don't want to get massive, but we want more quality.

"It's a gamble, but if we don't do it now we never will and sometimes you've got to strike when the iron's hot, while moving from Epsom paid off in the first place. We're familiar with the gallops, so don't have to find our bearings."

Three horses Teal is hoping can be the real deal in 2020

Kenzai Warrior
I was quite bullish about him, so thank God he showed that on the track. Unless he's knocking the stable door off we're going straight for the Guineas. He's a different horse to Tip, who is all speed, and Kenzai is a big, galloping, scopey horse. I had a taste of those big races with Tip and want to drink at the top table again.

Oxted
He just kept improving and improving before winning the Portland, which was a great day. He's enjoying his holidays now and I'll have a look at the programme book for races for him in the spring, but he's rated 109 now, so won't be running in handicaps.

Tip Two Win
A star who helped put us on the map with those wins in Qatar and that second in the 2,000 Guineas. He's staying in training for another season and has had a nice long break now, so hopefully we can get him back to where he was.

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