'He's going to have to beat the best horse other than Kauto Star I've ever seen'

As part of the countdown to the big clash between Altior and Cyrname on Saturday, we spoke to the grooms who look after the horses every day

ROBIN LAND (Altior)

How did you get into racing?
My brother-in-law has always had a bet on the horses, so I would have to say he got me watching racing in the first place. From there I went to the British Racing School and then into racing.

How long have you worked for Nicky?
16 years.

How long have you looked after Altior?
This is my second year with him. I started looking after him at the start of last season.

What is he like in his box?
He’s nice and relaxed and very easy to deal with.

And on the gallops?
I’ll often see him put in a little buck or a kick as he heads out on to the gallops, but then he always settles down very quickly and canters away just fine.

Where's his favourite place for a pat or stroke?
He really likes it when his head is being rubbed.

His funniest quirk?
He loves to take his head collar off when he’s tied up and then starts to chew it.

Good eater?
Absolutely. He loves his main meals but when he gets his hay he likes to throw it and pull it all around his bed.

Best friend in the yard?
Not too many horses like to be around him as he can be a bit too playful.

Who else do you ride?
My normal lots each day are O O Seven, Divine Spear and Son Of Camas.

And finally, does he win on Saturday?
It will be a great race to watch with two very good horses. After last season it looked like a step up in trip was what Altior needed, but his home work says differently. I hope he can keep his winning streak going.

Scott Marshall: 'He doesn't really light up until he's out on the gallops'

SCOTT MARSHALL (Cyrname)

How did you get into racing?
I grew up with ponies. My parents got me into riding and all I wanted to do from leaving school was be a jockey.

How long have you worked for Paul?
Five years.

How long have you ridden Cyrname?
Since he arrived in England, so about three years.

Presumably he's the best horse you ride?
Well, I also ride Clan Des Obeaux, so on achievements probably not, but he's a completely different horse and he's up there with the best I've ridden.

What is he like in his box?
He's very quiet and affectionate; he doesn't really light up until he's out on the gallops.

And on the gallops?
He's a completely different horse. For the first two years we could barely train him because he was all go. He's only started improving since we've been able to train him properly.

Where's his favourite place for a pat or stroke?
He loves any attention, but maybe if you cuddle his head.

His funniest quirk?
He's not really got any quirks but he's quite a spooky horse. If there's anything like a recycling bin, he will spook.

Good eater?
He eats as well as any other horse.

Best friend in the yard?
His stablemate is Pic D'Orhy.

Who else do you ride?
I also ride Clan Des Obeaux, Master Tommytucker and a horse called Bravemansgame, who runs in the bumper at Ascot on Saturday.

And finally, does he win on Saturday?
If you want a simple yes or no answer, then I genuinely think he will win, but he's going to have to beat the best horse other than Kauto Star I've ever seen.

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