Thompson can handle step up in class for Spencer

RICHARD SPENCER

The horse Nucky Thompson

The race JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (12.40 Cheltenham)

The story Richard Spencer joined Rebel Racing in 2015 and took up the position of trainer at Albert House Stables in Newmarket after he was awarded his licence at the end of March 2016.

At the young age of 16, Spencer began his racing career with trainer Peter Bowen in west Wales. He moved to work for Barry Hills in 2006 and continued as pupil assistant with Charlie Hills.

He then made the move from Lambourn to Newmarket as he was offered the position of assistant trainer to Michael Bell, where he spent two years.

Spencer has mainly flat horses in training but also has an impressive record over jumps – two winners from five starts in the 2016-17 National Hunt season – and looks to build on this when Nucky Thompson runs in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

He says I am a flat trainer primarily but when it comes to jumps it's so far so good for me and I hope to continue this success.

I started my career working at a jumps yard for Peter Bowen in West Wales but when the opportunity arose for me to work for flat trainer Mr Hills it seemed only sensible for me to take it. It was my first step on the ladder for me to become a trainer myself.

I set a target when I left school at 16 to become a trainer and it was pleasing to see that target reached when I received my licence in March of this year.

The next target is to now train as many winners as possible. It is a hard job but hopefully the horses will keep running well and I can add to my string of good horses in training and reach the bigger stage more.

It's exciting to have a runner a Cheltenham today, it is my local racecourse and a place I've always watched racing so I'm looking forward to it.

Nucky Thompson has every chance today in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. The only slight concern is the ground but he jumped very well at Warwick last week and we were pleased with him.

Although this is a step up in class I'm confident he is going to put in a good run.