WILLY TWISTON-DAVIES

Father and son team up at Festival for the first time as joint-trainers... and bank on some help from jockey Sam

- BY STEVE JONES

THREE OF A KIND A young-looking Willy (centre) with dad Nigel and brother Sam four years ago

WILLY TWISTON-DAVIES couldn't have had a better education.

His formative years were spent at a seat of learning far superior in racing circles than Eton or Harrow.

The knowledge, gained growing up at one of the most successful jumps yards, will be put to the test this week just a dozen miles down the road from his Cotswolds base, when he heads to his first Cheltenham Festival officially as joint-trainer with dad Nigel.

The senior partner of the training duo has been responsible for 17 Festival winners, including Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander.

The first - Tipping Tim in what is now the Ultima Chase - came in 1992 before Willy was even born.