Sandy Thomson

The jumps trainer is proving a maestro at reinvigorating jaded racehorses. Julian Muscat finds out how his rugby background influences his training plan

- Julian Muscat

SANDY THOMSON still basks in the afterglow of a five-week episode that put his Scottish stable firmly on the map. It is nearly 10 years since he was obliged to upgrade his permit to a full trainer’s licence. A pair of highprofile races either side of Christmas made it well worth the wait.

The first of them saw Yorkhill, a shadow of his youthful pomp under Willie Mullins’ wing, turn back time to win the Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle. His game, front-running display contrasted sharply with the moody insolence that saw him fail to complete on four of his previous five starts.

Then came another joyous blast from the past. On 2 January, Seeyouatmidnight, once the Thomson stable star, defied his 13 years to win the Unibet Veterans’ Chase Final at Sandown. He galloped home on a wave of nostalgic euphoria.

Although the brace was worth more than £70,000 in earnings, the feeling was one that money couldn’t buy. Thomson made his reputation in 2018 when he revived Harry The Viking, another refugee from a big stable, to win the Scottish Borders National. Here was further evidence of the restorative rhythms of his Lambden stables, in Berwickshire.

THOMSON’S voice goes up an octave when Yorkhill or Seeyouatmidnight arise in conversation. He is proud of them; proud also of his role in reversing their declines. Yet their deeds generated so much interest that he’s a little wary of being typecast as modern-day Dr Dolittle.