Trainer kept his racehorses ticking over during the big freeze

DESPITE deep snow surrounding his racing stables at Sullington for more than a week, racehorse trainer Richard Rowe and his staff fought a constant battle with the elements to make sure the 25-strong string was kept ticking over.

The snow couldn't have come at a worse time for him.

His horses had run into winning form and were doing well until jumps fixtures were abandoned because of sub zero temperatures and relentless snow.

His yard and gallops are at the foot of the downs, down a long, steep lane but dedicated stable staff took immense risks to make sure they turned up every day to ride out and look after their horses.

It was a daily battle to keep the yard clear of snow and ice but Richard and assistant trainer Paul Hacking established a new routine which enabled staff to start later, with first lot not going out until around 11am, and two other lots following before evening stables a little earlier than usual.

"We abandoned the traditional routine of them arriving at 6.30am, riding out, taking the afternoon off and returning for evening stables. It made sense for them to only make one trip here and for that to be in daylight at both ends in view of conditions.