Lambourn’s newest trainer is ready for the challenge. The feeling in Lambourn is starting to change as the Flat season edges closer to its conclusion. Although there are plenty of valuable prizes still up for grabs over the next few weeks, we're seeing jumps trainers more and more in the Valley of the Racehorse now autumn is upon us. Six-time champion trainer Nicky Henderson is fine-tuning his squad for the coming months on his own private gallops at his Seven Barrows base just outside the village, but the likes of Jamie Snowden, Warren Greatrex and Oliver Signy can all be spotted regularly on the communal Mandown gallops with the core jumps season approaching. The village prides itself on the excellent Jockey Club-owned facilities, which include several schooling grounds at the summit of Mandown, and they will likely be in high demand with trainers from around Britain as well as Lambourn. One trainer who is relishing the chance to experience the facilities is Nick Scholfield, the multiple Grade 1-winning jockey who is enjoying the next step of his career after retiring from the saddle after the Grand National in April. Earlier in the summer, Scholfield acquired Felstead Court Stables on Folly Road - the former base of Amo Racing - and is hoping to send out his first runners in late October or early November. “I’ve done all the courses that need to be done,” said Scholfield as we returned from seeing some of his string complete a canter up the Peter Walwyn Gallop. “I wouldn’t have wanted it any sooner because a lot of my horses have come back from their summer breaks and they were never going to run before October anyway. Given the condition of the horses and the circumstances I’m in, it’s worked out quite well. It’s given us a chance to find our feet without the pressure of running any horses, so hopefully in the next couple of months we’ll have a clearer picture of where we’re at.” Scholfield knows he’ll be competing against the likes of Paul Nicholls, Dan Skelton and his neighbours Snowden and Henderson, but he’s optimistic of a good run when he starts. He said: “I’m fully aware it’ll be the hottest time of the year to start with other trainers, so it might be a slow-burning candle, but I’m confident that come the end of the year we can get some results with them. It might not be right away, but I’d be hoping they could win something between them.” The yard has room for around 25 horses, and although it will not be at full capacity to begin with, Scholfield is hoping the ones he has in can fly the flag high. He named St Irene as one to follow, a five-year-old mare who won a bumper on her debut and has joined the yard from Ben Brookhouse. He said: “The best races for St Irene are probably towards the backend of the season in the spring. Those will be her main aims, but she’s been a pleasure to deal with at home and she’s fitted well into our system. “We have her half-sister, St Aurelia, who will probably run this side of Christmas in a bumper. We’ll have a few nice novice hurdlers as well as a few nicer older horses. “We have eight three-year-olds, so they might take a bit of time. If they can get a run in before the end of the year then great, but we can look forward to next year with them. Hopefully we have these younger ones to help build us up for the future. They’re not just here for this season only, we’re trying to think beyond that.” Transitioning from a jockey to a trainer was not always on the cards for Scholfield, who began his riding career with Nicholls and won the 2014 Fighting Fifth on Irving. He said: “I was fully committed to riding, and becoming a trainer wasn’t something I was ever looking to do when I was in the saddle. I always enjoyed the placement of horses and where they could end up, so I’ve been interested in that, but only from a jockey's point of view. “It was probably towards the latter part of my career when I thought about it more. I used to help my dad train point-to-pointers when I was younger, and I grew up with ponies, so it was probably always in my blood. “Being a jump jockey is only half your life, as you’re lucky if you get to near the age of 40, so I’m quite fortunate to get the chance to do this.” It is a bonus for Lambourn to have another jumps trainer in the village and Scholfield said it was a no-brainer to move to the area after seeing the facilities on offer. He said: “It’s remarkable, and until people come here, they can’t appreciate how good everything is. They’re so well maintained, and Will Riggall and his team constantly make sure everyone is happy, no matter what time of year it may be. “There are so many gallops that can suit five-furlong sprinters to four-mile chasers. Archie Watson won the sprint race at Royal Ascot, and Jamie Snowden won the Coral Gold Cup, so it just goes to show any type of horse can train here, as the results speak for themselves. “Everyone within the Lambourn community has been so helpful and welcoming. They’ve been able to guide me and the team in the right direction, and it’s all very much appreciated. “I have to thank the owners too because I’ve not yet had a runner and I’ve still managed to get their support. It’s massive, and I have to pinch myself sometimes as to how lucky I am to be here
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