Farrant set for training bow

Former jockey Rodney Farrant saddles his first runner as a trainer when Aramat tackles the seven-furlong maiden at Chepstow tomorrow.

Farrant partnered 220 winners, including Martha’s Son in the 1997 Queen Mother Champion Chase, before he was forced to relinquish his licence following a fall at Huntingdon almost three years ago.

He has now set up at Coldharbour Farm, a 90-acre property owned by his parents at Bampton, which is seven miles from Tiverton.

Farrant said: “I’m based halfway between Martin Pipe and Philip Hobbs and I have some excellent facilities including a steep five-furlong grass gallop, while an all-weather facility of four-and-a-half furlongs is currently under construction.

“Last year I trained point-to-pointers as well as running a livery operation in which I looked after a few for Martin Pipe and Rod Millman.”

Farrant has 18 boxes at his base with seven horses on the go.

His big hope for this year is Kalabell Prince, a point-to-pointer who will be running in maiden and novice hurdles over two-and-a-half miles.

Farrant enjoyed several big-race victories other than the Queen Mother with Willsford’s win in the 1995 Scottish National and the success of Princeful in the 1998 Stayers’ Hurdle some of the other highlights.