GAINING GROUND AMONG THE THROUGHBREDS IN SPORT OF KINGS

As Dalgleish’s strike rate increases, so does his standing in the sport. The prizes are important, but the plaudits are not why he does what he does.

Businessman Gordon McDowall put his faith in Dalgleish when he handed him the keys to Belstane and he inherited 20 horses. The risk has brought significant rewards.

“A lot of my owners have been with me since I kicked off, really, and I have been fortunate that they have stood by me,” Dalgleish said.

“They maybe started off with a couple of horses and have ended up with six or seven. They have been massive in helping me get to where I am today.

“Of course they took a risk on me. I was fortunate that when we started we got a few winners early and that attracts people.

“We try and offer a good service, keep them well up to date and, touch wood, they seem to stay. I must be doing something right.”

The rise and rise of Dalgleish is just one of the positives for Scottish racing at present as the sport continues to grow north of the border.

ONE For Arthur’s Grand National triumph in April for trainer Lucinda Russell was the highlight and put her Kinross stable on the map.

Dalgleish is making his own mark. The same can be said across the country.

“You hear the same thing from owners all the time, that the Scottish tracks seem to provide for them better than most,” Dalgleish said. “That is good.

“I suppose we do extra travelling compared to other places, but we choose to be here and we like it here so we have to do it.

“The prize money is good, there is plenty to be had.

“In general, all the tracks in Scotland do a great job. They look after everyone well and that is why they all attract a lot of runners.

“If you look at the amount of good horses that have won their Maidens in Scotland, that says a lot.

“There are Royal Ascot winners that have won their Maidens here in the past ten years. I think the quality of racing here is good.”