Point-to-point Darren Edwards
Trainer Tom Faulkner scores a double on his first outing as a trainer, while jockey-trainer Byron Moorcroft lands four wins
FORMER jockey Tom Faulkner enjoyed a successful day during South Wales’ season opener at Howick when sending out two winners and a runner-up. Son of under Rules trainer Deborah Faulkner, Tom rode in points, but gave up six seasons ago to focus on his plumbing and heating business. This season, he has decided to train his own pointers.
Black Jack Rover, bought from the Ascot sales this summer for £1,500, landed the confined.
The former Donald McCain nineyear-old was having his second run for Tom.
“Because he came to us fit, we thought we’d give him a quick run under Rules to see what he was like, but he fell, so we’re holding him back for pointing,” added Tom. “That was his first point for us and he definitely wants soft ground.”
Another new horse for Tom, Mister Robbo, bought from Doncaster sales in May for £800, was also having his first run in the restricted, which he then went on to win.
“It shows you don’t have to spend a fortune on these horses,” said Tom. “I’ve got seven to go pointing and want to have a go at the seven-and-under trainer title.”
Tom’s first runner of the day, Union Jack D’ycy, finished second to the Jo Priest-trained A Tail Of Intrigue in the hunt members’. The 10-year-old former Venetia Williams horse has been with Tom a couple of seasons but “niggles” have plagued his performance.
“He’s run on the track, but had a few niggly problems, so we thought we’d give him a couple of runs pointing and he ran well today,” said Tom.
All three of Tom’s horses were ridden by jockey and trainer
Byron Moorcroft, who also landed a win in the open maiden with Luke Price’s Time And Again and the mixed open on Jason Warner’s Beneficial Joe, taking his total at Howick to four.
“I’ve had a great start to the season with five wins,” said Byron. “We’ve just put in a new threefurlong gallop at the yard, which means I’m able to ride out in the pitch black with just a head torch. The horses work whatever time I have to get them done. This time of year I’m busy with work, so it’s a matter of fitting it all in.”