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Manor House Stables (Tom Dascombe)
Manor House Stables is the brain-child of Michael and Louise Owen and the yard set in over 160 acres of the beautiful Cheshire countryside. The facilities offered at the stables include- accommodate for 90 horses, grass gallops and an impressive new 7-furlong all-weather gallop, a new offices and superb hostel accommodation for the staff. The well-appointed owners’ lounge with a viewing balcony is a sign of the stables commitment to making owners feel welcome.
The stables also boasts amongst its facilities covered horse walkers, a trotting ring and a sand roll, together with extensive post and rail fenced turnout paddocks. October 2011 saw the opening of the new equine pool and spa complex.
Tom Dascombe
Before accepting the offer from Michael Owen and Andrew Black to take over as trainer at Manor House Tom had already made a name for himself in the training field. He began his career as a jump jockey with Martin Pipe. His time there was well spent and Tom reckons he learned more in five years with Mr Pipe than he would have achieved in 15 years elsewhere. His education continued during stints as an assistant trainer with Ralph Beckett and Mike De Kock. Tom set up on his own in 2006 and since then he has successfully increased the number of winners every year. 2011 has already been a great season with Tom boasting the best strike rate with 2-y-o’s in the country. Tom is aiming to maintain a 15% strike-rate this season and with plenty of chances at the Royal meeting at Ascot a group success looks on the cards.
Bankhouse Stables (Donald McCain)
Bankhouse Stables is set in the beautiful surroundings of Cholmondeley Castle Estate, in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Bankhouse has stabling for more than 100 horses, superb private grass and two purpose built all-weather gallops. Owners and horses alike can enjoy the quiet and peaceful setting.
Donald McCain
Donald grew up in a racing household; his father the legendary Ginger McCain trained 4 Grand National winners. He started his career as a jockey and rode some 40 winners. After giving up race riding Donald worked for Luca Cumani, Sir Michael Stoute and Oliver Sherwood as Assistant Trainer. Having served his training apprenticeship with some of the top names in the industry he returned to Bankhouse stables to take over the reins from his father in 2006. Since then his record has been amazing. He started with over 40 winners in his first year and has shown an increase in winners every year. Donald completed 2010-11 season by hitting the 100 winners mark as well as achieving a memorable Grand National win with Ballabriggs. The new year continues with Overturn’s impressive victory in the Chester Cup. Donald was third in the trainers championship last season and will look to go one better this next year.
