'I'm ambitious and want to grow the numbers and quality of the string'

Stepping into the shoes of a successful parent is not an easy task, but there has been a seamless transition of power after Ed Bethell took over the reins at Thorngill House from his father James, who had held a trainer’s licence for 46 years.

Starting the season with 30 horses, Bethell set himself a target of “around 23-25 winners” and, with four months still to go, he looks odds-on to surpass that goal.

“I had hoped we had the ammunition to reach that number of winners and bring in at least £200,000 in prize-money this year, but we have £215,000 in the bank and 17 winners on the board. It has been a real team effort from the staff and my father, who continues to be a big help, but I couldn’t have made such a great start without the support of such a wonderful bunch of owners.”