High hopes for Tall Trees as Jason Ward moves into Nicholls' former yard

Having enjoyed his best-ever season in 2018, trainer Jason Ward has moved into the late David 'Dandy' Nicholls' former yard in Thirsk and expanded his string.

Ward, 49, sent out ten winners in Britain last term, his eighth based at the Dante yard in Middleham, and won his first Listed race with Maifalki in France.

For 2019, the trainer has switched to Tall Trees Stables, from where Nicholls sent out numerous top sprint winners and which owner/breeder David Scott bought last year.

"It is a proven yard, up to Group 1 level," Ward said. "Mr Scott has refurbished, renovated and rejuvenated Tall Trees to an extremely high standard and I very much look forward to training his horses and the horses of all my existing, loyal owners, who are all relocating with us.

"All of my existing team, and some new members, are relocating and are extremely excited by the challenge ahead."

Ward, a former jockey and assistant to James Fanshawe, took out his first training licence in 2011.

"We moved to Dante with four yearlings who cost little more than £3,000, and having trained just under 50 winners there we are looking forward to the challenge of having more than 30 horses in training," he said.

"We topped our best year with a Listed winner in France and I’d hope that past owners at Tall Trees would be pleased to see the yard rejuvenated and may consider becoming part of the adventure again."

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