Roger Teal hoping fine form can translate into more owners

Roger Teal is closing in on his best season but on Sunday he spoke of his frustration at the struggle to attract new owners.

Fifteen winners this year, two short of his best tally, would have produced a level-stake profit for punters backing all the trainer's runners. Despite the success, however, Teal's phone has hardly been ringing off the hook.

After his latest winner at Newbury on Saturday, Teal queried what more he could do to attract new owners. A day later he said: "We've had some nice winners this year and it's difficult as everyone is in the same boat, but it would be nice if we could get a few more owners in and horses' heads over the doors.

"People like to go to fashionable stables and the bigger stables are in the limelight a lot more. It's frustrating as you think when you win the Portland you might get a phone call or two. All you can do is produce results and advertise your trade that way."

As the sales season is about to begin in earnest, Teal would be keen for another half or dozen or so new faces to supplement his team of around 27, led by Portland Handicap winner Oxted.

Teal numbers in 2019

Winners 15
Runners 111
Strike-rate 14 per cent
Level stake profit +48.63

The emergence of Oxted this season has been exhilarating for Teal, and the three-year-old may be put away for the winter after his Doncaster victory.

"He's a big horse and is still strengthening and maturing," said Teal, who is based just outside Lambourn in Great Shefford. "I don't want to go to the well too many times as I think he's going to be exciting next year."

It has been a more frustrating campaign for last season's flagbearer, Tip Two Win, who has not fired in two races. He was due to head to Longchamp for the Prix du Pin this month before suffering a slight setback.

Oxted (red): 'He's a big horse and is still strengthening and maturing,' says trainer Roger TealCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"There's a lack of opportunities for him in Britain," Teal said. "He just overreached on his last piece of work, so he couldn't go to France. Plans are up in the air with him."

Salisbury debut winner Kenzai Warrior took the eye earlier in the month as well for Rae and Carol Borras, owners who have not been in the sport for long.

"They came to me as I was recommended to them by another owner in the yard," Teal said. "Spirit Of May was their first purchase and he's won a couple and then Rae kindly supported me at Doncaster breeze-ups and we bought Kenzai Warrior. They're lucky owners and they're really starting to get into their racing and are thoroughly enjoying it."

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