Richard Bandey
There will be a new licensed trainer operating from Plantation Farm near Kingsclere, Newbury with the news that Richard Bandey has been granted a combined license from last Tuesday. Richard, who is a well -known figure in point-to-point circles, has trained 30 winners including 4 Hunter Chase victories since starting training in 2011, with triumphs in successive Intermediate Finals at Cheltenham with Woodfleet and Fortune Bound in 2017 and 2018 being notable highlights.
Richard is likely to be starting with 10 horses to run from his yard with availability under his license for more. He is very much looking forward to the challenge and hopes to have his first runners in October. He commented about 4 of his horses which he hopes will be amongst his early runners:-
Eyesopenwideawake – 7 year old Stowaway gelding bought by Richard and trained by him to win a 2 and a half mile Maiden at Larkhill in 2017 who subsequently won both a Hurdle at Southwell and a Chase at Kempton when trained by Harry Whittington at the end of 2017. Now back with Richard he is likely to be his first runner.
Hard Station – 9 year old Bandari gelding who won two Hunter Chases in Ireland before joining Richard’s stable last season. He finished his campaign being a runner up at Newton Abbot in May in a Hunter Chase behind Strumble Head and he will be campaigned in Handicap Chases for the coming season.
Bastante – 7 year old mare who triumphed in a Maiden at Penshurst in April. She will be aimed at Mares Novice Hurdles and as she prefers better ground she is likely to be seen before the real winter ground appears
Elyaqim – 4 year old Spider Flight gelding who won on his only appearance in a 2 and a half mile Maiden point-to-point at Dingley in May. He will be appearing in a Bumper initially
Richard’s wife Kate will be taking over the point-to-pointers for next season and hopes to run about 7 horses. These will include both Woodfleet and Fortune Bound whose owner, Anna Reed. is keen to maintain her connection with point-to-points.
Richard and Kate will be hosting an Open day at Plantation Farm on Sunday 7th October commencing from 10.30am. There will be the opportunity to see their facilities, meet their staff and see the horses including some which will be on the gallops and schooling over hurdles. If anyone wants to attend the Open Day please will they email info@plantationfarm.co.uk so that Richard and Kate can be aware of numbers that may be attending. The address is Plantation Farm, Wolverton, Tadley RG26 5RP Tel No 01635 298963
