After initially setting up the Rod In Pickle Partnership in a bid to learn more about the ins and outs of purchasing, training and campaigning a horse, Chris and Martin got the bug for owning horses in a big way. The easy success of Miako at Southwell in February 2013 wasn’t one he could build on in eight subsequent starts but it had created an appetite to feel that buzz of owning a winner again. So, a controlling interest in Pearl Nation was purchased and, like Miako, he was moved to the care of Mick Appleby. The problem was we couldn’t afford to own 75% of a horse on our own and the Rod In Pickle Partnership wasn’t yet ready for another project so Martin made some enquiries and the names Iddon, M&C Dixon, Taylor, Finn, O’Brien was soon appearing on race cards.

Pearl Nation was a roaring success, winning on his first start for Mick at Yarmouth from a mark of 74 before going on to win a further five races in the next nine months that saw his official rating rise 30lbs. While Pearl Nation was on his rapid rise through the ratings, the Rod In Pickle Partnership had gone in again, and had grown in number as all those involved in Pearl had come on board. Taylor (Matt) and O’Brien (Richard) had been involved in plenty of horses before, especially Matt who had enjoyed significant success in his own colours on both the Flat and over Jumps, and knew that they were onto a good thing. A trainer with a magic touch and accuracy with information on their horses was a dream so they were keen for more and the quartet of Chris, Martin, Matt and Richard teamed up for the £5,000 purchase of Old Fashion. A name was needed and The Horse Watchers was formed.

In the years since we’ve enjoyed some great times and tremendous success together that have made fantastic memories and now we’re hoping to share the experience with like-minded individuals with a passion for racing, betting and ownership.