Charlie Brooks interviews trainer Ben Pauling ahead of Cheltenham

In the build-up to Cheltenham, our new guest writer Charlie Brooks tracks down rising star trainer Ben Pauling.

Ben Pauling is one of the rising stars amongst the 'new' wave of jump trainers coming through the ranks. For his first two years training, he was known as the brother-in-law of another 'starlet trainer', Charlie Longsdon. Since Barters Hill won the Challow Hurdle, Longsdon has been married to Ben Pauling's sister.

Pauling was born into a farming family in the Cotswolds, so he has proper 'horsey' roots. To this day his granddad follows the Heythrop hounds from dawn til dusk.

Pauling got a 2:2 at Reading University in agricultural property and student party planning, but as his tutors soon realised, point to pointing was where his mind was. He was also a fearless team chase rider, but that all came to a halt when some fencing wire went through his right eye. It was time to buckle down.

Nine months breaking in horses for David Redvers made Pauling focus. He got on his bike and landed a job with Nicky Henderson, where he learnt his craft for the next six years.

There are assistant trainers who spend their lives driving snoring trainers back from the races and pouring gin and tonics. Then there are assistants who spend hours on their knees bandaging horses and hosing legs. Pauling probably never got past the kitchen at Seven Barrows.

2015/2016 has been Pauling's breakthrough year. He's had three Saturday doubles at Kempton Park [twice] and Newbury [Challow Hurdle and Mandarin Chase]. The icing on the cake that is probably giving him sleepless nights would be a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

 So I dropped in on him this week to pick his brains.

What will you run at Cheltenham?

Barters Hill - He'll run in the Albert Bartlett - he's honest, he stays; but he's not slow. He maintains a strong gallop, which is what you need for that race.

A Hare Breath - He's in the County hurdle; rated 137. He's going to be very competitive, and I think he's better over two miles than two and a half.

Cyrius Moriviere - Also the County hurdle; I can't say he'll win it, but he'll run well.

Local Show - National Hunt Chase - He's won two novice chases at Newbury and Kempton and is rated 147. He's a lovely individual, and this is a brilliant race for him.

Silvergrove - Rated 138, but he's on the crest of a wave, and will go for one of the three mile handicap chases. He's won two this season and was unlucky not to win a third at Sandown.

Raven's Tower - He's very good fresh, hence we've left him since November. He'll go for the Grand Annual. He needs a good early pace.

[CB's thoughts - Pauling has chosen Barters Hill's races very wisely, giving the horse every opportunity to play to his strengths - and he's chosen the right race at the Festival.

Bringing Ravens Tower into the race so fresh is the sign of a trainer with real intent. And it's impressive that such a young trainer has been so patient.

Silver Grove and Local Show are both horses on a roll from what looks like a healthy yard.]

What horse would you most like to train at the Festival?

Of the English horses, I like Thistlecrack, and Yanworth. If I had to pick one of the Irish horses, Vautour.

Who do you fancy in the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup?

In the Champion Hurdle, I like My Tent or Yours. The first four from last year are missing. And two years ago he was on the bridle two out. Nicky [Henderson] has the facilities to get one fit first time out after a long break. 

In the Gold Cup, Don Cossack is the class horse, but Don Poli has plenty of talent and looks like he only does enough and keeps a bit back.

With the exception of Nicky Henderson, under whom you learnt your trade, is there any particular trainer/trainers you really admire?

Paul Nicholls - he's good at seeing races that he might not have an obvious horse for, but he'll find one who can get the job done.

Philip Hobbs' horses have longevity, which is good for owners who want to build up a relationship with their horse. Alan King is the same.

Are some trainers better than others at getting their horses handicapped?

Very much so. But the handicappers aren't stupid. Personally I always want my horses to run as well as they can. They're competitive animals, but they won't be if they get used to not trying as hard as they can. Barters Hill could have been trained for the Coral Cup, but he wouldn't have won a Grade One by now if he had been.

Will you blood test and trachea wash your Cheltenham runners?

No - I only trachea wash horses if I think I've got a bug in the yard. Looking well and healthy goes a long way. But if you get a series of bad results you investigate. Touch wood we've had about a 33% strike-rate since November.

What's the best advice you've been given?

'Good horses make good trainers, ungenuine horses fry your brain.'

What would be your golden rule if you were a punter?

Bet small amounts in doubles, trebles and accumulators [Simonsig, Riverside Theatre and Sprinter Sacre won enough to build a couple of furlongs of an all-weather gallop for Pauling].

Is beating your brother-in-law [Charlie Longsdon] worth two winners or half a winner?

Half. We're very competitive but we're exceptionally good mates. He's the one guy I want to see do well. And we don't chat up each other's owners.