James Horton's Encourageable in action at Doncaster, March 2022.

The name James Horton will most likely be not recognised by the casual racing follower, but it is a name a lot of people will be hearing more about this year as one of Britain's newest trainers is ready to strike in 2022. Horton has learned and developed his trade from one of the best teachers in the business. Before taking out his own license, James Horton was an assistant trainer to the legendary Sir Michael Stoute in Newmarket, a globally respected name in racing in the last forty years with a plethora of accolades. Horton has moved north to the picturesque village of Middleham, Yorkshire's very own rural version of Newmarket. He has moved into a purpose built facility and has joined forces with the Dance Thoroughbred team of John and Jess Dance at Manor House Stables. The Dance's are no stranger to success, the brilliant filly Laurens was owned by the pair, and John's company Vertem is a prominent sponsor in horse racing, including Newcastle racecourse and Doncaster's Grade One Futurity Stakes, won last year by star two-year-old Luxembourg. 
Horton has inherited some classy horses to carry the beige and black colours of Dance Thoroughbreds, such examples include Rhythm Master who has moved from Richard Fahey and placed in the Group Three Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Just before the Open Event, Horton's runners had been running very well in defeat, with his first three entrants finishing in the placings and showing promise. A few days after the event, a first win as a trainer came at Redcar with Phantom Flight breaking his maiden. Not content with the first, he would later win two more races on the card at Redcar with Il Bandito and Asjad to complete a memorable treble of winners. A dream start to his training career with some above average recruits and intriguing juveniles still to run, 2022 will undoubtedly be the year of James Horton. 
Key Horses:
Rhythm Master 
Il Bandito
Encourageable