Micky Hammond's Cornerstone Lad returning to the winner's enclosure at Newcastle, November 2019.

The stable of Micky Hammond may not have the firepower to compete at the highest level on a regular basis like their Middleham neighbours, but they run a very shrewd operation and are always capable at aiming a horse for a particular race. Another dual purpose stable with horses to run over jumps and on the flat, his team of horses cover two seperate stables as a result of the small nature of the village. The yard has access to the beautiful High Moor gallops which produces stunning backdrops of "God's Own Country" as well as a testing gallop for the horses. Their highest point in racing came with Cornerstone Lad, a highly likable individual who is diminutive in size but large in bravery. Cornerstone Lad was running at a useful level over hurdles, but in the autumn of 2019, he won two on the bounce and it set up a tilt at the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle, the first race at that level of every jumps season. In opposition, he would face the dual Champion Hurdle winner Buveur d'Air, trained by the mighty Nicky Henderson. Making all the running under a bold front running display, Cornerstone Lad battled bravely to deny the defending champion in what became one of jumps racing's David versus Goliath battles with Micky beating Nicky, Hammond beating Henderson. After the wild celebrations came a shot at the Champion Hurdle the following March, although the dream failed to materialise, it is always great to see a high class horse for a small operation. Further back in time, the Hammond team received a horse named Just Cameron from the Phil Kirby stable in 2015. Transforming the horse and training him to four wins from seven starts before a memorable second behind Un De Sceaux at the Punchestown Festival in a Grade One novice. Just Cameron would go on to compete in the Champion Chase of 2016 where he finished sixth behind Sprinter Sacre and co. 
In the present day, things are less illustrious but the winners still keep coming. Dragons Will Rise and Sparkle In His Eye have been great money spinners through the winter and Schiehallion Munro has been highly progressive over fences, taking in the Cheltenham Festival this season too. The Grade One trophy proudly takes place on the mantelpiece but this hard working operation are always deserving of a win at any level.
Key Horses:
Schiehallion Munro
Dragons Will Rise
Roxyfet
Cornerstone Lad
Geryville