Lanigan delighted with the successes of 2009

REVIDA Place has enjoyed a most encouraging 2009 with plenty of victories to keep trainer David Lanigan and his team happy.

To the end of October, Lanigan had sent out 17 winners from just 100 runners. which gave him a more than healthy strike rate of 17% at that poin.

The yard's star performers have been Wannabe King, The Last Don and Say No Now, all of whom contributed greatly to total prize money of over £125,000.

Wannabe King was the yard’s top earner, landing three handicap wins along with a number of placed efforts.

The son of King’s Best remains in training next year and Lanigan has pinpointed the Dubai International Racing Carnival as his potential target.(see separate story.)

The Last Don was also very progressive, scoring four times before being sold at the Tattersalls Horses in Training sale for 100,000 guineas.

Say No Now was a consistent performer at Listed level and although she only won a maiden this year she more than paid her way, picking up some place 'black type' as well as bringing back over £20,000 worth of prize money. 

The daughter of Refuse To Bend also remains in training along with Brilliana and Ottoman Empire - all of whom should continue to make their mark in 2010.

Lanigan said: “2009 was only our second season and I have been delighted with it as a whole. We were slow off the blocks in the early part of the year but when we got going there was a steady flow of winners throughout the season.

“Of the older horses Wannabe King, Ottoman Empire, Brilliana and Say No Now all stay in training and I think they all have a great chance of achieving higher results next season.”

Along with looking forward to next year’s older horses, Lanigan is also happy with his latest intake of yearlings.

He added: “We will have about 20 two-year-olds on the books for next year and hopefully they will achieve better results.

“We have some new owners, while Rabbah in particular have been huge supporters (through Saif Ali and Saeed H Altayer) along with Tullamaine Castle Stud, the Niarchos family and Plantation Stud.

“Indeed, Plantation have sent us a lovely Hurricane Run filly that is well related being out of a half sister to Lady Carla. They would welcome interest in this filly to make up a partnership to race her.”                               

Lanigan is quick to acknowledge the importance of a good team as key to his success. 2009 has seen him strengthen his already good working relationship with jockey Ted Durcan who, along with Chris Catlin, has ridden a healthy number of winners for the yard.

Lanigan said: “Ted is a major part of the team as he rides the majority of the horses. He’s had a great season and we are very lucky to have him.

“He is joined by Chris Catlin who, if I had bigger numbers, I would love to give more rides to. Hopefully in the future this will be the case.”

Lanigan is also lucky to have built strong foundations with some excellent staff in place.

He said: “The horses have been healthy all year and, although I decide what is happening on a day-to-day basis, the staff put in all the hard work and hours in making sure that the jobs are done well.

“Bernie Hutchison has been with me from the start and is Head Lad. He is exceptional at feeding and half the battle of training is making sure the horses are fed enough.

“He is helped by Robert Summers who joined us this year. Now he knows the ropes, Robert also helps with travelling.

“Louise Pascal is Travelling Head Girl and makes sure everything gets to the races safely and professionally. She does a great job and always has a smile on her face at the races no matter what the weather is doing.

“Then in the office Joan Plant and my wife Amy do a fantastic job and make sure that everything runs smoothly."

With such a solid structure to the business, Lanigan has everything in place to suggest that 2010's achievements will surpass the satisfying results of the past 11 months.