Stable Tour: The Gormans

CAPE STORMER

This prolific winner of point-to-points (13 in total) has been a great servant to the Gorman family. Now rising 14, the Be My Native gelding has won nine times under Rules (8 chases and one hurdle), including two hunter 'chases ridden by Marcus in 2004 and 2007, and ran up three of his wins under Rules in the summer of last year. In 30 races he was placed 19 times, amassing prize money of almost £55,000.

"He owes us nothing and is a real family pet, so we'll only run him next season if conditions are right," says Carolyn. "He wants it like a road."

MERRY VIC

This exciting prospect kicked off with a second in a Restricted at Cottenham last season before running up a sequence of four wins, the latest in a Confined at Catsfield on April 13th. He was Leading Novice in the South East Area. He is expected to make his reappearance at a point-to-point in January before being aimed at Hunter 'Chases.

THE TAILOR CAREY

This Irish-bred ten-year-old ran twice at Tweseldown last season, winning in December and finishing 2nd in January. He went on to run in two Hunter 'Chases, finishing 2nd at Folkestone in February and 4th at Towcester in April. "He struggles to stay three miles, so we'll run him at Tweseldown in January and then find a Hunter 'Chase for him", says Carolyn.

ONLY VINTAGE

...won't be seen until February

...AND TWO NEW ONES

COTTON BAY

"We bought him in Ireland. He's only run twice - pulled up and won - so he could be anything. We're very pleased with him and he'll run in January."

DR SPARROW

"This is another Irish-bred, bought as a yearling and now rising four. His full brother won the Irish National last year, and he's pleasing us greatly. Probably won't be seen until March."