The Horse Watchers / Syndicates | Rory Fraser Photography

The Horse Watchers

Big Country (orange sleeves) winning the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar, May 2018.

In such a short space of time, the Horse Watchers have made a large impression on the sport in both all-weather racing and on the turf. With well known names leading the ship, it comes as no surprise to see the orange and black colours of The Horse Watchers as a prominent fixture on racecourses around the country and even internationally.
Founded by Chris and Martin Dixon, who also work as pundits and presenters on Racing UK, The Horse Watchers have been the source of some smart business as well as landing some highly valuable handicaps along the way. A leading light in the infancy of the syndicate was Big Country. A 26,000 Euro purchase from Irish trainer Charles O'Brien, Big Country would be an instant success. Winning his three of his first four starts in Britain, including at York, he would go on to finish second in the ultra competitive John Smith's Cup Handicap back on the Knavesmire. A subsequent win in Redcar's premier race, the Zetland Gold Cup and Pontefract's Pomfret Stakes would provide further memorable days for the fledgling syndicate. Big Country would return to The Horse Watchers after a brief spell away, but tragically suffered a heart attack mid race in 2020 and was killed. A bitter ending to such a sweet story for all involved.
In recent years, the shrewd purchases have kept coming. The likes of Warrior Brave, who won three out of seven starts for the outfit including a second in listed company during 2021 as well as Garsman, a rapidly improving sprint handicapper who won three times and was runner up on four further starts. The Horse Watchers even gained success on the international stage as Hakam progressed through the ranks to win the Group 3 Polar Stakes at Overevoll in Norway.
A key spoke in the wheel of success for The Horse Watchers has been trainer Mick Appleby. Hailing from his Nottinghamshire base, Appleby has proven himself a dab hand for transforming horses who had previously seemed to have lost their form until a change of scenery perked the horse's interest in the game once again. Supported by the Horse Watchers since their inception, the trust and loyalty between the owners and trainer has been strong throughout. With subsequent links formed with shrewd trainers David O'Meara and most recently Rebecca Menzies, the thought process for trainers with Horse Watchers has been carefully considered.
For more information on The Horse Watchers, check out https://www.thehorsewatchers.com/

Meet The Horses:

HATHLOOL - 5 Year Old Gelding - Sire: Awtaad - Dam: Majestic Jasmine
Trainer: Mick Appleby (Rutland)

RHOSCOLYN - 5 Year Old Gelding - Sire: Territories - Dam: Zeyran
Trainer: David O'Meara (Helmsley)

RAASEL - 5 Year Old Gelding - Sire: Showcasing - Dam: Dubai Affair
Trainer: Mick Appleby (Rutland)
Important Wins:
Coral Charge (Group Three) - Sandown, July 2022

Achilles Stakes (Listed Race) - Haydock, May 2022

"Be Friendly" Handicap (class two) - Haydock, September 2023.