Welshpool owner with a growing racing reputation

by Andrew Morris

Shropshire and Mid Wales is stacked with quality trainers on both the flat and over jumps but in terms of owners, breeders and jockeys, one man is starting to stand out head and shoulders above the rest in the region. 

Welshpool’s James Potter has owned jump horses since the early 2000s and along with wife Jean they have quickly made a name both in their own distinctive white, green and red silks and in partnership with other major owners such as Dai Walters.

And while the likes of current star Mister Fisher, Welsh National winner Mountainous and Hector’s Choice have kept their flag flying on track, it is the major moves into breeding that have really caught the eye over the last few years. 

The Potters own Yorton Farm Stud in Leighton, near Welshpool, which is run by David and Teresa Futter. The stud has quickly established itself as one of the best in racing and it is all set within 300 acres of beautiful Powys countryside. 

Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle was conceived at the stud, while 2020 Cross Country winner Easysland won seven races in Yorton’s colours before being sold to JP McManus. 

The Potter’s huge influence in racing doesn’t end there either, with their Canter Carpet equestrian surface being used by more and more trainers.

Made from recycled carpet fibres, the Potter’s developed the surface as an all-weather surface for training used by names such as Peter Bowen and Kerry Lee. 

Another big name in breeding is Mill House stud based in Much Wenlock and run by Juliet and David Minton, who have been responsible for some of the biggest names in the sport in years gone by.

Some of the names who have been associated with the farm include Cabaret Queen, Secret Investor and Robin De Carlow.

But it is as a buyer that Minton has had his main influence on the racing world with his buys winning more than 70 Cheltenham Festival races – and names including Kauto Star, Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Master Minded, Buveur D’Air and Topofthegame – all rolling off the tongue. 

Completing the main players in ownership terms is Shifnal based John Hales, who is coming off the back of a fine Aintree, where Monmiral and Protektorat gave him two huge wins.

Forever associated with his famous yellow, red and white silks usually, names such as Grand National winner Neptune Collonges, Champion Chasers One Man and Politologue and Supreme Novices’ hero Al Ferof have made Hales one of the best known names in the business. 

It’s easy to sometimes forget what a major role Shropshire and Mid Wales plays in the racing game, but stay tuned in the coming weeks as we being you detailed chats with some of the names mentioned the last two weeks.

Article courtesy of The Sport Report https://thesportreport.co.uk/

Picture – Phil Blagg Photography