Trainer Focus: Nick Alexander: The Kings of Kinneston

First taking out a licence in 1988/89, Nick Alexander struggled to make many inroads with a relatively small string – 2003/04 was the first season that he managed more than a single British jumps winner. However, in a fine advertisement of the value of perseverance, the Perth & Kinross operator has begun to find his stride in the 21st century. Following a breakout 28-win tally in 2012/23, he has largely replicated those numbers since. 

2023/24 represented a best-ever season for the yard, both in terms of winners (34) and total prize money (£430,688). The pick of this wins came courtesy of stable flagbearer Elvis Mail in the Edinburgh Gin Chase and Stainsby Girl, who picked up a Listed success at Haydock.

2024/25 has started on the right note for Alexander, who has already shot past the £100,000 prize money mark. Here, we outline the leading lights at the Kinneston operation and highlight the runners we will follow with particular interest during 2024/25.

Stable Stars

Elvis Mail

Now closing in his eleventh birthday, this son of Great Pretender has served Alexander admirably since making his debut in 2017. Picking up ten wins over the years – including six at his beloved Kelso – his recent comeback win in the Edinburgh Gin Chase takes him to a career-high chase mark of 149. Looking as well as ever despite his advancing years, he could make hay in Veterans Chases this season.

Seven for the Horse Tracker

The Alexander yard may lack a Graded star, but we still expect to see the trainer register his fair share of winners at a lower level in 2024/25, with the following seven runners, in particular, catching our eye.

• Gipsy Lee Rose – Formerly based with Joseph O’Brien, this mare has proven a tricky customer since joining Alexander in 2019. However, having been rated as high as 122 in the past, she began the current campaign on a dangerously low mark of 89. Pulled up on her return at Hexham, she rewarded those who kept the faith with a 40/1 success at Carlisle on her second start. Recent seasons suggest soft ground is essential, but she may have another win in her this season under suitable conditions.
• Lester Mail – By Great Pretender and out of Queenly Mail, this three-year-old is a full brother to yard flagbearer Elvis Mail. As such, he is comfortably the most interesting youngster in the yard. Much of the family improves with age, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on in the juvenile hurdle division in his debut campaign.
• Mack The Man – Alexander has a good track record with recruits from other yards and may have another success story with this son of Flemensfirth. Returning with a win at Ayr in November, he has now won three of his last five starts at around 2m. He’s up to 120 now, but was rated 132 when with Evan Williams, and there may be more to come.

• My Kiwi Girl – This five-year-old is the Nick Alexander entry to our Walk In The Park sired Irish Point winner collection. Reappearing with a fourth-placed effort in a 2m event at Ayr, she can improve with that run under her belt when stepped up in trip.
• Ned Tanner – Despite being without a win since February 2023, this eight-year-old has run some solid races in defeat and looks to have been given a chance by the handicapper. Rated 120 at his peak, he’s now down to 114 – a mark 3lb below his last winning rating. Successful over just short of 3m in the past, he looks to need an even more demanding test of stamina these days and could pop up in a marathon event.
• Orkney Blue – Blue Bresil gelding who finished a close second in his sole Bumper outing for Toby Lawes. With the winner that day, Hollygrove Cha Cha, running out an eight-length winner on hurdles debut, the form looks solid. Orkney Blue managed only fourth on his first encounter with timber but can be expected to strip fitter for that outing.
• Travail d’Orfevre – with form figures of 1222232 in 2023/24, this eight-year-old was the most consistent horse in the yard. Besides his ability to hit the frame, the other notable element of those performances – all over 2m-2m4f – was how well he hit the line. Dropped 2lb for a comeback third over 2m at Ayr, he could be well handicapped when tried over 3m+ for the first time.

Paul Harrison

Falling in love with racing at a young age, Paul’s passion for sports and betting took him to Salford University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with Gambling Studies. Having spent ten years in the employment of a leading bookmaker, Paul opted to go it alone and pursue his dream job as a freelance writer.