Point-to-point column: Ian Chanin to join NH training ranks

Early in the new year, Devon's Ian Chanin will be the latest addition to the National Hunt training ranks from the point-to-point scene.

Coming from a notable pointing family, Chanin began race-riding at 16 and became a prominent figure in the sport. He was a successful amateur jockey who rode 90 winners point-to-pointing and eight hunter-chasing, alongside two on the Flat; one at Windsor and one in Norway. 

Since retiring, he has been training point-to-pointers alongside his father Robert at his farm, Stone Valley Stables, but has found his forte in producing young horses to sell under rules. Doc McCoy, Tip Top Mountain and Another Folly have been ones to make their mark in the national-hunt sphere.

During his riding career, Chanin rode winners from four furlongs to four miles. He remembers: “I won a race in Norway in the Fegentri series over four furlongs, it was fast! Then, when I was based with the late great Robert Alner, I rode Kingscliff to win over four miles at Upcott Cross.”

A new year and an exciting new chapter for Chanin, and a horse which he can now look forward to training himself is the talented mare Just A Glance. A dual point-to-point winner, she finished her season by being a close second in the Aintree point-to-point bumper and there is a lot to like about this daughter of Passing Glance.

Owned and bred by John Frampton, who has long supported Chanin, he is hopeful that she will be his first runner in a novice hurdle. “The Frampton’s have been wonderful owners and have encouraged me to take a license; it is a natural progression to do so, and I have a few owners who want to focus on under rules.” says Chanin

Chanin has completed his training modules and has his stable inspection on Thursday; all being well, his license will be granted early in the new year. 

“I completed my modules during October, November and December. They are three individual weeks and, whilst it is a very long drive from Devon, it was so rewarding," he says. "I met a number of prospective trainers; top flat jockeys, assistants from the biggest yards, point-to-point trainers and pre-trainers.” 

He adds: “The lectures and workshops we had during those weeks covered every aspect you can imagine, and more. It was so beneficial, and I have taken so much away from it.

"The racing school itself is an amazing place that I am surprised we don’t hear and see more of  in the racing press. With all that I learned, I have already made slight changes in the way we run the yard and it is a very exciting time for us.” 

Chanin continues: “For me, it was fascinating to learn about the ways of motivating staff, the deeper implementation of employment laws and things like appraisals. Things have changed so much, and being educated about how to get the best out of your team is very helpful and important.

"I am very lucky to have Aaron McManus as my head lad; my wife Rebecca, who is a farrier, is a huge part of the yard, and my Dad, Robert, also has a huge part to play. We are a tightly-knit team and you see it in all the successful yards, time and time again, trainers appreciating the team. The other thing we have done is to paint the orange on our hurdles white, that had to be done.”

Chanin, who, like all trainers, had to do his level three NVQ even to begin his training modules, says proudly: “They say the NVQ is equivalent to two A Levels, so I am very pleased to have those!

“There were lectures on everything, from wind problems, bleeding, health and hygiene to staff management, accountancy and taxation- all bases covered! The Racehorse Owners Association, The National Trainers Federation and Racing Welfare all did their bit for us and each lecture was led by an expert in that field.

"We had leading vets, a racecourse inspector, a steward, a handicapper. It really felt like no stone was left unturned. What was also so brilliant was that we were actively encouraged to discuss everything between ourselves, when we were out at night or over lunch- they call that peer-to-peer learning. I came away feeling very prepared.

“I went to watch work on Warren Hill one morning and due to that encouragement, I actively sought out Roger Varian, who was watching his horses work, to ask advice! He was very helpful and told me what he was doing.”

Chanin was also quick to thank James Muir from the BHA licensing team, who has been incredibly helpful and very easy to contact.

Touching upon the facilities he has, Chanin says: “We have a four-furlong uphill carpet gallop, a school and wonderful grass gallops on the farm. Dad's farm is wonderful for training horses; we are very lucky.

“I will have about six to train under rules and Dad will handle the pointers. We have always had two separate yards anyway, so not much will change in that way. I can't wait to get going and to put everything I have learned into practice over the years and on the courses.” 

Asked what his goals are, he says: “To train every horse as an individual and to give owners as much fun and enjoyment as possible. We are a leisure industry which provides entertainment, and I want to do just that!”

We wish Chanin and his team all the luck in the world in his new venture and look forward to cheering him on from the point-to-point world, yet another graduate from the grassroots sport, paving the way under rules.