Trainer Showcase - Top Upcoming Trainers

Matt Morris / 2:40 PM GMT • 4th December, 2025

4 minutes

Matt Morris takes a brief look at some of his favorite rising stars from the National Hunt circuit

We are fortunate to have a wealth of skilful and successful trainers in National Hunt racing today. Many are household names with the firepower, investment, stature, and specialist knowledge to dominate the major races, trainers such as Willie Mullins, Dan Skelton, Gordon Elliott, and Nicky Henderson, to name just a few. However, beyond these leading figures, there is a strong group of slightly lesser known yet highly capable operators who may not receive the same level of backing or resources but are every bit as talented. These rising stars are steadily establishing themselves as potential major forces of the future. This article takes a closer look at some of the ‘dark horses’ of the training ranks.

Jamie Snowden

One of the major up-and-coming forces in British racing, the Lambourn trainer enjoyed his best season to date last year in both winners and prize money. He accumulated over £800,000 in earnings and celebrated his first Grade 1 success with Julius De Pictons at Aintree. He has begun the current campaign in electric form, operating at a remarkable 56% strike rate at one stage. Every top yard needs a strong jockey, and Jamie is well served by Gavin Sheehan. He also benefits from an excellent conditional rider in Isabelle Ryder, who offers outstanding value for her 7lb claim.

Snowden’s stable boasts several stars, none more so than Wendigo, who recently captured the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury and now looks bound for the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival. Git Maker has had a prep run and should give a good account in the Welsh Grand National, while Colonel Harry, fresh from a superb win in the Grand Sefton, will target some of the season’s leading handicaps over two and a half miles and further. Laurens Bay is shaping into another promising chaser, and the ever-reliable Ga Law remains a strong contender.

He also has a deep pool of exciting youngsters, including A Path To Ronda, Legendary Luke, Kosac d’Oudairies and La Conquiere, among others.

A key strength, evident in his outstanding strike rate this season, is his ability to place his horses astutely, identifying the right races for each individual and preparing them to peak on the day. It is a skill that will only accelerate his rise through the training ranks.

Olly Murphy

The Warwickshire-based trainer is another who looks destined to become one of the very best in Britain. Last season, Olly sent out 141 winners and earned £1.7 million in prize money. He is fortunate to have one of the strongest riders on either side of the Irish Sea in Sean Bowen, along with a dependable claimer in Lewis Saunders.

His Grade 1-winning stable star Strong Leader took the West Yorkshire Hurdle and will likely be aimed at securing a second Liverpool Hurdle victory in April. The impeccably bred Wilstar, along with Harbour Island, should make smart novice hurdlers, while Persian War winner Sticktotheplan is expected to have a productive season. Reliable handicappers Go Dante and Act Of Authority also look set for solid campaigns.

He has a strong team of chasers to look forward to, including Bet365 Gold Cup winner Resplendent Grey, dual Newbury winner Booster Bob and the promising novice Fingle Bridge. Wade Out has already made his mark, winning a Worcester contest that has worked out exceptionally well before following up in a Listed race at Cheltenham.

It is a testament to his growing reputation that he continues to attract investment from leading owners. With a rising level of quality in the yard and his evident skill as a trainer, he is rapidly establishing himself as a major force in the UK.

Ben Pauling

Having trained 66 winners and earned over £1 million last season from his Gloucestershire base, Ben Pauling is going from strength to strength. He is well supported from some leading owners, including the great J.P. McManus and has assembled a very strong team. 

Throughout Ben’s career, he has celebrated four Cheltenham Festival victories with Willoughby Court, Le Breuil, Global Citizen, and most recently Shakem Up’Arry, alongside Aintree triumphs from Barters Hill, Kildisart, and Mares’ Grade 2 Bumper winner Diva Luna.

Current stars include last season’s Grade 1–winning chasers The Jukebox Man and Handstands.  The former is set for a bold bid in the King George after an impressive reappearance at Haydock. Mambonumberfive’s Grade 2 success in the Adonis at Kempton has been followed by two impressive performances over fences. Meetmebythesea and Diva Luna also look extremely exciting novice chasers that give Ben a strong hand this season.

It speaks volumes for Ben Pauling’s rising stature that he consistently draws support from some of racing’s most influential owners. With the quality of his string increasing year on year and his proven ability to develop top-class horses, he is firmly cementing his place among the UK’s leading trainers.