George targets Cheltenham (From Stroud News and Journal)

George targets Cheltenham

SLAD horse trainer Tom George takes six-times winner Lord of Illusion to the Cheltenham Open this Friday aiming for racing glory, writes Di Alexander.

George's other probable runners at the Open are Calvic and The Villager. He said: "I am delighted with my young horses and hope that my progressive chasers can capture some big prizes at Cheltenham."

George began his training career in 1993 at the age of 26 with 14 horses at Springbok Stables, Slad.

Although he was one of the youngest jump trainers in the country, he had plenty of experience, having worked for Martin Pipe, Arthur Moore and Francois Doumen, three of the most successful trainers in England, Ireland and France respectively. Dream winner

It's every trainer's dream to have a Cheltenham winner and Tom won with Newton Point in his first season.

In the 2003-2004 season he sent out 50 winners from 65 horses and last season he trained 46 winners, amassing his highest prize- money total of just under half a million pounds.

A surge for the yard came when Galileo, ridden by Jason Maguire, won the Royal & Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle in March 2002, giving Tom his first success at the Cheltenham Festival. Other recent successes include nine-times winner Tremallt and dual Grade Two winner Historic.

The most exciting horse currently in the yard is Lord of Illusion, one of the most improved novice chasers of last season, and a prospect for top staying chases.

So far this jump season he has had ten winners from 79 runners.