The fownes factor: dynasty of champions
Walking through the dining room of the Chinese restaurant at Happy Valley racecourse, third-generation trainer Caspar Fownes (pictured) is greeted with warmth by everyone we pass. From the kitchen staff - who he jokes with in Cantonese - to local comedy star Eric Tsang and other high-profile owners, they all have a smile for the friendly handler.
'My father [Lawrie] was based in Hong Kong for 24 years. He taught me everything I know,' says Fownes.
In his first season with a licence in 2003/04, the 43-year-old produced more winners (44) than his father ever did in one term. In 2010, he saddled up six winners in a single day to match one of the longest-standing records for the professional era.
'I'm at the stables by 4.15 every morning. It's the best time to work the horses,' he says. 'I know them all, every single one of them, so of course I get attached to them.'
Before any new racehorse is delivered to Hong Kong, it is subjected to a strict vetting system. 'They might have a chip in their joint, or a problem with their throat. So you've got to make a judgment call, whether to go ahead and buy the animal.
'Sometimes you get disappointed because the horse has got so much more potential than he's actually showing. But we have a treadmill now, and we can get them up on it; you're right beside them as they go flat out, and we can scope them and listen to their heart. It's incredible.'
Fownes clearly enjoys what he does, but he does admit that his is a high-pressure job. 'In Hong Kong, you need to perform. You've got so many newspapers reporting on you, and if you're not performing well they can be pretty hard on you. And the clients? If you win they love you; if you don't, it's 'hit the road, Jack'.'
