Like father like son

Lawrie Fownes handed over the reins to Caspar with confidence

When Lawrie Fownes called a halt to a brilliant career at Sha Tin in 2003, he passed on to his son Caspar the gift of life as a racehorse trainer, built on the pillars of family, passion and integrity.

'When I was a lad, I worked under my father in India,' Lawrie recalled. 'And my grandfather had been a wonderful horseman who managed horses in the cavalry. So racing was something that was ingrained in me from an early age, just as it has been with Caspar.'

The father-son succession ignites the passion that is central to Fownes' character. 'This is how the game has gone on for centuries and if the sons of the established trainers show the application and handle themselves properly, I believe there's every reason to encourage them.'

Fownes knows the handing down of knowledge from generation to generation is more than any formal training or even three-year degree course can teach. Caspar was at the 'Fownes university' for 18 years, and his father proudly predicted four years ago, 'when he's successful, he'll have earned every accolade that comes his way'.

Fownes recalls the quiet moment he had with his son before handing over the reins. 'I told Caspar the same things my father told me. An ounce of luck is worth a ton of judgment, always beware of the glorious uncertainty of racing, and at all times look after your horses and the person who pays the bills.'