Foal is born to run for farmhouse racing dynasty

RICHARD SMITH

A horse-racing dynasty built on just pounds 25 has moved into its fifth generation with the birth of a foal to follow in the hoof-steps of a string of champions.

Tom Price and his family have built on the initial pounds 25 outlay by his father for a mare called Cottage Lass II in 1952 to create one of the most successful lines in National Hunt history, winning 100 races between them.

Most famous was Flakey Dove - all the horses have the name Dove - who won the 1993 Champion Hurdle and picked up more than pounds 200,000 during her career. Yesterday the Prices welcomed the fifth generation when Flakey Dove gave birth to her first foal at their 400-acre farm near Leominster, Hereford and Worcester.

The father of the bay filly is the Ascot Gold Cup winner, Le Moss, and Mr Price, who shares the farm with his wife, Mary, and their three sons, hopes they may have another winner.

Mr Price, 72, said: "We are just country Johnnies and all our dreams have come true - anything extra will be a bonus."

"I have never gambled and even now I still can't believe all the success we have enjoyed - it's beyond me." However, while mares like Red Dove - who produced 38 winners - and Shadey Dove were simply sent to the nearest available stallion, the Prices are flying higher with Flakey Dove. After producing the new foal, Flakey Dove is this summer to visit Terimon, who finished runner-up in the Derby.