DropEmAtTheStation

DropEmAtTheStation is an eye-catching, rangy gelding from the first crop of the impeccably bred stallion Frontiersman, and a horse who has continued to progress with racing.

He first caught the eye in point-to-points, improving from a promising fourth on debut at Cotley to win decisively at Knightwick the following season. Travelling strongly throughout, he asserted in the closing stages to win by three lengths, with the runner-up since achieving a rating of 115 in Ireland, giving that form a solid look.

A big, scopey individual, he has always looked a horse likely to improve with time and experience. Trainer Ben Pauling has been taken with him from the outset, describing him as “a fabulous individual” and a horse who “loves his job”, while noting that chasing will ultimately be his game.

DropEmAtTheStation has shown steady progression since joining the yard. He made an encouraging start under Rules when finishing fourth on debut, before again shaping well on his hurdling debut, suggesting he would continue to improve with experience. He built on those efforts with a series of consistent runs, including third-place finishes at Lingfield and Doncaster, where he travelled strongly and jumped well, shaping as though testing conditions were just stretching him late on.

Following a wind operation, he took a significant step forward on his most recent start at Ayr in April, producing a career-best performance to win impressively by 7½ lengths. It was a dominant display that suggested he is now beginning to fulfil the promise he had shown earlier in his career.

His sire, Frontiersman, is a son of Dubawi out of the legendary Ouija Board, and represents one of the most exciting young National Hunt stallions. His dam, La Creole, was a multiple winner in France over hurdles and fences and has already produced the Black Type performer Bothar Dubh.

DropEmAtTheStation is a straightforward, improving type who is beginning to put everything together. With his size, scope, and proven stamina, he looks well-suited to further progression over hurdles and, in time, should make an even more exciting prospect over fences.

Ben Pauling started training in 2013 following a six year spell as Assistant to multiple champion trainer Nicky Henderson. He started with just eight horses but has managed to grow that into a powerful team.

Ben now trains from Naunton Downs Stables which is a purpose built 94 box yard, designed with horse welfare in mind at every stage. Facilities include a Hydrotherapy Spa, 2 gallops, schooling strip, trotting ring and a covered 10-horse walker. It is from here that the team have just celebrated their best season to date (2023-24).

Ben has amassed four Cheltenham Festival winners during his career so far; Willoughby Court, Le Breuil, Global Citizen and, most recently, Shakem Up’Arry. Further Graded successes have been notched up with the likes of Aintree champions Barters Hill, Kildisart and Diva Luna. With a very strong bunch of Novices’ Chasers, including Boxing Day’s Grade 1 winner The Jukebox Man and dual Grade 2 winner Handstands, Ben is enjoying another very successful season.