Rebel Tribesman

Rebel Tribesman made an immediate impression when winning an Aintree bumper on his racecourse debut under Rules, building on the promise he had shown in point-to-points. This syndicate has been designed to raise £35,000 in support of military veterans, alongside our charitable partners, Walking With The Wounded.

He was purchased by Tom Malone and Jamie Snowden for £55,000 at the Goffs UK Spring Sale. Highflyer Bloodstock and Old Gold Racing were actually underbidders on him, so we were delighted when Jamie offered him to us!

Rebel Tribesman first showed his potential when finishing third on debut in a point-to-point at Garthorpe, staying on strongly from off the pace. He built on that effort in emphatic fashion when winning the Aintree point-to-point bumper, where a more positive ride saw him travel smoothly before asserting in the closing stages, showing both a turn of foot and plenty of stamina.

Since joining Old Gold Racing, he has made an encouraging transition to hurdling. He finished second on his hurdles debut at Sedgefield, shaping with considerable promise in a race where his jumping improved markedly as the contest developed. Despite meeting some interference mid-race, he travelled strongly into contention and showed a willing attitude to battle back for the lead, only to be headed late on by a more experienced rival.

He built on that performance when again finishing second at Sedgefield on his next start. Sent on to make the running in a steadily run race, he showed improved fluency at his hurdles and travelled with enthusiasm throughout. Although still showing signs of greenness, particularly at a crucial stage over the final flight, he stayed on well to the line and was beaten just under two lengths, confirming both his consistency and continued progression.

His sire, Crystal Ocean, was a top-class performer on the Flat, winning eight races including multiple Group contests, and he has made a promising start at stud. Rebel Tribesman’s dam, You Should Know Me, has already produced several winners, including the high-class Filey Bay, who has achieved a peak BHA rating of 142 and placed at Graded level.

Rebel Tribesman is a strong, athletic type who is learning with each run. His attitude and consistency have been notable, and with further experience, potentially over a slightly longer trip, he looks well placed to continue progressing. On the evidence of his two runner-up efforts over hurdles, it should not be long before he gets his head in front.

This syndicate is designed to raise £35,000 to help veterans get back on track. The horse will run in Old Gold Racing silks, sponsored by Walking With The Wounded. Learn more about the fantastic work they do, below.

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life is relatively smooth, but a significant number experience physical, mental or social challenges that impact their day-to-day lives. It is estimated that two million people require some kind of assistance to reintegrate (around 7% of those returning from duty).

Unfortunately, the necessary structure and support people need when they leave service is not always available for them.

Walking With The Wounded provides mental health, employment and wraparound care coordination programmes tailored to the individual needs of ex-service personnel. They stand side-by-side with veterans on their path back to civilian life by delivering face-to-face, bespoke, interconnected services, helping those who have fallen furthest to get back on track and moving forwards once more.

Their trusted, hands-on approach is proven to meet the real needs of those who have served, and their families. 92% of those accessing their care coordination services cited low well-being in at least three areas. Upon receiving support, 88% reported significant well-being improvements. Beneficiaries consistently rate the service they receive (4.7/5) and their caseworker (4.8/5) as excellent.

Walking With The Wounded’s reserves policy and low overheads means that a large portion of donations received go directly into frontline services.

And Old Gold Racing would like to invite you to support the work they do, while raising awareness in the process…

Not only will every share in Rebel Tribesman include a £5.50 donation to Walking With The Wounded; Old Gold Racing will also contribute 25% of its management fees to the cause.

Once the syndicate is filled, we will together have raised £35,000 to help Walking With The Wounded on their mission to make the UK the best place for a veteran to be.

To clarify the impact this syndicate could make: £35,000 is enough money to support 30 veterans into employment, or support 30 veterans through intensive, face-to-face therapy programmes.

Needless to say, the impact goes wider than the veterans themselves, as their friends and families feel a weight lift.

You can find out more about Walking With The Wounded, and the great work they do, by visiting their website here.

Jamie Snowden is a dual Cheltenham Festival winning trainer, who was surrounded by horses from a young age. Following his graduation from Newcastle University he joined the army and became a regular rider in Military races, winning the Grand Military Gold Cup and the Royal Artillery Gold Cup multiple times.

Regarding training Rebel Tribesman, Jamie said "it means a lot to be working with Walking With The Wounded for this syndicate.

The military and its veterans are something that I hold very close to my heart following my short service commission with the King's Royal Hussars, and the chance to raise £35,000 to help this cause is brilliant."

Prior to setting up in his own right in 2008, Jamie joined the Paul Nicholls team as Pupil Assistant before heading to Nicky Henderson’s as Assistant Trainer. Both roles set him up perfectly, as is evident in his results. In 2014, Jamie trained his first Cheltenham Festival winner when Present View won the Novice Handicap chase for Sir Chips Keswick. Other notable owners include HM The Queen and Mrs Fitri Hay.