DAVID BRIERS takes a look at how Dorset trainers are fairing as the new National Hunt gets in full swing MASTER Medic heads the new order as Robert and Sally Alner prepare their 40-strong string for this winter’s premier National Hunt prizes.

The eight-year-old chaser is the rising star in their yard at Droop, Hazelbury Bryan, near Sturminster Newton, following the exit of Miko De Beauchene, now housed with Venetia Williams on the Welsh borders.

With tried and trusted performers like De Beauchene, The Listener and Kingscliff all departing over the past 16 months the Alners are looking to the younger, up-and coming element to spearhead their team.

Master Medic looks the type to fill the bill. Winner of three chases on the bounce late last year the gelding has not run since completing the hat-trick at Ascot in December because the Alners and owners Pell-Mell Partners do not like to over-race their horses and wanted to avoid the worst of the winter ground.

The chaser should have benefited from the long break and could go for Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup, a Grade Two chase over an extended two miles and one furlong, in early November.

Robert Alner said: “Master Medic is out of the novice stage and intermediate chases could be just the thing for him – as a second-season chaser he is exactly the type of horse these races were made for.

“Otherwise he will go for handicaps but he is rated 140 over fences and there are not too many races for horses classed from 0-150.

“He jumps well and is quick but two miles and four furlongs or two miles five is far enough for him – the Hennessy Gold Cup at over three miles would not suit.

“The Haldon Gold Cup is more likely – that is the sort of race he is going to have to compete in even though he would be taking on good horses.”

After 17 months in hospital following his dreadful car accident in November 2007 that has left him permanently disabled Alner is back home using a state-of-the-art mobile chair that enables him to move around Locketts Farm and has a specially-equipped vehicle for trips further afield.

His speech is back to normal and with his telephone headset he is able to talk to his owners and jockeys. He looks in rude health and is delighted to be back at the helm of operations.

He said: “I can get up to the gallops and see what I need to see but I don’t interfere with what work the horses do – that role has been taken on by my daughter Louise and her partner Robert Walford and one day I hope they will take over from Sally and myself.”