Kempton ParkNewmarket, Suffolk

James Owen at Kempton Park — Record, Stats & Runners

Last updated: 28 March 2026

4
NH Winners at Kempton
~22%
NH Strike Rate at Kempton
Novices' Hurdles
Key Race Type
Winter NH Season
Most Successful Period

James Owen has quickly established himself as a trainer to follow in the National Hunt sphere, building on his prior success in Arabian racing. Kempton Park, with its accessible all-weather track for Flat and its fair, galloping jumps course, provides a familiar battleground for many Newmarket-based trainers. Owen’s venture into NH racing has seen him target Kempton with a select, yet highly effective, string of novice hurdlers. While not a yard with a massive volume of runners, his strike rate at the Sunbury-on-Thames venue suggests a strategic approach, often seeing his charges arrive well-schooled and primed for success.

James Owen at Kempton Park — Analysis

Kempton Park's National Hunt course is generally regarded as a fair, flat, and galloping track that demands a good jumper and a strong stayer. It tends to suit horses that race prominently and can quicken from the final bend. James Owen's stable has notably targeted Novices' Hurdles here, suggesting a focus on developing his younger talent at a track that offers a good educational experience without being overly taxing or specialist. His winners have often shown a good turn of foot and excellent schooling, hallmarks of a well-prepared horse.

His runners typically appear during the core winter National Hunt season, including competitive fixtures like the Christmas period King George meeting, demonstrating confidence in his entries. The track's proximity to his Newmarket base makes it a convenient target for a trainer keen to get his horses experience and wins in suitable conditions. Punters should pay close attention to his entries in Novice Hurdle contests, especially those stepping up from a good run or making their hurdling debut with strong Flat form.

Always consider James Owen's novice hurdlers at Kempton, particularly during the winter, as they are often impeccably schooled and ready to win.

Key Runners at Kempton Park

ElfrideImpressive winner of a Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Kempton on King George VI Chase day (Boxing Day 2023).
Iron D'AttaqueSecured a Novices' Hurdle win at Kempton in February 2023, showcasing a strong finish.
ZafarSuccessful in a Novices' Hurdle at the track in February 2024, demonstrating good jumping and stamina.
Gale Force OnePlaced here in a Novices' Hurdle, indicating ability and suitability for the course.

Preferred Jockeys at Kempton Park

James BowenRode multiple winners for Owen at Kempton, including Iron D'Attaque and Zafar, forming a successful partnership.
Harry CobdenPiloted Elfride to her notable victory at the prestigious Christmas meeting, a top-class jockey choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of races does James Owen target at Kempton?

James Owen primarily targets National Hunt novice hurdles at Kempton Park, using the track to develop his promising young jumps prospects.

When does James Owen have success at Kempton?

His winners at Kempton have come during the core winter National Hunt season, including during major meetings like the King George VI Chase fixture on Boxing Day.

Has James Owen had many runners at Kempton?

While his overall volume of runners at Kempton isn't vast, his impressive strike rate (around 22% for NH) indicates a selective and effective approach to his entries at the course.