An opera singer turned horse trainer sings Mozart in the stables, as animals dance and whinny. Heather Main sings to her steeds but insists she is "neither barmy nor living in fairyland" and claims Mozart is the horses' favourite classical composer.
Heather Main, a former opera singer, now trains horses to win races. Island Cloud, a three-year-old filly, is the yard’s leading soprano.
Heather adds: “She has a wonderful voice – a clear, high-pitched whinny. And she loves to dance. Al Kout is our top tenor. He’s an unraced three-year-old that cost us just £11,000. He has lots of class and a grand voice.”
Heather revealed the secret to her success after landing a 440-1 treble with Childesplay (8-1) and Rake’s Progress (6-1) at her local Newbury track, and Fair Selene (6-1) at Chepstow. She followed up with Royal Melody (15-2) at Lingfield a few days later.
Leading equine psychologist Grahame Frank, the “horse mind doctor”, said: “I’ve never heard anything like this before, but it definitely can work. Horses will respond to many things in many ways.
“This lady has found a remarkable formula that’s doing well for her and long may it last. Being relaxed like this is one thing, but the horse must still have the ability to do the job.”
Holding a trainer’s license led Heather to abandon her busy stage career, which included solo performances at the Royal Albert Hall and The Barbican. Heather, 49, says: “I’ve just taken in an unnamed bay sprinter that is showing excellent promise. “He’s got a decent voice and has responded brilliantly to my Mozart bits.”
Racing fan Andrew Knott owns Childesplay and cashed in when it finished second at 150-1 on its first run. It went on to win four times and was retired to stud last week. Andrew, from Berkshire, said: “Heather makes racing fun and is a top trainer. "Singing to the horses might sound crazy, but it works and that’s all that matters.”
Once the owners became aware of Heather entertaining the horses, they insisted that she should do the same for them – and she has been happy to oblige with a series of classical concerts in her Queen Anne mansion. Unlike the horses, however, no owner is permitted to sing along.
Original article published here: www.mirror.co.uk
