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HARDLY GRIM UP NORTH: Earth Crystal (left) enjoys the last few days of holiday before heading back to work

The newest member of The Point-to-Point Racing Company steps out of the office and into the life of a trainer, albeit only for an hour or so. Could the change become permanent?

As I drive away from my tour around Molesden House, a certain green-eyed monster is trying to rear its ugly head. I've been trying to quash the beast since discovering Tom Queally and I are born on the same day; he's a multiple Group One-winning jockey and rides Frankel, Twice Over and Midday, while my biggest claim to fame is the 1994 Whitley Bay Donkey Derby (an actual event). I've learned to curb my unreasonable bitterness towards Sir Henry's stable jockey over the years, and no longer boo him in the paddock (except on special occasions), but as a Geordie native exiled down South for the love of my job, whilst exploring the lush green Northumberland farm known as home to Amie Waugh I can feel the creature yearning to be unleashed once again. Of course my (almost) unfailing professionalism ensured neither Amie nor her father Simon were aware of said envy, although after reading this I may not be invited back on my next trip to the homeland.

Having arrived on time thanks to the wonder of SatNav, I'm greeted by Amie and Simon in one of their two yards, surrounded by boxes containing specimens that look a whole lot like Thoroughbreds. As a relative newcomer to the industry, and having been informed that all the Pointers are out in the fields on holiday, I think it prudent to keep my mouth shut at this point, so as not to begin my career as stable-tour writer extraordinaire with an enormously stupid comment. Amie soon clears up the confusion. "These are where Dad keeps the horses under Rules". Aha, that explains it. Taking a stroll past an indoor horse walker which divides the enormous barn in which we were currently standing, we arrive in Amie's domain. Light and airy, there are currently eight boxes filling the area, but with room for more. A variety of inhabitants fill the yard, including Amie's hunter, a grey gelding responsible for recently breaking the trainer's ankle. "At least it was now and not the middle of the season!" laughs Amie, who is luckily returning to riding just in time for her charges to come back to work.

Last season saw the Molesden residents sent out under Amie's tutelage for first time, and with two wins from fourteen runs, all connections were pleased with the results. Of the 2011 campaigners, Dix Villez, Grande Monsieur and Benny Boy are set for an encore, the latter recovering from a tendon injury but on course for a return to the track. Currently still holidaying at his owner Adam Waugh's residence, both Amie (Adam's niece) and Simon speak fondly of the 11-year-old, stating "everybody loves him". Five times a winner between the flags, the son of joint Champion Point-to-Point sire Beneficial last made a trip to the winners' enclosure in December 2009, but Amie is hopeful of a return to form following his injury setback.

Dix Villez, also enjoying some R & R with his stablemate, has proven something of a stable stalwart over the past two seasons, earning Amie her second win when hitting the front two out at Tranwell, and filling the runner-up spot on a further two occasions throughout the season. Trained by Simon last season, the 12-year-old gelding has clearly been a great confidence booster for Amie. "He never lets you down" is the summary from his young trainer, whilst Simon calls him "a gentleman of the first degree." A former player under Rules, notable runners Garde Champetre and L'Ami are two of his contemporaries to have been beaten to the post by the Molesden resident. Ready to serve the Waugh family again as the season approaches, Dix Villez, like his fellow companions, will return to work in early August.

Among those to join Dix Villez is Earth Crystal, a nine-year-old gelding who fractured a hock on his first run in Britain back in February 2010. Purchased for £7,500 at Doncaster Bloodstock Sales out of Nicky Henderson's yard, the Irish-bred is a horse Amie has high hopes for this season. The trainer remains grounded however, knowing a comeback from injury can be fraught with setbacks, but stills grins as she lets on "he should be good!"

The fourth member of Amie's fledgling yard, Grande Monsieur, is currently holidaying in situ alongside Earth Crystal. The eight-year-old, who after some persuading wanders up for a closer look at his visitors, will forever be known as the horse to give Amie her first win as trainer. Ridden by his owner Adam, the gelding put a length over 6-4F Olmetta in the older horse Maiden at the Tynedale meeting back in March, and having finished in the frame twice from just three runs, could continue to be a source of success for Molesden House.

After discussing the residents who will definitely be returning (Amie is still hopeful for one or two more, and may possibly make her own purchases from DBS), a trip to the gallops did nothing to appease the green-eyed monster. Their five furlong straight connected to a three furlong round gallop, all of which overlooks the farm, has me itching to ask if there's any chance of swapping the 4x4 with a horse. I didn't, but it was tough. Although slightly undulating, the gallop, which is in the process of being resurfaced with a rubber mix for better shock absorption, can be ridden in both directions, with a set of stalls based nearest to the yard. Primarily a National Hunt man, Simon does also send out the occasional Flat runner. A copse visible a couple of fields away is also used for training, with the criss-crossing network of path amongst the pine trees an ideal venue to keep the older horses interested, and teach youngsters to take the lead.

It is here I get a real feel for the elements which make up the Waugh training methods. First and foremost, Amie clearly believes that variety is the key to keeping her charges happy and performing well. Not only do the gallops cater to this, but the idyllic setting in a small hamlet ensures safe and plentiful roadwork. An individual approach to each horse's training plan is clearly important, given that those who thrive on hunting, Benny Boy and Dix Villez, do so throughout the season to keep them fresh. With a relatively small number of inmates at present, such an approach seems easy to keep up, but given that Amie's ethos is clearly inherited from her father, I get the impression this is a core belief instilled in her long-term training plans.

A second overriding factor in much of the ‘Waugh-way' is her continual battle against the elements. Two incredibly harsh winters have caused havoc for trainers far and wide across Britain, and with a third looking a distinct possibility, all manner of strategic measures have been implemented at Molesden House to ensure that business can continue as normal where possible. The undercover yard links directly to the horse walker, whilst the gallops can be accessed without crossing even a hint of tarmac or concrete. A high-sided round pen, which is mostly utilised for schooling youngsters as they master the basics of being a racehorse, also boasts a woodchip/rubber mix surface, which packs quite a punch in the fight against frost.

Outside the yard, the family are lucky that their neighbours just happen to grit the roads for their local council. Anytime they're not in action, Simon has a modified slug-pellet spreader to grit the short stretch of road from the farm to their schooling field himself. Set on a slope and containing both hurdles and chase fences, the schooling field has yet another beautiful view across rolling hills and green pastures. Whilst the four-legged inhabitants may not appreciate such scenery, the portable fences within the field ensure they're kept on their toes when it comes to rehearsing for the next outing.

Of course, such tough winters, though offset by Mediterranean-esque summers (which may be a slight exaggeration), serve as a pointed reminder why I can't move myself (uninvited) in with the Waughs. My Peugeot 106 struggled enough in 25 degrees; there's no way Norman could manage the journey to Molesden anytime after October. Lessons to be learned from this visit: keep an eye on Earth Crystal, and start saving for a 4x4.

Below: Amie on the newly surfaced gallop

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