SOUTH Wales Argus racing club horse Top Cop has every chance of making a winning start for members, his trainer believes.

Ron Harris, who saddled 100-1 shot Union Rose to come second last week at Royal Ascot, said the sprinter is very well handicapped, despite going up 2lb for his narrow defeat on Monday.

The racing club, which has just been launched in conjunction with Chepstow Racecourse, will see the 5 year old campaigned at the track and others nearby such as Ffos Las and Bath.

Harris said: “I think he will be perfect for the club, he will give them a lot of fun. He travels very well in his races because he has lots of ability. It was a very good run at Chepstow on Monday and he will be in with a fighting chance every time he runs. Hopefully he can win next time.”

In his younger days, Top Cop was trained by Andrew Balding, brother of Channel 4 Racing presenter Claire.

He ran in good sprints at major Flat tracks such as Newmarket, York and Ascot and overall has finished first, second or third in 11 of 30 starts.

His highest rating was 93, but he now runs off 72, which Harris believes will give him a confidence boost.

And there will be no problems with racing club members being able to spot the gelding in his races, as he likes to race from the front and wears headgear like in the picture, which keeps his concentration.

Harris said while some horses can be quite excitable, there will be no danger of that when Top Cop meets his new fans, given his likeable personality.

“He’s just a gorgeous specimen, so relaxed. You can take him out with any of the horses and in the field, they can run round him and he lets them get on with it,” said Harris.

“He loves being turned out in the paddock with the sun on his back and like most of mine, is partial to the odd Polo.”

Top Cop resides in the stable of a former old favourite at the yard called The Gaikwar, a horse who ran in 108 races, winning nine including two at Chepstow.

Harris’ yard is in good form at present and each year he normally saddles over 50 winners.

Secret Witness and Supersta look to enhance that record today at Windsor.

• Racing Club members will get to meet their horse for the first time at a stable visit on Sunday 13th July. Membership is £150 for the year and includes lots of benefits including admission at 5 nominated Chepstow meetings, a hospitality (afternoon tea) day, walking the track with a racing professional. For more information, contact Sarah Bell by emailing racingclub@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk