“LAST year was a bit quieter,” says Glengormley owner and trainer Kevin Corey. However, when the 48-year-old starts talking about the horses from the yard, it becomes apparent that across four regular entries last year the stable won eight or so races including a valuable fillies’ classic.

The problem is that success is an addictive substance and the Coreys had five memorable seasons with Fairdays Western, now happily retired.

Kevin is animated about Arts Princess. “After Fairdays Western retired I said we’d never have another one like him again. But the ability that Arts Princess is showing, she could be another ‘free-for-aller’.

“She had all sorts of niggly issues in the run up to the Black Horse Juvenile Final and still paced 2.00 on only her fifth start.” And so the cycle continues.

Kevin is ably assisted by his son Adam (18), a mechanic in their haulage business. Adam’s race driving continually improves. Mum Margeurite and two sets of twins (‘the big twins and the wee twins’) are great cheerleaders on race days.

The yard at Mallusk, high above Belfast, has every comfort ever invented for a horse. The family patriarch Seamus (82) owns the adjoining farm and is on hand for advice.

Starting later

“We’ll be a bit later starting this season as the wet winter washed away parts of our track. We had Kevin Rafferty (cousin and trotting owner) in to improve the drainage.”

Given the Coreys track record and the high standards they set for themselves, we can be sure that the other trainers in the circuit will be reading these six to follow with interest.

Double Deuce (Ire)

8yo g Armbro Deuce – Art N Soul.

We took a while to work him out last year. We had all sorts of experts looking at him and, in the end, we sussed it at home. He had sore knees - he has such a long stride it puts a strain on the knees.

We put on heavier shoes with a pad at his heels and it helped. We lost the dam to colic in the winter. He’ll run in the C class drivers’ series.

Arts Princess (Ire)

4yo m Sweet Lou – Art N Soul.

She is some exciting prospect. She came home in 28 seconds and change for the final quarter in her final race, a winning run. Alan Wallace loved her from the moment she came into his yard.

The four-year-old fillies this year will be a tough division with Priceless and Maid Sweet still around. The win was Adam’s first drive in race behind her.

Montanas Prince (Ire)

4yo m Foreclosure – Mahogany Montana.

The first foal from a decent mare. He was unraced due to a splint and has now grown well. He was trained down to nearly qualifying time previously. He has a nice attitude.

Flash Mac De Couet (FR)

9yo Prince Lorme – Isaora Bonheur.

My father’s horse, he will still be very involved. Flash Mac missed all of last season and it could be the making of him. He’s a straight old racehorse and it’s nice to see Adam driving for his grandfather.

Franchon de Roche (FR)

9yo m Korean – Quelle Jolie Idee.

She was a bit unlucky to be disqualified a couple of times last year. She was making breaks so we have changed a few things. She will be aimed at the Richard Phelan meeting as she runs well on grass.

Extrem Ryld (FR)

10yo g Pagalor – Minette Florette.

We bought him from Kevin Rafferty and he had in-and-out kind of form. We changed the angles of his feet and added pads.

He’s still on our water walker at this stage. He has a great turn of foot but you can’t push him. You’re probably better without using the whip.