TWO leading lights in the horse racing world have joined forces to create a 'power house' in training.

David Dennis has joined forces with Tom Symonds as assistant trainer at Dason Court Stables, near Ross-on-Wye.

The two young trainers are combining their equine squads, effectively doubling the number of horses in training.

Dennis was a former successful jump jockey before turning to training and has sent out over 150 winners from a yard at Hanley Swan, near Malvern.

The move was made because of financial reasoning and has resulted in the creation a new 'power house' of racing in Herefordshire.

Dennis said: “First and foremost I would like to thank my owners for their unwavering support and understanding.

"Financially, it wasn’t viable to stay where I was and moving horses to Dason Court Stables and combining with Tom as his assistant trainer will hopefully benefit both of us. What the future holds in terms of trainers licences we are open to.

“I am really looking forward to this new chapter. Training is now very much a numbers game. It’s a competitive sport and we both look forward to sending out more runners and winners together.”

Tom Symonds is delighted to welcome Dennis to the team at Dason Court.

"There is no doubt his skilled experience will make a significant and important contribution to our business," added Symonds.

"Furthermore, I am very conscious of the support to us both offered not only by his owners who are transferring their horses but by my existing owners.

"I'm excited by this new venture and we will work hard together with all the staff here to continue the growth and success of the yard."

Former BBC Correspondent, Cornelius Lysaght wished them the best of luck and said he was 'sure they will be very successful'.

He added: "Training is a hard game, even more so these days, and it’s logical for two ambitious trainers to combine like this.

"Together they will be able to compete more which is what any trainer wants to do.”