Why the earth's about to move for shy Ogden

They would like to cast him as the villain of the piece, but do not have the guts to put their thoughts on record, perhaps because they hope one day to get one of his big guns in their stable.

As one, speaking off the record, said: "He has been in business a long time and knows that being successful doesn't necessarily make you popular.

"The Murphy business upset him, hurt him even. He said he knew people would think badly of him, but he had good reasons for what he did."

His company, the Ogden Group, is based at the Sicklinghall Stud near Wetherby in West York-shire and was founded by Robert and his brothers Joseph, Victor and John. Their success was crowned with the Queen's Award for Industry.

Ogden's trainers at present include Venetia Williams, Paul Nicholls, Martin Todhunter, Oliver Sherwood and Nicky Henderson.

His possible foursome in the Hennessy highlight are:

Kingsmark (Todhunter). He turned in a whiz-bang performance in Haydock's recent Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase. Stepping up in grade, the grey made it nine wins from 17 starts and a biggest ever success for his trainer and up-andcoming 5lb claiming jockey David Dennis. A 4lb penalty puts him on 9st 11lb for the brandy money. The 10 length victory over Tresor de Mai screamed out: "Improving horse". The way he was cruising on the bit three fences out was a treat to witness.

Ad Hoc (Nicholls). His unfortunate run at Wincanton has not dislodged him from Hennessy favouritism despite falling at the last and the race going to stablemate Flaked Oats. The reason he still tops the market is the fact that he would have won, but for not being foot perfect. He appeared to have plenty in the tank at the time, but his tendency to jump to the right would not be a plus mark for the Newbury big one. Mick Fitzgerald asked for a long one at the final obstacle, but Ad Hoc put down and the upset was compounded. The amount of confidence about him from his yard, however, is infectious and this could be just a blip on a brilliant career.

Marlborough (Henderson). A smart chaser who won at Kempton in January and then took Cheltenham's William Hill National Hunt Chase by two lengths from Beau, who could also be in the Hennessy line-up. A good second to Gloria Vectis in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton, but hurt himself in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Extra Jack (Nicholls). The fourth Ogden entry, although not so attractive as the other three. A former French gelding and a half-brother to super Gallic chaser Djeddah, he won four races at the Paris jumping track of Auteuil last season and has a great future.

Ogden is as hard to spot on the racecourse as a chameleon, blending into his surroundings and side-stepping any attempts by the media to interview him. It is ironic that his vivid check colours stand out like a sore thumb in the race and are the most familiar on the track.

He leaves any talking to his racing manager Barry Simpson, who must be good at his job because he has kept his post for some time.

Simpson said: "It will go right down to the wire before we finalise Hennessy plans. Mick Fitzgerald enters calculations, too. We want to see if he is available after his recent injury."

Ogden became interested in racing due to his friendship with fellow businessman, owner and trainer, Jack Hanson, who lived in the same village. At first they owned horses between them, but Hanson preferred the Flat and Ogden was fascinated by the jumping game.

He also had horses with Sally Hall for about 20 years and she said: "Robert hates publicity, good or bad. Racing is his big hobby and he tries to have the best of everything. He deserves to have the best because he is spending a lot of money. He wants top-class chasers, especially stayers."

That late, great handler, Gordon Richards, won a Great Yorkshire Chase for Ogden with General Command and also provided him with a Grand Military Chase via On The Other Hand, ridden by the owner's son, Adam.

Richards said of his patron: "He is a high-powered businessman and likes the job to be done properly. He doesn't want anything done half-cocked."

If one of Ogden's contenders wins on Saturday don't expect to hear him spouting off about it. A Yorkshireman and his money are not easily parted - and that goes for words, too.