My father John was champion trainer, my brother Ed is a very successful trainer, so it’s in our blood.
I’ve always done it, and I’ve always thought I’d love to do other things too.
It’s a tough industry, even with the incredible days and Group One winners; it’s hard to make the business work. Covid wasn’t the kindest to us, we lost some clients, and you start to think about life a bit more.
Deciding to retire was a big move.
We had a fantastic final year and Polly Pott won the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. My wife drove her up there, her owners were from Doncaster, so it was quite apt she was our last big winner, and at a starting price of 40/1! It was emotional stuff.
Training is results-driven; you could look me up on social media and see I’ve had no winners for four months and there’s a “cold list” of trainers in the Racing Post.
If things aren’t going well, you rush things, you don’t make good decisions, such as where your horses should run.
If you’re not in the right frame of mind, it affects the workforce and the atmosphere in a yard, and you’re looking after everything from the staff, to paying the water bill, to maintaining your gallops.
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
