It can be problematic. Owners investing thousands, millions maybe, can be highly sensitive to a change of stewardship.
Given such concerns - which tend to be mitigated these days by the issuing of joint licences - rarely can there have been a smoother transition than that between the Hannons - and not merely because the branding of the firm did not have to change when one Richard Hannon succeeded another in 2014.
It has been a remarkable story. When Richard snr relinquished control of his Herridge and East Everleigh Stables near Marlborough at the age of 68 he did so as a four-time champion trainer who boasted five British Classic victories and three in Ireland, and a then record 4,193 wins over a 43-year career - a tally which would only be overtaken by the winner-obsessive Mark Johnston in 2018.
It was a highly distinguished career to follow for Richard jnr, then 38, who for 12 years had been his father's assistant. But having claimed a championship in his first year, he has secured approaching 1,600 victories, including Classic triumphs with Night Of Thunder (2014 2,000 Guineas) and Billesdon Brook (2018 1,000 Guineas).
We speak a few days after he came close to another 2,000 Guineas triumph, with Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech outscoring his Rosallion by one length, with another Hannon contender Haatem, earlier winner of The Craven Stakes, in third place.
Hannon, who believes that this was the best renewal of the Classic for 10 years, is likely to target his pair over different trips once both had contested the Irish equivalent (after we went to press).
"Well, Rosallion, his turn of foot is electric," he enthuses when invited to compare the duo. "Haatem, he goes at it and he breaks horses' hearts. He's got a lovely action and he grinds them down. The further he goes the better he'll be."
Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton