Tag Archive for: Sir Michael Stoute

Horton delighted to be following in Stoute footsteps

Trainer James Horton has spoken of his delight at securing a deal to move into Beech Hurst Stables in Newmarket, the former base of Sir Michael Stoute.

Stoute, who retired recently, trained one of the most famous Derby winners of all time in Shergar out of Beech Hurst, along with many other champions before expanding into Freemason Lodge.

Horton was Stoute’s assistant for seven years before being offered what appeared to be a dream job – which turned into a nightmare – by owner John Dance, who subsequently came under investigation for fraud.

Having moved back to Newmarket, Horton has rebuilt his career and hopes going back to a place he once called home will see his career kick on to another level.

“We’re very lucky, we’ve been able to secure a lease on Beech Hurst Stables for next year,” he told Sky Sports Racing.

James Horton was Sir Michael Stoute's assistant for seven years
James Horton was Sir Michael Stoute’s assistant for seven years (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Obviously, everything went a bit upside down about 18 months ago, so this year has very much been a sort of rebuilding year. This time last year, we hadn’t even moved into the yard, with just a handful of horses.

“We’ve had 10 winners from just over 100 runners, with a lot of two-year-olds who we’re educating and are exciting horses for next year.

“It’s been very much a rebuilding year but we’ve been lucky enough to secure the lease on Beech House, which will be a fantastic opportunity for us.”

Recalling his days spent with Stoute, Horton went on: “I spent seven years with Sir Michael and during the entirety of that time, Beech Hurst was part of the set-up.

“Some would have called it the second yard but it very much was a yard that worked within the base of Freemason and they were two yards that worked together and worked very well.

“So, I know Beech Hurst very well and it’s great to be back there, I’m really looking forward to it; the location is excellent, it’s a healthy yard, the horses thrive there and we’re absolutely delighted to have been given the opportunity.

“Sir Michael, in my eyes, between him and Sir Henry Cecil, were two of the greats that us younger guys were able to witness on the Heath in the mornings. To be able to work alongside him for seven years was an honour and something I’ll always remember.

“He’s a great character and I’ve spoken to him plenty the last couple of years with the things that have gone on and he had plenty of wise words to keep us on the straight and narrow.”



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Stoute CV stands among all-time greats – and he did it with style

There may have been no last hurrah to Sir Michael Stoute’s 52-year training career, as Wanderlust trailed home at the back of a Class 6 handicap at Nottingham – but that takes nothing away from a long and truly outstanding body of work.

Assuming there is not a surprise all-weather runner before the end of the year, it really is the end of an era, with Stoute a colossus of not only British Flat racing but worldwide, bowing out with barely an omission on his bulging CV and 10 trainers’ titles to boot.

The 78-year-old was famously born in Barbados, son of the island’s chief of police, and his love of the sport was spawned by the family home’s view of Garrison Savannah racecourse and continued by riding lessons with the force’s mounted officers.

He moved to Britain at the age of 19 and while his hopes of becoming the BBC’s racing correspondent were ultimately dashed, that disappointment set him on the path to training greatness, assisting a handful of trainers before striking out on his own in 1972.

Shergar was the horse that propelled Sir Michael Stoute to the headlines
Shergar was the horse that propelled Sir Michael Stoute to the headlines (PA)

It was two sprinters – Blue Cashmere and Alphadamus – who initially put Stoute on the map, but given Classic-calibre ammunition by owner Sven Hanson, the trainer soon hit the big time, with Fair Salinia’s 1978 Oaks success heralding the start of his golden age.

The Aga Khan joined his ranks of owners, their partnership cemented by the incomparable Shergar in 1981 – the first of six Derby winners for the master of Freemason Lodge and the horse that really sent his career to new heights.

Stoute will always be indelibly linked with Shergar, who once his racing days were over was kidnapped from the Aga Khan’s stud farm in Ireland. It is generally accepted to have been the work of the IRA and to this day his remains have never been found.

Famed for his patience, Stoute certainly trained his fair share of juvenile winners, but arguably his biggest stars were those that shone at three and beyond.

A total of 16 British Classics went his way. There were also six Eclipses, eight Lockinges, six King Georges, six Juddmonte Internationals – the list goes on.

Singspiel was a star for Sir Michael Stoute
Singspiel was a star for Sir Michael Stoute (John Giles/PA

The roll call takes in the equine great and good, the likes of Zilzal, Russian Rhythm, Shahrastani, Ajdal, Conduit, Singspiel and Pilsudski – barely a drop in the ocean of the talent Stoute has nurtured.

In 1996 and 1997 respectively, Singspiel and Pilsudski gave Stoute back-to-back wins in the Japan Cup, a barely fathomable feat.

Singspiel also won the Dubai World Cup in 1997, just the second ever running of what is now one of the world’s most coveted races. Pilsudski struck in the Turf at the Breeders’ Cup, as did Conduit – twice.

The National Hunt game even gets a mention in the Stoute story, with Sheikh Mohammed’s Kribensis ensuring he retires with one of jumping’s biggest prizes to his credit, having won the Champion Hurdle back in 1990.

Sir Michael Stoute with Desert Crown and jockey Richard Kingscote
Sir Michael Stoute with Desert Crown and jockey Richard Kingscote (Tim Goode/PA)

Recent years have of course been leaner for Stoute, but when a rough diamond has come into his possession, he has polished it to perfection.

Desert Crown’s Derby win two years ago was evidence of that and who knows what he could have gone on to achieve but for injury troubles, with a fractured leg in August 2023 eventually proving fatal.

The final Group One win of Stoute’s career came courtesy of Bay Bridge in the 2022 Champion Stakes – a typical Stoute project in proving his best at four and fittingly hailing from an Aga Khan family line.

Passenger had appeared to be Stoute’s hope of a glorious farewell this term, but fate intervened, with injury scuppering Eclipse plans and a further setback at York in July ensuring an early end to the campaign.

Whoever inherits that Niarchos family-owned horse and a number of exciting juvenile prospects will surely reap the benefits of the Stoute regime – just as racing as a whole has done over the decades.



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Focused, an amazing horseman and true champion – tributes, as Stoute heads for retirement

With Sir Michael Stoute looking to have saddled the final runner of his long and illustrious career, we look back at what some of those who know him best have had to say about him:

Kieren Fallon, former stable jockey

Sir Michael Stoute (L) with Golan ridden by Kieren Fallon
Sir Michael Stoute leads in Golan, with Kieren Fallon up after they had won the King George (PA).

“I don’t like comparing trainers, but he was my favourite and he was the trainer I always wanted to ride for. I don’t know if it comes from Shergar or what, because of where I am from in the west of Ireland you could never have dreamed of being in his yard.

“He was firm but fair and if you got anything wrong, he would let you think about it for a while and wouldn’t say an awful lot.

“I was with him quite a while and there was only one little blip in all the years and all the rides.”

Sir Mark Prescott, fellow Newmarket trainer

“I think he is probably the most focused trainer of my time. When he got a good horse, he absolutely focused on it.

“He is a tremendous jockey mentor as well. If he could see genius in a jockey, if he could see flair, he would go to tremendous lengths to nurture that and get the best out of his jockeys.

“I think the combination of that laser focus on his good horses and the mentoring of the men that rode them made him a very hard, hard trainer for the finest in the world to beat.”

Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud

Sir Michael Stoute with Kieren Fallon and the Cheveley Park Stud-owned Russian Rhythm
Sir Michael Stoute with Kieren Fallon and the Cheveley Park Stud-owned Russian Rhythm (Andrew Parson/PA)

“He’s an iconic trainer and a very talented and amazing horseman really.

“It’s the end of an era and I still haven’t worked out his secret for watching a gallop. He always used to amaze me, he could see more than I ever could understand. If it had gone well, there would usually be a ‘bum diddy bum’ and he’d whistle Don’t Cry For Me Argentina as he walked off the gallop.”

John Warren, racing manager for the late Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II looks at her horse Estimate alongside jockey Ryan Moore after the Gold Cup at Ryan Ascot
Queen Elizabeth II looks at her horse Estimate alongside jockey Ryan Moore after the Gold Cup at Ryan Ascot (Steve Parsons/PA)

“We all had so many happy times working together over some 30 years. As a trainer, Michael was always spot-on knowing when to press the ‘go button’ and his patience paid off in spades.

“I know he gave the late Queen immense pleasure and joy on numerous occasions – winning the Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate was a day we will never forget. I can’t thank him enough for so many happy and great fun memories during his training career.”

John Gosden, fellow Newmarket trainer

“A true champion trainer with a phenomenal feel for the horses in his stable.

“At the height of their powers, Henry Cecil and he were formidable adversaries and lit up the British racing season year on year.”

Gary Stevens, Hall of Fame jockey and former Stoute number one

Gary Stevens rides the late Queen's Blueprint to victory at Royal Ascot
Gary Stevens rides the late Queen’s Blueprint to victory at Royal Ascot (Sean Dempsey/PA)

“It was the best job in the world and the best job any jockey could ever want. He’s a genius and one of my great friends right to this day, he is like family to me. It was the best time in my career and if I have any regrets about my career, it was not staying over in the UK longer.”

Bruce Raymond, former jockey and racing manager to Saeed Suhail, for whom Stoute won the Derby twice

Desert Crown won the Derby for Sir Michael Stoute and owner Saeed Suhail
Desert Crown won the Derby for Sir Michael Stoute and owner Saeed Suhail (Tim Goode/PA)

“I rode for him as second jockey to Walter Swinburn at one time for Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum and rode quite a few winners.

“When my owners talk about telling Sir Michael to do something, I say ‘listen, Sir Michael Stoute has trained every winner in the world twice, I’m not going to tell him anything’ – and he quite rightly probably wouldn’t take any notice anyway!

“Who is anyone to tell Sir Michael what to do? There might be someone in the world as good, but there is no one better.”



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Stoute stars include Classic winners, globetrotting greats and even a Champion Hurdle hero

Sir Michael Stoute has been responsible for some of the greatest horses to have ever graced the sport. We pick out just some of his superstar performers:

Shergar

Shergar returns in triumph after the Derby at Epsom in 1981
Shergar returns in triumph after the Derby at Epsom in 1981 (PA)

Shergar’s victory in the Derby is still one of the greatest Classic victories of all-time. His winning margin of 10 lengths is a record and stamped Shergar as a middle-distance horse of the highest quality. At the start of the season, Shergar was 33-1 in the ante-post market for the premier Classic but went off the 10-11 favourite after winning Sandown’s Classic Trial and the Chester Vase very easily. The Derby went to plan in the hands of his young rider Walter Swinburn and the opposition was routed in spectacular fashion. Shergar went on to confirm his class with further impressive victories in the Irish Derby and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes before disappointing in the St Leger. Of course, his on-course brilliance is only one part of the Shergar story. After his retirement, he headed for a stallion career in Ireland, but it was there he was kidnapped from the Aga Khan’s stud, in what was generally accepted to have been the work of the IRA. His remains have never been found.

Conduit

Conduit ended Stoute's wait for a St Leger winner
Conduit ended Stoute’s wait for a St Leger winner (John Giles/PA)

Conduit had the distinction in 2008 of closing out Stoute’s Classic CV. The trainer had endured near-misses in the St Leger at Doncaster, but as Frankie Dettori steered the chestnut to a three-length success, Stoute completed his full house in the landmark British events. That was not the end of his achievements though, with Conduit going on to back-to-back victories in the Breeders’ Cup Turf and triumphing in the King George the following year.

Estimate

Estimate (left) takes the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013
Estimate (left) takes the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 (John Walton/PA)

The mare’s 2013 Gold Cup success was one of the sweetest for Stoute as Estimate was owned by the late Queen. It gave her one of her best ever moments at her beloved Royal Ascot. If Stoute felt under pressure before the championship staying race, he never showed it. Estimate had won her prep race over two miles at Ascot in early May and was sent off the 7-2 favourite in a field of 14. She had to work hard as Simenon proved a tough challenger, but she gamely kept him at bay by a neck to land the spoils in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Ezzoud

Ezzoud won back-to-back Juddmonte Internationals
Ezzoud won back-to-back Juddmonte Internationals (Rebecca Naden/PA)

Classic-placed in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, Ezzoud proved his Group One worth at four, despite plenty crabbing his high head carriage and slight unpredictability. Stoute did not lose faith and that confidence was rewarded when Ezzoud stunned his rivals in the 1993 Juddmonte International, with further top-level glory coming his way in the 1994 Eclipse at Sandown. A King George run lasted no longer than a few strides as he unshipped his rider and caused plenty of interference running loose in the finish, but a second Juddmonte International win a few weeks later made amends, with Stoute again bringing out the best in a talented but quirky performer.

Harbinger

Harbinger hacked up in the King George
Harbinger hacked up in the King George (Sean Dempsey/PA)

It was a case of what could have been for effortless 2010 King George winner Harbinger. Stoute’s trademark patience came into play with the son of Dansili who, after a patchy three-year-old campaign, blossomed at four. He won each of his four starts, with two Group Three strikes building to an impressive Hardwicke Stakes success and eventually a virtuoso performance when coasting home by 11 lengths in Ascot’s summer highlight. He subsequently fractured a leg on the gallops when preparing for a trip to York and was retired to stud in Japan, where he has sired a clutch of Group One winners.

Kribensis

Kribensis was a hurdling star for Stoute
Kribensis was a hurdling star for Stoute (Barry Batchelor/PA)

Stoute showed his prowess under both codes after saddling the dashing grey Kribensis to two Cheltenham Festival wins. Victorious in the 1988 Triumph Hurdle, he added the Champion Hurdle to his record in 1990 – a campaign which also saw him win the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle for good measure. Retired after finishing down the field in the 1993 Champion Hurdle, Kribensis famously remained at Freemason Lodge, where he was Stoute’s hack before his death at the age of 23 in 2007.

Pilsudski

Pilsudski winning the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in 1997
Pilsudski winning the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in 1997 (David Giles/PA)

Pilsudski was one of those late-developing types that Stoute was renowned for. He never rushed his horses and was very often rewarded. Pilsudski was a typical example, only coming into his own late in his four-year-old career when he opened his Group One account in Germany in September 1996 and then finishing second in the Arc and wining the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Woodbine. The globetrotter carried on where he left off in 1997, beating Classic winners Benny The Dip and Bosra Sham to land the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. He also took the Irish and English Champion Stakes before signing off on a high note in the Japan Cup to earn the title of champion older horse of 1997.

Russian Rhythm

Russian Rhythm was an exceptional filly
Russian Rhythm was an exceptional filly (Andrew Parsons/PA)

Russian Rhythm only had 10 career starts but Stoute guided her to seven victories and just one unplaced run. He had her primed to perfection to win the 1000 Guineas on her seasonal bow in 2003, with Coronation Stakes and then Nassau glory over 10 furlongs also on her CV that term. Kept in training at four, Stoute again produced her ready for action to win a top-class renewal of the Lockinge Stakes, which included two Classic-winning colts and a host of Group-race victors.

Singspiel

Singspiel was an international success for Stoute
Singspiel was an international success for Stoute (PA)

Another Stoute improver, leaving behind a fine three-year-old campaign to excel at four and five. Narrowly beaten in the 1996 Coronation Cup, his season gathered momentum and Canadian International gold was followed by a Breeders’ Cup second to stablemate Pilsudski and a first Japan Cup win for his handler. His globetrotting continued the following year, with Dubai World Cup glory before his British return yielded Coronation Cup and Juddmonte International victories.

Sonic Lady

Sonic Lady wins the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in a stellar 1986 campaign
Sonic Lady wins the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in a stellar 1986 campaign (PA)

Stoute trained many brilliant fillies in his career and one at the top of the list was undoubtedly Sonic Lady. She was particularly hard to train but Stoute got the best out of her, in particular in a stellar three-year-old campaign. Sonic Lady had a busy time, running on eight occasions, starting with victory in the Nell Gwyn Stakes. After finishing third in the 1000 Guineas, she made no mistake in the Irish equivalent and went on to take the Coronation Stakes and what is now the Falmouth Stakes before heading to Goodwood for the Sussex Stakes. She put older colts in their place when scoring from Scottish Reel and Pennine Walk before doing the same in the Prix du Moulin.

Workforce

Workforce, winner of the Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2010
Workforce, winner of the Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2010 (Sean Dempsey/PA)

The fifth of six Stoute-trained Derby winners, Workforce gave him his one and only triumph in Europe’s premier middle-distance race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. While his win at Epsom was by a convincing seven lengths, he had to work hard to come out on top in a typically ultra-competitive Arc. He had gone to Longchamp with something to prove after being well-beaten in the King George by his stablemate Harbinger. But in holding Japanese raider Nakayama Festa by a head, Workforce showed he was back to his best, although he could not match those heights at four.

Zilzal

Zilzal landed the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood
Zilzal landed the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (Jim James/PA)

Zilzal enjoyed one glorious season for Stoute in 1989, bowing out with five wins in six starts and the accolade of the campaign’s leading three-year-old. A wide-margin winner at Leicester in May, his rapid ascent through the ranks saw him take the Jersey and Criterion Stakes before graduating to Group One level with an impressive Sussex Stakes triumph. A vintage renewal of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes also went his way, with the only disappointment of his career coming on his final start when sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Ajdal

Sir Michael Stoute on July Cup day at Newmarket
Sir Michael Stoute on July Cup day at Newmarket (Steve Parsons/PA)

Can any horse come close to what Ajdal achieved in 1987? Winner of the Dewhurst as a two-year-old, he was fifth in the 2000 Guineas before finishing third in the Irish equivalent (subsequently disqualified after Walter Swinburn failed to weigh in). The Sheikh Mohammed-owned Northern Dancer colt then stepped up in trip for the Derby, where he was ninth to Reference Point. After Epsom, in what proved a masterstroke, Stoute elected to come right back to six furlongs for the July Cup, which he won by a head. He went on to land the William Hill Sprint Championship (now the Nunthorpe) at York and then the Vernons Sprint Cup at Haydock.



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No luck for Sir Michael Stoute with final runner at Nottingham

There was to be no fairytale ending to Sir Michael Stoute’s glittering career at Nottingham on Wednesday, with Wanderlust – expected to be the final runner for one of the greatest trainers the sport has ever known – finishing last.

Stoute, 78, announced in early September that he would bring the curtain down at the end of the 2024 Flat season, which officially concludes at Doncaster on Saturday.

With the master of Freemason Lodge having made no further entries for the rest of the week, all eyes were on Wanderlust as she headed to post for the Goodbye For 2024 From Nottingham Racecourse Handicap.

However, it was clear from an early stage the 9-4 favourite was struggling, with Richard Kingscote having to get to work long before the home turn. She weakened further in the home straight and passed the post last of the 12 runners.

Stoute will be forever associated with magnificent 1981 Derby hero Shergar, but has been responsible for so many other champions, with patience a key hallmark of his success.

He has been champion trainer 10 times, has six Derbys among 16 British Classics, plus 13 in Ireland, and to cap it all plundered some of the biggest prizes around the globe, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong Vase and the Breeders’ Cup.

Confirming his decision to call it a day in a statement to the PA news agency on September 10, Stoute said: “I have decided to retire from training at the end of this season.

“I would like to thank all my owners and staff for the support they have given me over the years.

“It has been a great and enjoyable journey.”



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Riding for Stoute ‘was best job any jockey could ever want’ – Gary Stevens

The roll call of jockeys to have ridden for Sir Michael Stoute reads like a who’s who of the world’s elite. And for Hall of Famer Gary Stevens there are only unforgettable memories of “the best job in the world” when stable jockey to the great Barbadian.

The Idaho native had already firmly established himself as an American great and landed a plethora of the world’s most prestigious contests by the time Stoute came calling, with Stevens seeing the switch as the ideal way to ease the knee problems which would plague his career.

His spell as number one to the Freemason Lodge handler – who seems highly likely to have the final runner of his long and illustrious career at Nottingham on Wednesday – may have been relatively short-lived, but Stevens would leave Newmarket with memories to cherish and a friendship with a “genius” which has stood the test of time.

“It was the best job in the world and the best job any jockey could ever want,” Stevens told the PA news agency.

“He’s a genius and one of my great friends right to this day, he is like family to me.

Gary Stevens regards Sir Michael Stoute as a close friend
Gary Stevens regards Sir Michael Stoute as a close friend (Mike Egerton/PA)

“It was the best time in my career and if I have any regrets about my career it was not staying over in the UK longer. I loved my time over there and I loved the racing fans over there, it was really refreshing for me.”

He went on: “I was having a few issues with my knees and I thought racing on turf would be a lot easier on my knees, when in reality it was the opposite with racing on all the undulations and taking horses down to the start by yourself.

“One of the things I most enjoyed was it kept me fresh and I became more of a reactive rider rather than just reading the form and thinking where you should be in a race. You learn to improvise and ride a race as it comes up and have more confidence.

“Michael helped made me become a better rider when I went over and there and I learned from Kieren Fallon, Richard Hughes and Frankie Dettori that there is more than one way to skin a cat. It made me a better rider when I returned to America.”

Stevens’ biggest victory riding for Stoute was arguably the 1999 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes when he donned the royal silks to guide the Queen’s Blueprint to Royal Ascot glory.

Blueprint winning at Royal Ascot
Blueprint winning at Royal Ascot (PA Archive)

Stevens also finished third to Oath in that year’s Derby aboard Beat All and steered future Classic winner King’s Best to Acomb success at York, among other highlights.

Reflecting on his time as a vital cog in Stoute’s Newmarket operation, Stevens speaks of his amazement at the trainer’s memory, while also hailing the confidence he instilled in the jockeys who rode for him.

“The first thing I ever noticed about Michael is he has a photographic memory,” continued Stevens.

“He would be talking to the lads on the gallops giving out riding instructions and a lot of the time he’d be looking down at his hand as if he was reading a sheet of paper, but there was nothing on it. That was amazing to me.”

He added: “We would have our chats in his atrium and he would pour a drink and I would come in and have a beer and we would go over the races I would ride in.

Gary Stevens and Beat All (yellow cap) finishing third to Oath in the Derby
Gary Stevens and Beat All (yellow cap) finishing third to Oath in the Derby (Toby Melville/PA)

“His thing was he didn’t go to the races unless it was a really good maiden or a Group race or whatever and he would always say ‘my work is done, it’s over to you’.

“He had a great sense of humour and so much trust in his riders. He 100 per cent trusted us and I was able to speak with him more forwardly than any trainer I had ridden for before and since.

“You would call him up after a race and tell him about a horse and he would just say to call up the racing manager and tell them exactly what you just told me – I loved the transparency and I was allowed to be very candid.”

Stevens departure, when accepting a retainer for the Thoroughbred Corporation that would see him return to America, coincided with Fallon’s installation into the Freemason Lodge hotseat.

The American’s loss would be Fallon’s gain, as Stoute’s association with the six-time champion jockey resulted in multiple Classic wins in unison over the coming years.

Kieren Fallon and Sir Michael Stoute had a successful partnership
Kieren Fallon and Sir Michael Stoute had a successful partnership (Andrew Parsons/PA)

However, Stevens remembers in fact he helped instigate the arrangement during a round of golf with his weighing-room contemporaries.

He explained: “I remember the last day Kieren rode a horse for Henry (Cecil) and there was all the controversy and newspaper articles. We had just finished at Glorious Goodwood and myself, Frankie, Kieren and Richard were heading out to play 18 holes of golf.

“I had just been up in my room at the hotel and I had been on the phone with Richard Mulhall who was the racing manager for Prince Ahmed’s Thoroughbred Corporation. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

“It was a 15-20 minute conversation and as I was walking down to the pro-shop my mobile rang and it was Michael and how he knew I don’t know to this day.

“He said ‘I know you’re going to go back to America and I know you’re going to go play golf with Kieren right now, ask Kieren if he wants the job’.

“Kieren and I were in the same golf buggy and as I was driving down the first fairway I just asked him ‘do you want a job’ and he asked what job and I said ‘my job’. He couldn’t believe it – I told him the job was his if he wanted it and the rest is history.”



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Derby prospect Nightwalker moving yards with Stoute retirement

Connections feel exciting prospect Nightwalker has the potential to become a Classic contender during his three-year-old season, when he will be overseen by John and Thady Gosden.

The early stages of Nightwalker’s career have been guided by Sir Michael Stoute, but with the great Freemason Lodge handler retiring at the end of the season, the son of Frankel will make the short move along Newmarket’s Bury Road to the neighbouring Clarehaven operation.

Having opened his account at Yarmouth earlier in the season, he made the last of three two-year-old appearances for Stoute in Newmarket’s Autumn Stakes, finishing strongly to claim third in the hands of Oisin Murphy.

It was a performance that offers plenty of encouragement for when the youngster returns next spring and it added his name to the smart collection of juveniles assembled by Juddmonte this year – with the leading owners also hoping to have news regarding the future of Arc heroine Bluestocking at some point next week.

“It was a lovely performance at Newmarket and Oisin was very complimentary about him,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for the owners.

“Oisin just felt he was caught for a bit of room and the race developed ahead of him and away from him, so he just gave him an easy ride and he hit the line really strong and his last furlong was his best furlong and he’s definitely a horse with a nice bit of potential for next year.”

Nightwalker winning at Yarmouth
Nightwalker winning at Yarmouth (Nigel French/PA)

Nightwalker can be backed at 50-1 for the Derby with Paddy Power, with a return in an early-season trial in 2025 a possibility if thriving in his new environment.

Mahon continued: “With Sir Michael retiring at the end of year, he has switched to John and Thady Gosden and they are going to get a feel for him now over the winter and we’ll be guided by them in the spring and how he fits into their regime.

“But you would like to think he is a horse who will start off in a Derby trial next year.”



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Anna Swan could fly Fillies’ Mile flag for Stoute

Cheveley Park Stud still have hope of sending Sir Michael Stoute into retirement with a major victory, with their exciting filly Anna Swan a possible for Friday’s bet365 Fillies’ Mile.

The Freemason Lodge handler has successfully managed some of the owner-breeders’ finest assets down the years, turning the likes of Russian Rhythm and Medicean into champions and also conquering America with Breeders’ Cup heroine Queen’s Trust.

Stoute has trained more than 35 individual Group-race winners for Cheveley Park and Anna Swan could yet add her name to that tally after impressing at both Yarmouth on debut and in a Newbury conditions event most recently.

As well as Newmarket’s Group One feature on Friday, the daughter of Almanzor also holds an entry for the same day’s Group Three Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes, with discussions between trainer and owner prior to declarations determining how high connections aim.

“It’s very exciting and she’s in both the Fillies’ Mile and Oh So Sharp,” explained Chris Richardson, Cheveley Park’s managing director.

“We’ll be discussing the options with Mrs Thompson and Sir Michael in due course and it would be great if she could fly the flag for him in either of those two races – and she’s in great form.

“The intention is to run in one of those, all being well.”

Formal with Ryan Moore in the winner's enclosure at Leicester
Formal with Ryan Moore in the winner’s enclosure at Leicester (Adam Morgan/PA)

It was fellow Stoute-trained two-year-old Formal who generated plenty of excitement prior to her run in the Rockfel Stakes recently and although bitterly disappointing when sent off at odds of 7-4 for the Group Two event, connections are eager to draw a line through the performance of the previously impressive Leicester scorer.

“Formal just didn’t run her race and maybe she was just over the top,” continued Richardson.

“She was just never really going, she was a little bit free and just unsettled and I think that just wasn’t her. I think we draw a line through that and go again next year.”



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Formal seeking final Rockfel success for Stoute

Formal is out to give Sir Michael Stoute a fourth and final victory in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday, with his glittering training career nearing an end.

The Cheveley Park-owned and bred filly has an incredibly smart pedigree as she is by Dubawi and out of Veracious, a Group One-winning Frankel mare who was also trained by Stoute.

Formal saw off two subsequent winners when making a winning debut at Newbury in July and followed up in some style at Leicester earlier this month to earn herself a move to Group Two level, although her participation is ground dependent.

“We just have to make sure the ground is going to be fine, but the intention is to run,” said Cheveley Park’s managing director Chris Richardson.

“She came out of her last race well and obviously Sir Michael is happy with her, so we look like we’re going to be stepping out again and stepping up hopefully.

“It would be great to win a nice race for Sir Michael before the season is over. Hopefully Formal and Anna Swan, who could run in the Fillies’ Mile next month or the Oh So Sharp Stakes on the same day, can progress between them to give him a bit of a swansong.”

Aidan O’Brien fires a twin assault, with stable jockey Ryan Moore siding with Ecstatic over her stablemate Bubbling, who will be ridden by Sean Levey.

Tipperary maiden winner Ecstatic was last seen finishing fifth in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, while Bubbling placed third in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown last time out.

Ryan Moore rides Ecstatic in the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket
Ryan Moore rides Ecstatic in the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Ecstatic progressed nicely from her debut at Leopardstown to win on her second start at Tipperary, keeping on well to comfortably land the race in the final stages,” Moore told Betfair.

“She was then disappointing at Doncaster when last seen in the Group Two May Hill Stakes, stumbling when coming out of the stalls, but hopefully she can learn from that.

“She went on to finish fifth behind some talented fillies in Desert Flower and stablemate January and she is probably the form horse in the race, although it does look an open contest.

“Bubbling ran a nice race at Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival, just being bumped when coming out the stalls but stayed on well, only finishing a length back in third behind Chantez who looks a nice horse.

“It is an open race with Formal also in there who I rode to victory last time out at Leicester, but both Aidan’s fillies’ look to have their chances.”

Other contenders include Archie Watson’s Prestige Stakes runner-up Duty First and the Ed Walker-trained Troia, who has not been seen in competitive action since making a successful start to her career Newbury in mid-July.



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Jonquil will try to extend Stoute’s Flying Scotsman record

Sir Michael Stoute and leading owners Juddmonte have joined forces on many big occasions down the years and in Jonquil they could have a colt to bring the curtain down on their long association in the best possible way.

The Freemason Lodge handler has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season, but before the nights draw in and the leaves completely fall from the trees, Juddmonte’s homebred son of Lope De Vega could announce himself as a star of the future.

An impressive winner at Sandown on debut when overcoming a compromising position to win with authority at the line, Jonquil now takes an immediate leap into Listed company at Doncaster, where he will contest the Betfred Flying Scotsman Stakes on Friday.

It is a race Stoute and Juddmonte combined to win with Sangarius in 2018, while it may come as no surprise that the Barbadian is the Town Moor contest’s most successful trainer – with five victories in the seven-furlong event overall.

Now Jonquil is bidding to dispatch the opposition to the boundary and make it six for his cricket-loving handler, having shown encouraging signs since his Esher bow.

“It’s a little bit of a quick turnaround but he came out of Sandown in very good shape, he was very fresh the next morning and the team at Sir Michael’s have been pleased with him in his work back,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him again and it’s the next step up the ladder, but we were all impressed with his debut win and hopefully he can build on that.

“He looked fairly streetwise because he had every chance to get beat but he seemed to know what he was doing and I think guts and determination got him through.”

Juddmonte’s association with Freemason Lodge has lasted almost 25 years and since Comfy landed the Acomb Stakes in 2001, Stoute has saddled over 50 stakes winners in the famous pink, green and white silks of the Abdullah family’s racing operation.

Workforce returns after winning the Derby
Workforce returns after winning the Derby (Sean Dempsey/PA)

Their finest hour came with the Derby and Arc double of Workforce in 2010, with Ryan Moore – the man who will steer Jonquil at Doncaster on Friday – in the saddle at both Epsom and Longchamp.

“Sir Michael has probably been one of the best British trainers of the last century, he’s right up there with the best of them and he’s trained some great horses for us and over 50 stakes winners,” continued Mahon.

“It’s great to see him going out on his terms and going out on a high. Hopefully Jonquil can send him off on a high from our point of view and on a good note.”

Another success story of the Stoute-Juddmonte link-up was Expert Eye, who would go on to become a member of his owners’ stallion band – before recently switching to South Africa – after being guided to victories at both Royal Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup by the Newmarket handler.

Sir Michael Stoute with Expert Eye at Royal Ascot
Sir Michael Stoute with Expert Eye at Royal Ascot (Nigel French/PA)

After showcasing his potential in the early stages of his career, the son of Acclamation overcame hiccups at the end of his two-year-old season and at the beginning of his Classic year to eventually win three times during the summer of 2018.

Expert Eye bowed out after landing the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs, and Mahon believes his handling of the colt was the epitome of Stoute’s genius as a trainer.

He added: “I suppose Expert Eye was his last Grade One winner for Juddmonte since I’ve started working for them and the job Sir Michael did with him from the start of his three-year-old career, when he had some stalls issues, I don’t think any man could have turned him round the way Michael did.

“To get him to win at Royal Ascot and then the Breeders’ Cup, that was a phenomenal training performance.”



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Prescott lauds Stoute following retirement news

Sir Mark Prescott hailed Sir Michael Stoute as “the most focused trainer of my time” following the news that his fellow veteran handler announced he will retire at the end of the season.

It was in 1972 that Stoute commenced what would turn out to be a glittering training career in Newmarket, two years after Prescott had taken over the licence at Heath House Stables.

Prescott, who himself has enjoyed his fair share of big-race success over the past 50 years, has nothing but admiration for his Newmarket neighbour, who has been crowned champion trainer 10 times and saddled six Derby winners among 16 British Classic victories.

Prescott said: “Obviously I’m very sad he’s retiring, because it’s leaving me more and more exposed!

Sir Michael Stoute has achieved more than most in a stellar career
Sir Michael Stoute has achieved more than most in a stellar career (Nigel French/PA)

“I think he is probably the most focused trainer of my time. When he got a good horse, he absolutely focused on it.

“He is a tremendous jockey mentor as well. If he could see genius in a jockey, if he could see flair, he would go to tremendous lengths to nurture that and get the best out of his jockeys.

“I think the combination of that laser focus on his good horses and the mentoring of the men that rode them made him a very hard hard trainer for the finest in the world to beat.”

Prescott revealed it did not take him long to realise the Barbados born-and-raised Stoute would become a force to be reckoned with in Britain.

“He was obviously assistant to Doug Smith and played a significant part in training Sleeping Partner, who won the Oaks (1969),” he added.

“He then started up just behind where I am now and I remember when his horses first came out, about eight of them or something like that, they absolutely looked a string from the very, very first.

“I had a couple of years start, but he soon sailed past me and sailed into the distance! If I had to say why, I think those two things – the focus on the horse and the mentoring of his staff and his jockeys in particular, would be the reasons.”



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Kieren Fallon recounts the ‘genius’ of Sir Michael Stoute as retirement looms

Kieren Fallon hailed the “trainer he always wanted to ride for” after Sir Michael Stoute announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Fallon and Stoute won two Derbys together with Kris Kin and North Light, enjoying plenty of other great successes during the Russian Rhythm years and with Golan, Islington, King’s Best and many others.

Speaking of his pride at riding for Stoute, former six-time champion jockey Fallon told the PA news agency: “All of the great jockeys have been there at some stage. Even Gary Stevens came over and rode for him.

“I was freelancing at the time, I had just finished with Henry (Cecil) and it was just luck of the draw for me and we ended up with all these great horses. Guineas, Derby, Royal Ascot the lot. Jeez, there were some great horses.

“They weren’t just one type, he had a bit of everything, from two-year-olds to sprinters to stayers.

Kris Kin – Epsom Races
Kris Kin and Fallon winning the Derby (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

“I don’t like comparing trainers, but he was my favourite and he was the trainer I always wanted to ride for. I don’t know if it comes from Shergar or what, because of where I am from in the west of Ireland you could never have dreamed of being in his yard.”

Russian Rhythm’s CV included the 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, Nassau Stakes and Lockinge, and Fallon went on: “He trained some of the greats, Shergar, and of course I rode Russian Rhythm who I thought was his best filly – she wasn’t just a two-year-old, three-year-old or four-year-old.

“King’s Best, unfortunately he broke down. He was a machine and look what he did in the Guineas going from first to last. I remember his last piece of work before he was going to go to Epsom and he got injured after that. I had never ridden anything like that piece of work.

“The horses loved it there and that was one of the reasons for his success. Notnowcato was a handicapper the year before he won the Eclipse and I told a friend of mine to buy him to go jumping as he was headed for the sales given he was a nice horse and would make a good jumper. He ended up winning the Eclipse with him and that kind of sums up how good he was.”

Fallon said Stoute was “firm but fair” and had the magic touch when it came to dealing with his riders.

EPSOM DERBY RACE
North Light returning after his Derby victory (Chris Young/PA)

He remembered: “He was a joy to ride for and I would always go and sit down with him. He would always ring me before a Classic or big race and he would say to come on up for glass of wine or whatever.

“We would sit there chatting away about cricket or things I have no interest in, but we’d chat away and just before I left he would say something simple like ‘so how are you going to ride this horse tomorrow?’ and he would just keep it simple rather than stand in the paddock in front of the owners. I thought it was another part of his genius.

“He knew when the gates opened anything can happen and he knew it was hard to say I want you to sit here or keep wide. When you are tied down things are not going to happen because you are always trying to correct them rather than letting a race happen as it does. He could read races and he knew that things happen.

“He was firm but fair and if you got anything wrong he would let you think about it for a while and wouldn’t say an awful lot.

“I was with him quite a while and there was only one little blip in all the years and all the rides.

Sagitta 1000 Guineas stakes
Russian Rhythm after her 1000 Guineas triumph (Andrew Parsons/PA)

“I was riding a filly at Windsor and I hated Windsor and I remember this filly missed the kick coming out of the stalls over a mile – she was a nice filly. There were plenty of runners and I got stuck on the outside and I got back too far and I didn’t ride a great race.

“I came in on the next work morning and rode work and went for breakfast and after he had finished checking over the horses, because he was so meticulous, he came in and I was sitting at the table with a paper and a cup of tea and he hits the table with his fist and said ‘I had a 33 per cent strike rate at Windsor before you started riding for me’. He was annoyed but that was the end of it – the great thing was he never dwelt on it when there were more important things to worry about.

“I also remember he would wait for the work riders and jockeys coming in after work and you would tell him something and he would pretend he was writing it down on a piece of paper using his finger and the palm of his hand. And when he would think it was a load of rubbish someone had just told him he would pretend to screw up the piece of paper and throw it away. It was usually Johnny Murtagh or Mick Kinane – I can’t remember him doing it to me, but he probably did at some stage.”



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Aga Khan Studs salute Stoute and the ‘legendary’ Shergar

The Aga Khan Studs added their best wishes to the many sent to Sir Michael Stoute after it was announced he would bring the curtain down on his glittering training career at the end of the season.

Stoute has been training since 1972 and has a remarkable CV that includes at least one success in all the British Classics and many high-profile victories in the pinnacle events of other racing jurisdictions.

The most famous horse to have passed through his yard is undoubtedly the Aga Khan’s Shergar, who won the 1981 Derby in the hands of 19-year-old Walter Swinburn by a record-breaking 10 lengths that still stands as a benchmark for a race first run in 1780.

He also won the Irish Derby – when Lester Piggott was in the saddle – and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the same season.

Shergar Derby winner
Shergar crossing the line to win the Derby (PA)

Shergar was retired to become a stallion, but the story went on to run much deeper than that when the big bay with the white blaze was kidnapped by masked intruders from Ballymany Stud in County Kildare on a foggy evening in February 1983.

He has never seen again and while many theories abound it is generally accepted the IRA were the culprits, that his abductors were ill-equipped to control a thoroughbred stallion and that he was killed shortly afterwards. His remains have never been found.

Stoute’s victories in the green and red silks of the Aga Khan continued, however, with Shahrastani another to take the Derby and Irish Derby in 1986 and Doyoun the winner of the 2000 Guineas in 1988.

A statement from the stud said: “Aga Khan Studs extend their heartfelt wishes to Sir Michael Stoute for a long and fulfilling retirement.

“Sir Michael Stoute trained horses for His Highness the Aga Khan from 1978 to 2006, a partnership that was quick to produce remarkable successes.

Horse Racing – The Derby Stakes – Epsom
Shahrastani winning the 1986 Derby (PA)

“Among these was the legendary Shergar, whose record-breaking 10-length victory in the 1981 Epsom Derby remains unmatched.

“Under Sir Michael’s care, Shergar also won the Irish Derby and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes against his elders.

“Five years later, he trained another dual Derby winner for the green and red silks, Shahrastani.

“Other notable winners trained by Sir Michael Stoute for His Highness include Shardari, winner of the International Stakes, and Doyoun, who gave a first win to his owner and breeder in the 2000 Guineas.

“Daliapour was a winner of the Coronation Cup, while Kalanisi won both the Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2000.”

But for all the horses Stoute has been associated with, the abiding memory will forever be of Epsom in 1981, and that wonderful moment rounding Tattenham Corner when Swinburn flicked the switch and the afterburners powered on.

All that disappeared that day was the opposition as Shergar cleared away, his rivals withering to dots in the distance.



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Formal-ity wholly appropriate for Stoute at Leicester

On the day Sir Michael Stoute announced he will retire at the end of the season, Formal proved an appropriate winner for the Freemason Lodge handler at Leicester.

And on this evidence Stoute could have one final big-race aspirant before the curtain comes down on his career, after the daughter of Dubawi – out of Stoute’s Group One-winning Veracious – confirmed the promise of her racecourse bow at Newbury.

Fittingly ridden by Stoute’s long-time ally Ryan Moore, Formal was sent off the 8-13 favourite for the British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes, dashing home two and a half lengths clear of the opposition in the wet ground, looking a top-class prospect in the process.

She was shortened to 20-1 by Paddy Power for next season’s 1000 Guineas, but more imminently cut to 8-1 from 14’s for the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes later this month.

“It was very impressive and I think Ryan was very taken with her,” said Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud.

“We were a little bit concerned about the ground as the ground had changed, but I think it was very appropriate on such a day that a daughter of Veracious could come and win and we have fond memories of her winning the Falmouth in 2019.

“She handled it at Newbury and I think her class was in evidence this afternoon and hopefully there is much to look forward to.

“Obviously we will discuss options moving forward with Sir Michael and Patricia Thompson.”

On Cheveley Park’s enduring association with Stoute, one that has featured the brilliant Russian Rhythm and the likes of Breeders’ Cup heroine Queen’s Trust, Richardson said: “It’s been a wonderful relationship, Patricia Thompson and Cheveley Park have had horses with him for over 40 seasons.

Sir Michael Stoute with Russian Rhythm and Kieren Fallon
Sir Michael Stoute with Russian Rhythm and Kieren Fallon (Andrew Parsons/PA)

“He’s an iconic trainer and a very talented and amazing horseman really. It has been a pleasure for me to work with him over the years and hopefully we have a few more big days to go before the end of the season.

“It’s been a wonderful association and I’m sure he will be much missed, but I’m sure he will have plenty more to offer. It’s been a sensational relationship and to think we have had over 37 individual Group winners trained by Sir Michael.

“It’s the end of an era and I still haven’t worked out his secret for watching a gallop. He always used to amaze me, he could see more than I ever could understand. If it had gone well there would usually be a ‘bum diddy bum’ and he’d whistle Don’t Cry For Me Argentina as he walked off the gallop.”

Stoute’s assistant trainer is James Savage, who said the yard will “keep punching” to the end of the campaign.

“We’ve had some great times over many, many years and there’s some great memories,” said Savage.

“I think all the plaudits he will be given will be thoroughly deserved. He’s done everything really, all around the world.

“He’s always been very appreciative of the nice horses he has been given to train, of the owners and of the staff also. All good things come to an end and it’s a sad day really but I’m just really glad to have been part of it.

“It’s been a great journey and that is something all the staff and owners will say. He’s a fantastic man and he always had time for anyone who wanted to ask a question. Let’s hope he has a very happy retirement.”

On his future, Savage added: “I’m not sure at the moment, Sir Michael said to me yesterday we have got to keep punching, doing what we do and keep the standards high.

“Then I will regroup and see what I can do for the future, but whatever happens, it has been great.”



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‘A day we will never forget’ – Stoute’s magic with Estimate sparked scenes to remember

A special day at Royal Ascot for the late Queen was remembered among the many tributes to Sir Michael Stoute on the announcement of his intention to retire from training ranks at the end of the season.

Stoute’s career has been long and incredibly successful, leaving him with a record that includes all of the British Classics and a huge array of top-class races around the world.

Based at Freemason Lodge in Newmarket, Stoute has been a key figure in the industry for many years and is broadly respected by his peers for his intuitive and patient approach to training.

Stoute was the trainer who guided Her Majesty’s Estimate to victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013, one of many triumphs the two shared in a long association.

John Warren, racing manager to the late Queen, said: “We all had so many happy times working together over some 30 years. As a trainer, Michael was always spot-on knowing when to press the ‘go button’ and his patience paid off in spades.

Horse Racing – The Royal Ascot Meeting 2013 – Day Three – Ascot Racecourse
Queen Elizabeth II and Estimate after victory in the Gold Cup (Steve Parsons/PA)

“Michael’s understated one-liners are legendary and he would often make the late Queen laugh, but he was without thought 100 per cent focused, bringing the best out of every horse in his care.

“I know he gave the late Queen immense pleasure and joy on numerous occasions – winning the Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate was a day we will never forget. I can’t thank him enough for so many happy and great fun memories during his training career.”

Fellow trainer John Gosden said in response to the announcement: “A true champion trainer with a phenomenal feel for the horses in his stable.

“At the height of their powers, Henry Cecil and he were formidable adversaries and lit up the British racing season year on year.”

2016 Qatar Goodwood Festival – Day Two – Goodwood Racecourse
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute (John Walton/PA)

Stoute won the Derby on six occasions, with two of those victories for owner Saeed Suhail with Kris Kin in 2003 and Desert Crown in 2022.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager for the owner, said: “Sir Michael rang me this morning to tell me the news. What you can say? It’s not unexpected, but it’s sad.

“I rode for him as second jockey to Walter Swinburn at one time for Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum and rode quite a few winners.

“When my owners talk about telling Sir Michael to do something, I say ‘listen, Sir Michael Stoute has trained every winner in the world twice, I’m not going to tell him anything’ – and he quite rightly probably wouldn’t take any notice anyway!

Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 – Derby Day – Epsom Racecourse
Desert Crown winning the Derby in 2022 (Tim Goode/PA)

“I’m kind of pleased that he’s given up still at the top. It’s not for me to say, but I hope he goes backwards and forwards to Barbados and follows the cricket because that’s his real passion and it’s great to do that before you get too old or unhealthy.

“He obviously trained two Derby winners for Saeed Suhail and a 2000 Guineas winner (King’s Best in 2000) and everything else.

“Who is anyone to tell Sir Michael what to do? There might be someone in the world as good, but there is no one better.”



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