Swinburn to join training ranks

Three-time Derby-winning jockey Walter Swinburn, who retired from the saddle almost four years ago, is to take out a trainer’s licence.

He will take over his father-in-law Peter Harris’s successful string, which is based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, for the 2005 season.

Swinburn’s wife Alison already plays a big part in the running of the stable.

The former jockey, now a columnist with the Daily Mail and a Channel 4 Racing pundit, said: “I’m assistant to my father-in-law and the offer from Peter came as a surprise. Alison and I are very much looking forward to it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and, with my family involved, I can’t wait.”

There are currently 110 horses in the yard and Swinburn, 42, said: “I would be very happy to start with that number. There’s always room for new owners, but mainly the success of the yard has been through syndicates and they have done very well.”

Swinburn is best known for his highly-successful association with champion trainer Michael Stoute, for whom he won the blue riband on the mighty Shergar and Shahrastani.

“I learnt a lot from Sir Michael. He gave me some good advice and my years with him were not wasted – I didn’t waste my time – and we’ll have to see if we can put it to good use,” he said.

Asked which jockeys he would use Swinburn added: “Richard Quinn rides for the stable and my father-in-law has half a dozen jockeys he uses and quite likes. They do very well for the stable so I think there will be some continuity.”

Explaining his decision to step down Harris, told the Daily Mail: “I had no great desire to retire but I’m not immortal and it’s best to plan for the future when things are running smoothly.

“I will let Walter and his team get on with things. If he wants advice or help I’ll be happy to give it.

“We always new Walter would be good with horses but he is also good with people, which is very important with a yard like ours where the owners have access seven days a week.”

His best horses have included 1999 Middle Park Stakes winner Primo Valentino, the following season’s Tote Cambridgeshire victor Katy Nowaitee, Spinola, who landed the 2002 Cherry Hinton Stakes and Leporello, successful in six of his seven races last year.