Good Luck

I've got a few posts to make but this item came up just today so it has jumped the queue :-

North Yorkshire trainer Brian Rothwell is set to stand down from running his own operation and join the team of champion trainer Aidan O'Brien in what he describes as “the job of a lifetime”.

Wexford-born Rothwell, 44, who has been training for 16 years, has put on the market his Arthington Barn House stables at Nawton, near Helmsley, and expects to wind up his business before the renewal date for licences on February 1. “I won't be renewing my licence,” Rothwell said. “I've always got a great buzz out of racing – I always will – and I've enjoyed training. But, although it's not easy to let go, I only have about a dozen horses, which is a lot of hard work for very little reward, and there comes a point when you have to question what you're doing. I felt the time was right now to do something different.”

Rothwell has had his share of winners down the years, and is probably best known for his exploits with prolific winner Queens Consul, as well as handicapper Ochos Rios, Brocklesby Stakes winner Bandon Castle, and chaser Last Try. Winners have proved scarce for Rothwell in the last two or three years, when he has been forced to rely on largely moderate horses (including ours !)

Such headaches and frustrations will be a thing of the past when he returns to Ireland in the new year to take up a position with O'Brien. “Aidan and I go back a long way. We both come from Wexford, our families knew each other, and when he was training jumpers, he'd occasionally send me over one or two that were difficult to place in Ireland,” said Rothwell. “I'm delighted to have got the job. Quite what I will be doing I'm not sure yet, but it's a great opportunity for me. “I was over at Ballydoyle about a month ago, and it's a phenomenal place.It's not everyone who will witness an operation like Ballydoyle in their lifetime and the offer Aidan made me was too good to turn down.”

Rothwell's yard consists of a three-bedroomed barn conversion, 18 stables, complete with horse-walker, and is set in more than 17 acres. “When I will go over to Ireland depends on how long it takes to sell the place, but Aidan would like me over there for the beginning of April when the Flat season is starting, and earlier if possible,” Rothwell added.

Good Luck Brian