Big step forward

Although I am away for a few days the following press release was issued today which I view as a thoroughly positive move for the yard.... More detailed comment to follow in due course no doubt!

After 24 years of holding a dual purpose licence Sue Bradburne is set to hand in her Trainer's licence at the end of this season. However, she is far from retiring from the game and will be joining Nick Alexander at his Kinross based yard as Assistant Trainer and Consultant.

Sue has enjoyed many career highs spanning the two and half decades; home bred General Chandos was a real flag bearer for the yard back in the late 80's and early 90's with husband Johnny as regular pilot. Interim Lib, Off The Bru and On the Hooch were other important stars, while Blue Charm provided a real career highlight finishing second in the 1999 Grand National. Predominantly National Hunt, she also achieved success with Lochiel winning the Cumberland Plate in 2008.

Cunnoquhie Racing has always been a family run yard, Johnny, daughter Lorna and son Mark (recently retired after 19 years as a professional jockey have all ridden for the yard over the years. Indeed all four have ridden under rules. Sue points out, "I have been so lucky over the years to have had great owners and some wonderful horses. Obviously it feels like the end of an era, but I am really excited about joining the team at Nick's and our various meetings have established that we have a very similar approach to training and horses."

The yard at Kinneston also has a family feel to it with daughter Lucy (her success this season is well documented) involved, along with son Kit who rides as an amateur. Nick runs a very efficient and successful operation and he will be able to use to the wealth of experience, knowledge and ability that Sue can bring to the yard.

Nick commented, "I am delighted that Sue and her owners have shown this confidence in me and the team here at Kinneston. I am sure that the arrival of such an attractive bunch of young horses will enable us to accelerate the progress we have made over the last few years. Sue's experience will prove invaluable as she has succeeded at the highest level and another pair of eyes and hands will come in very useful."

All of Sue's existing owners are keen to send their horses to Nick's which will obviously boost his numbers. Cunnoquhie will also continue to operate as a 'satellite yard' for any horses needing rest and recuperation.