From Racing Post: SIMON CRISFORD has announced that he is to start training in Newmarket later this year. Crisford, the former Godolphin racing manager, said: "I am very excited to be setting up my own training business. It is something I have always wanted to do and I am delighted to have the opportunity to realise that ambition now. "Clive Brittain has very kindly agreed to rent me some boxes and, subject to BHA approval, I will be operating from his isolation yard at Carlburg Stables." The 52-year-old continued: "I have been lucky enough throughout my career to work with some great people. I have been around top-class horses for the best part of 30 years, having also had the privilege of working closely with Saeed bin Suroor, Andre Fabre and John Gosden. "But most of all, I have learned so much about horses from Sheikh Mohammed - without doubt he has been the greatest influence on my career." Crisford was involved in establishing the Godolphin operation and shared in some of the Dubai stable's great successes over two decades. He previously worked as assistant trainer to John Dunlop and Sir Mark Prescott and had a stint as Newmarket correspondent of the Racing Post. "My immediate plans are to start structuring my new business and to recruit some talented staff," Crisford continued. "I will be working hard to build a team of horses and to put everything in place so that we are up and running in time for next season. "I will be operating as a public trainer but I also hope that the Maktoum family might consider supporting me." Crisford will also continue his consultancy work as international racing advisor to the Maktoum family and their associates.
Yeah, just what racing needs. I am really annoyed with the BHA for the Godolphin scandal, I think they need a big internal review of their actions. Heads should roll
Agreed Nass .... but they are tooooo scared of their own shadow .. they won't find against the hand that feeds them ... the BHA are just too weak... and as for ' I hope the Maktoum family will support me' .. .clearly its his pay-off for taking the fall ...
Clearly an intelligent and knowledgeable guy who must be incredibly well connected in the racing world, he has however always come across as I bit of a lackey, an idea this press release does nothing to dispel. Do you have any first or even second hand knowledge of him up close Princess? I guess it may be a small beginning to see if he has what it takes and whether he can get enough support to fill Clive Brittains yard proper as he must be due to retire very soon.
I've not come across him personally, but whilst I've not heard anything bad against him said directly too many people in Newmarket talk about the powers that be at Godolphin turning a blind eye to what was going on. He's got the know-how, having been assistant to some good trainers - and believe me if you can survive being Sir Mark's assistant you can put up with anything, most of them only last a year or two in the job!
I’ll make a prediction right now. Regular readers write it down! It is that - Simon Crisford will be no Mr Henderson. He has always struck me as the perfect toady and sycophantic individual needed to be a modern day ‘racing manager’ for a big owner but I doubt he has the characteristics necessary to be a top trainer. I do think though that his world record of mentioning the words ‘Sheikh Mohammed’ in one sentance will never, ever, be beaten – 17.
Got to be fair Barney, very few people starting up a stable can expect to be another Hendo. Give the man a chance, he just might turn out to be a good man with a horse. He'll be looking to make a living, and he should be able to do that.
