04 April 2023 , 10:30
733
0
Top trainer William Haggas has held discussions about opening a satellite stable in Sydney, Australia, more than 10,000 miles from his home in Newmarket.
Haggas revealed he had talked with Andrew Balding about a venture which would see them share a facility in New South Wales so they could target the state’s lucrative racing.
The Newmarket trainer, who steered Baaeed to top honours in Britain last year, is in Australia where Dubai Honour takes on the country’s best horse, Anamoe, in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes this weekend. Haggas won the £2.7 million race in 2020 and 2021 with Addeybb.
“I haven't told many people this but about three years ago when Addeybb was down here, Andrew Balding and I were very keen to set up a stable in Sydney somewhere,'' Haggas said, speaking to Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“We harboured a desire to open up a boutique stable.''
Housebound ex-serviceman enjoys special window visit from physio's horse
He revealed that the pair had explored one potential site and had not abandoned the project as it could help stem the exodus of British equine talent to stables down under where prize-money is so much better.
"Andrew's quite keen but he is 15 years younger than me, I'm getting a bit old,'' said 62-year-old Haggas. "But we haven't given it up.''
He added: "Rather than sell them we would encourage our owners to race them [in Sydney]."