Crisford to start training
Last Updated: 24/06/14 3:27pm
Former Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford is to set up his own training business, subject to approval from the British Horseracing Authority.
Crisford, who worked for Sheikh Mohammed's operation since its inception in 1994, left his position to take up the role of global racing advisor to the Maktoum family after a number of changes to the organisation in February.
He is to start out in his new career by renting out part of Clive Brittain's Carlburg Stables in Newmarket.
"I am very excited to be setting up my own training business," said Crisford.
"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."
Crisford will continue his consultancy work as international racing advisor to the Maktoum family and their associates.
The 52-year-old had previously worked as assistant trainer to John Dunlop and Sir Mark Prescott and also has close associations with the likes of Saeed bin Suroor and Andre Fabre, two of Godolphin's main trainers.
"I have been lucky enough throughout my career to work with some great people," he went on.
"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.
"My immediate plans are to start structuring my new business and to recruit some talented staff.
"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's role changed at Godolphin on the back of an internal investigation by Lord Stevens into former trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, who was warned off for eight years.
The investigation concluded Al Zarooni had acted alone in giving 11 horses in his stables banned substances, but that "stronger management, clearer accountability and better internal communication within the equestrian organisation" were needed. As a result, it was decided that the role of racing manager was no longer needed.
Lord Grimthorpe, an old adversary of Simon Crisford having been racing manager to Khalid Abdullah while his colleague was fulfilling the same role for Sheikh Mohammed, told At The Races: "That's wonderful news and good on him for giving it a go. He was closely involved with Godolphin at a time of tremendous success for that operation and I'm sure he will make a good go of it."
The British Horseracing Authority confirmed Crisford has yet to apply for his licence and would need to complete the required training modules before he would be considered.
Spokesman Robin Mounsey said: "BHA is yet to receive an application for a licence to train from Simon Crisford.
"Should we receive one it will be considered in the normal manner, in light of the standard criteria set out in the application guidance notes. These criteria include the completion of all relevant modules of the training programme."