Top National Hunt trainer Kim Bailey has stressed the importance of retaining influence over horses after their racing careers end. In a recent opinion piece, he highlights challenges in horse retirement amid recent racing events. Bailey shares insights from retiring his own horse and addressing industry issues.
Cotswolds-based trainer Kim Bailey reflects on the racing landscape ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, noting wet conditions that tested tracks at Newbury and Warwick on 7 February. At Warwick, the ground allowed for exciting finishes, while Newbury's testing surface led to decisive margins in several races.
The Cheltenham Festival dominated discussions, with Haiti Couleurs winning the Denman Chase from the front and Lulamba claiming the Game Spirit Chase in impressive late style, positioning him for the Arkle Chase. Paul Nicholls' Tutti Quanti dominated the William Hill Hurdle under top weight, with Nicholls attributing his form to very soft ground, potentially eyeing the Champion Hurdle.
Bailey also recalls the Dublin Racing Festival, relocated due to flooding, which delivered top sport but exacted a heavy toll on horses, many pulling up just after the line. This intensity, with Cheltenham approaching, might level the field for English trainers.
Turning to retirement, Bailey addresses negative publicity from Sprinter Sacre's veterinary fee issues, resolved through Nicky Henderson. "It didn’t read well for the sport," Bailey notes, emphasizing communication lapses.
Recently, Bailey retired 13-year-old Two For Gold, a horse with 11 wins, including runs at Cheltenham Festival, Grand National, and Ascot. His yard enforces non-racing agreements, vetted by his wife Clare, ensuring ongoing updates without selling the horse. "Once you sell a horse, you lose all control," Bailey warns, underscoring racing's responsibility amid expanding programs like Retraining of Racehorses and Thoroughbred Aftercare.
In a positive note, young jockey Aamilah Aswat became the first female black rider to win over hurdles at Kempton on Guchen, after four years working with Bailey and supported by the Ebony Horse Club.
