Leading trainer Peter Snowden and the Darley Racing operation will part ways at the end of the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival; with Snowden set to begin a training partnership with his son Paul Snowden in Sydney.
Snowden was appointed Darley Head Trainer in 2008 and has accumulated a fabulous record; winning an incredible 28 Group 1 races right around Australia and nurturing the racing careers of genuine superstars like Sepoy and Helmet.
The Darley team had another successful Spring Racing Carnival campaign in 2013, winning the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) with Long John, the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) with Guelph and the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) with Complacent, but Snowden believes that it was the right time to set up shop with his son.
“It has been a rewarding six years and I am proud of all that we have achieved,” Snowden said in a statement.
“It is the right time to move on with my son Paul and take on a new challenge.
“It is something we have always wanted to do.”
Snowden will continue training for the Darley team until the conclusion of the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and will have the opportunity to add further Group 1 victories to his training resume, while Darley begins the search for his replacement.
“With an operation like this it is only fair that there is plenty of time for a transition,” Snowden said.
“Sheikh Mohammed has provided me with an amazing opportunity and I will be forever grateful.
“When the time comes we will deal with the farewells but for now my focus is on producing results for Darley.”
Darley Managing Director Henry Plumptre paid tribute to Snowden, on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed, and said that the entire team is hopeful that they can add to Snowden’s success before leaves the operation officially in May.
“Sheikh Mohammed is very grateful to Peter for his efforts since joining Darley,” Plumptre said.
“Peter’s record speaks for itself and we have been very fortunate to have him as our Head Trainer.
“Peter has already amassed a formidable record for Sheikh Mohammed and Darley and he plans to add to that record between now and the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival.”
Speculation has already started over who will take over the plumb job but Plumptre said that Darley will take some time before selecting Snowden’s replacement.