Carmarthen's Alison Thorpe to quit training
Racing Post story on Carmarthen's Alison Thorpe to quit training -
Alison Thorpe is set to quit training after 12 years having become disillusioned with the job.
Thorpe, who is based in Bronwydd, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, took out her training licence in 2000 and has sent out 181 winners over jumps, posting a career-best tally of 35 winners in 2009-10.
But she sent out just 11 winners last season and, in a letter to the Racing Post, Thorpe said: "Last winter was a quiet one but unfortunately the quiet period lasted longer than normal. We had something on the yard that lurked around too long.
"Unfortunately as with all walks oflife costs rise with fuel, transport and wages but when you keep waking up worrying about what was going to go wrong or when on earth things were going to come right you begin to question yourself as to whether it is all worth it - sometimes the hassle and stress can take the fun element and enjoyment out of what you are doing."
Thorpe, who trained her most recent winner at Ffos Las on May 9, said she is planning to sell all of her horses at the Doncaster Sales at the end ofthe month before she plans to spend more time with her family in Wales.
She added: "I must say that during the last 12 years I have been very lucky to achieve what I have. We have enjoyed successes with many a "seller cast off"; Il Penseroso, Rushneeyriver, Altitude Dancer, Amanpuri, Treaty Flyer to name but a few.
"I have had many loyal owners who have supported me over the years through good times and difficult ones - without them I could not have done it all. My ever faithful staff will hopefully all have found employment locally by the end of June.
"I owe a lot to their dedication and wish them all the luck. Now I think it is time to spend some time with my family."
Alison Thorpe is set to quit training after 12 years having become disillusioned with the job.
Thorpe, who is based in Bronwydd, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, took out her training licence in 2000 and has sent out 181 winners over jumps, posting a career-best tally of 35 winners in 2009-10.
But she sent out just 11 winners last season and, in a letter to the Racing Post, Thorpe said: "Last winter was a quiet one but unfortunately the quiet period lasted longer than normal. We had something on the yard that lurked around too long.
"Unfortunately as with all walks oflife costs rise with fuel, transport and wages but when you keep waking up worrying about what was going to go wrong or when on earth things were going to come right you begin to question yourself as to whether it is all worth it - sometimes the hassle and stress can take the fun element and enjoyment out of what you are doing."
Thorpe, who trained her most recent winner at Ffos Las on May 9, said she is planning to sell all of her horses at the Doncaster Sales at the end ofthe month before she plans to spend more time with her family in Wales.
She added: "I must say that during the last 12 years I have been very lucky to achieve what I have. We have enjoyed successes with many a "seller cast off"; Il Penseroso, Rushneeyriver, Altitude Dancer, Amanpuri, Treaty Flyer to name but a few.
"I have had many loyal owners who have supported me over the years through good times and difficult ones - without them I could not have done it all. My ever faithful staff will hopefully all have found employment locally by the end of June.
"I owe a lot to their dedication and wish them all the luck. Now I think it is time to spend some time with my family."
Comments