Legendary Kildare horse trainer announces shock retirement

ockey Sean Corby with Trainer Michael Halford after riding Cailin Mor to victory in The Luke & Nellie Comer Apprentice Handicap. Curragh, Co. Kildare. Picture credit: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE

placeholder image — ockey Sean Corby with Trainer Michael Halford after riding Cailin Mor to victory in The Luke & Nellie Comer Apprentice Handicap. Curragh, Co. Kildare. Picture credit: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE

Group 1 and Royal Ascot-winning trainer Michael Halford will retire at the end of this month, which also brings to an end his joint-venture with Tracy Collins

Group 1 and Royal Ascot-winning trainer Michael Halford has announced that he will retire at the end of this month from horse training.

Last year, and nearly 40 years after acquiring his training licence, Michael Halford moved from Copper Beech Stables, just outside Kildare Town, to start with a joint-venture with Tracey Collins on the Curragh. The historic Conyngham Lodge was expanded and renovated as the trainer moves his horses into the picturesque venue.

The 62 year-old said that he wanted to give staff and owners a chance to move on before the season starts.

As well as training over 1,000 winners, Halford also served as chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and sat on Horse Racing Ireland's board.