CRIQUETTE HEAD ISSUE 48_Jerkins feature.qxd 16/12/2014 22:08 Page 1
Chairman’s message
CRIQUETTE HEAD As 2014 draws to a close, I hope that some trainers will have time to take a rest and reflect back on some of the great performances of the season. I offer my congratulations to winners of all races, big and small, throughout 2014.
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F course, many of you will be busy on the all-weather and also over jumps as the National Hunt campaign is now in full swing. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that the weather is kind to us over the
winter months. . Turf Flat racing is winding down here in Europe, but there is still plenty to look forward to on the worldwide stage. International racing is now such an important part of our sport, and Europe has been well represented so far in both Australia and America. It is always fascinating to see different racing nations compete against each other, and I look forward to the international events in Japan, Hong Kong and the Dubai Carnival. All of these meetings, and many more, are now run in partnership with Longines, and I thank Longines for their support and promotion of racing as a world-class sport. On a personal note, I would also like to thank Sheikh Joann for the trust he has shown in me by leaving Trève in training for an attempt at an historic third Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe title. Trève’s victory in last October’s Arc was a particularly special moment for me after the difficult season she had endured. As trainers, we are the
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“Trève’s victory in last October’s Arc was a particularly special moment for me after the difficult season she had endured” ones who know our horses the best, and it was so satisfying for me to see her return to her best. I sincerely hope that her presence next year will be appreciated by fans and serve to raise the profile of racing. Throughout the year, I have been delighted to see the success registered by bloodstock sales across Europe and indeed the world. In these difficult financial times, it is so reassuring to see that established owners are continuing to invest and that new buyers are being attracted to the sport of thoroughbred racing. After all, breeding is the base of our sport, and if the breeding industry remains in good health, that is positive news for us all. Finally, I would like to thank Giles and all those who contribute to Trainer magazine. Each edition contains a fascinating range of articles and always something new for us to learn. A Merry Christmas to you all and my very best wishes for 2015. n