Godolphin trainer Kiaran McLaughlin to quit to become jockey's agent

Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains for Shadwell and Godolphin in the US, is to quit training to become the agent for Luis Saez, the regular rider for $20 million Saudi Cup winner Maximum Security

McLaughlin left a job as a jockey agent for Chris Antley to become a trainer for Shadwell and Godolphin in 1993.

He said: "It was a hard decision. I had one of the best jobs in the world working for such great people as the Maktoum family for 26 and a half years. It was tough to leave because they treat you so well.

"Any trainer would have loved to be in my position for all those years. I worked as an agent many years ago, and I really liked it. It's ironic that I left a jock's agent job in 1993 and now I'm going back to being a jockey's agent, but it's a different time and different situation and I'm excited about it."

He added: "I'll miss that relationship with the owners, but hopefully we can win some big races for them."

McLaughlin trained 1,577 winners from 7,702 starts and was most known for the handling of Invasor, the 2006 Horse of the Year and 2013 Hall of Famer, who won the 2006 Breeders' Cup Classic and the 2007 Dubai World Cup.

Invasor's victory in the Dubai World Cup ended his career with a sixth straight win at Group 1 level.

"It was a wonderful experience having Kiaran train for us as long as he has. It's hard to think about not having him as part of the team," said Rick Nichols, Shadwell's vice-president and general manager.

"I spoke to Sheikh Hamdan, and he understands why Kiaran made this move and he wants to wish him the best of luck. Kiaran has been loyal to Sheikh Hamdan and has done a great job with the horses we've given him. It will be hard without him."

McLaughlin will be taking over from the retiring Richard DePass as the agent for the 27-year-old Saez, whose mounts earned a career-best $18.2 million in 2019, the seventh-best figure in North America. He was also tied for fourth in wins with 274.

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