John Gosden to share trainer's licence with son Thady but rules out retirement

Five-time champion John Gosden is to become the highest profile trainer to operate under a shared licence when his son Thady's papers are rubber-stamped by the BHA.

The new arrangement, which could be in place by the start of the turf season on March 27, recognises the growing role played in the running of Clarehaven stables by Thady, who recently completed his modules at the British Racing School.

He supervised the running in Riyadh of last month's $20 million Saudi Cup winner Mishriff and will be back in the Middle East at the end of this month to saddle Mishriff for the Sheema Classic and Lord North for the Dubai Turf.

Confirming the news, which is revealed in Horses In Training 2021, Gosden, who has won four of the last eight trainers' titles, said: "It was always the plan to do it at this time, and in normal circumstances it would probably have been cleared for January 1, but we might have to wait for another three or four weeks now.

Thady Gosden (left) has recently completed his modules at British Racing SchoolCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"Thady has been with me for many summers through his school and university years. He's been to America with Bob Baffert, to Ireland with Joseph O'Brien, and first of all to Australia to work for David Hayes instead of taking a gap year, and he's also had to put up with me.

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"He's been my assistant for at least five years, and since Covid he's done a lot more racing than me, so it's merely putting a more official name to it. He's more than ready to take over but I'm not looking to retire any time soon, so it seems a fair compromise."

Gosden, who will be 70 at the end of the month, added: "Due to Covid-19 all of the modules and requirements have been delayed so all of his crop are yet to receive their licence. Hopefully he will have completed it by the start of the turf season, or the Craven meeting."

Thady Gosden, his father John, and Frankie Dettori walk the course at LongchampCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thady Gosden, who is 25, studied history of art at Bristol University but has always had his sights set on a career in racing.

He said: "Having grown up in Newmarket, then down at Manton and back here it was always going to be racing. I've been working here full time for five years and part-time before that too, and I've also been lucky to spend time as well in Australia, the States and over in Ireland, learning different styles and different ways of dealing with things.

"I've done all the modules now and we are just waiting for the paperwork to be cleared. The people at the BHA are being very helpful, so I'm hoping I'll be on the licence for the start of the turf season. I'm looking forward to it."

Joint licences, common for years in Australia and some other jurisdictions, were finally approved by the BHA last spring, since when Paul and Olly Cole, Simon and Ed Crisford, and Daniel and Claire Kubler are among those who have taken advantage.

Similar arrangements have also now been approved in Ireland, where Eddie Harty and his son Patrick are among those who have given notice of their intention to apply.

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Horses In Training 2021 features 19,491 and 602 trainers, plus a wealth of statistical and reference material. It is available from www.racingpost.com/shop, price £24.99.