After ten years in the planning, the Easterbys finally pair up

It has been a decade in the making as Mick and David Easterby saddle their first runners as a joint-training partnership on Tuesday.

The father-son team send out two runners at Wetherby's evening meeting – Calcutta Dream (6.00) and Gulf Of Poets (6.30) – but have been planning their pair-up since 2013.

David Easterby, formerly assistant trainer at his father's yard at Sheriff Hutton ten miles north of York, said: "It's always been on the cards, ever since Dad announced he was retiring when Ancient Cross won the Silver Cup at Ayr in 2013 – and then the next day changed his mind.

Tuesday's Wetherby card

"The decision was made midway through lockdown, but the business has been in my name for ten years anyway. My dad has been a good employee of mine for the last decade, so we thought we might just put me in the firing line as well."

Mick Easterby has been sending out runners for more than 60 years, and now, at the age of 90, doesn't see himself slowing down.

"I like business, I'm a workaholic," Mick said, "My son runs the yard now anyway, I'm on an advisory committee. I just enjoy life – and I've drunk beer every single night.

"I went to a specialist the other day and he had some good news for me. He said, 'your heart and your body would live another ten years' – and my son said, 'oh dear.'

"I like to say David didn't want to train with me because he thought the stress might clear me out a bit quicker. He turned me down ten years ago but I've finally persuaded him. I might get afternoons off now."

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Easterby sent out 19 winners last year over jumps and Flat, and has already picked up nine wins for 2021.

David, a former amateur jockey, added: "Nothing's going to change; it will be just another day with a different name on the box door."

However, there is one thing Mick is hoping will change: "A certain gentleman said as soon as your son takes a licence out I'm going to send you a racehorse to train. I'm waiting to see if he comes through."

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