Trainer moving to stables near Epsom Derby start restored ‘from rack and ruin’

A Royal Ascot-winning trainer is moving stables to a state-of-the-art yard which it is hoped will signal a revival in the fortunes of the home of the Derby.

Former racing journalist George Baker trained successfully at historic Whitsbury and Manton before buying Robins Farm in Sussex in 2017. Now he has revealed he is on the move again to another stables with a past connection to champions in Epsom.

Downs House stables overlook the far side of the racecourse close to the start of the Derby but has been empty for several years since Philip Mitchell trained there.

It was bought by Mark Travers and Andrew Lynds who have carried out a major reconstruction. It will be ready for Baker to move in next year.

Baker will be relocating to a yard whose history goes back to the 18th century when one of the greatest ever stars of the turf Eclipse went undefeated in 18 starts. More recently Be Friendly and Running Stag were stars for the Mitchell family.

“Whilst his stable stands permanent testament to a bygone era of unmatched brilliance, the yard that he surveyed has undergone a magnificent and dramatic transformation in the past decade,” said Baker, breaking the news in his daily blog.

“From destitute rack and ruin has risen the phoenix of a racing yard that will stand aside the best in this and many lands.

“I have walked into many training establishments and marvelled at the history and tradition, but this is different league.”

Baker has trained over 500 winners and enjoyed success all around the world but will be moving to a racing centre struggling to match the glories of yesteryear.

Adam West trained Epsom’s first Group 1 winner for seven years when Live In The Dream won the Nunthorpe Stakes at York and the horse population has dwindled. Baker hopes to become part of the revival of the area.

He continued: “Mark Travers and Andrew Lynds have invested a huge amount of time and energy into creating a state-of-the-art facility.

“The Jockey Club are committed, and have already committed, to the maintenance and improvement of the several gallops that snake across the Downs.

“The catchment area that is London is right there – literally “right there”, the Capital’s landmarks easy to pick out from the top of Tattenham Corner.

“There is a genuine and deep seated resolve from those closely associated with both the racecourse and the training facilities to rejuvenate the place as a major training centre.

“I very much hope that in the years ahead we will be able to play a small part in this regeneration.”