With Nigel & Lee Tiley closing down their Pukekohe stable at the end of May and being one of three trainers in the Challenge Racehorse Syndications' camp, there was a sudden need for a replacement.
Clayton Chipperfield is best-known for his deeds with the Group One-winning star 3YO Catalyst, but his credentials run much deeper than that. He limits his stable to 35 horses, which is a similar arrangement to Challenge's other trainers (Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray) and John Bary. Clayton still rides work, so gets a hands-on feel, his people skills and presentation are excellent and most-important from this writer's point of view, he's a good person.
Clayton has taken over the training of Bel Cavallo (unraced 2YO filly by Belardo) and Sassari (unraced 2YO filly by Tarzino) for Challenge & has been chosen to train the Xtravagant ex Latin Rose filly for the brand new Challenge YEARLING Syndicate which is currently selling.
"I'm delighted to be one of the three trainers Challenge uses going forward," said Chipperfield in a statement yesterday. "Their strike-rate is remarkable and just maybe I'll get one as good as Jennifer Eccles!"
Pic: Clayton Chipperfield & I at the Karaka Yearling Sales recently.
