Highly regarded trainer Harry Whittington bows out of action as a trainer today for personal reasons but he will be looking to go out on a high with Docpicked me in the 4.25 at Warwick Racecourse.
Whittington is returning to his previous pre-training role on a full-time basis now, and said: “Of course I’ve enjoyed it. If you’d have said to me 11 years ago I’d have done this – those winners, two Kingmakers, a Grade 3 in Ireland – I’d have eaten your arm off.
“There were many highlights, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Arzal’s win at Newbury on Hennessy day in 2015 as it was our first Saturday winner. I think I was carried out by two chaps that night, which shows how much I enjoyed it! I was very fortunate.”
Whittington, whose Oxfordshire yard is close to Lambourn, added: “We were training and pre-training and I want to put my focus into one, and pre-training is a good model which works.
“We’re in a good location and I’ve had lots of positive messages about the future, so I’m looking forward to it.
“We’ll also be looking to do some trading and selling with point-to-pointers and breeze-up horses for the Flat. We bought Mister Coffey, who ran so well in the Grand National, as a store horse, so it’s something to explore.”
On Docpickedme’s chances today, the trainer added: “It’s a tough race and it didn’t go well last time when he pulled up, but he came out of it fresh and well and I think the track will suit.
“It will be nice to go out with a good result, but I’ll go and enjoy it. It’s hard enough to get any winner so I’m not getting worked up that he has to go and win.”
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