Godolphin have confirmed the departure of head trainer of their Australian operation a week after news broke that he would be stepping down.
Read Godolphin’s press release:
After three years, John O’Shea has stepped down as Head Trainer of Godolphin’s Australian racing team.
Henry Plumptre, Godolphin’s Managing Director in Australia thanked John O’Shea for his contribution: “John has overseen significant change and on track success at our racing organisation over the past three years and we thank him for the hard work and dedication he brought to the role.”
“John has trained 10 G1 winners for Godolphin during his three years headlined by back-to-back G1 Golden Rose victories in 2015 with Exosphere and 2016 with Astern.”
“We wish John all the best in the future.”
O’Shea, who has been a trainer for more than 20 years, said his time at Godolphin had been one of the most satisfying periods of his career. Saturday, 6 May 2017 will be the last day the Godolphin horses racing in Australia will race in his name as trainer.
“I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for the wonderful opportunity that has been afforded me over these past three years. I have enjoyed immensely training the Godolphin horses.”
“Godolphin is an amazing organisation with tremendous staff and I wish them well in the future.”
“I will take a break before deciding the specific future direction I take with training.”
Godolphin has initiated a process to appoint a new Head Trainer.
Current Assistant Trainer Darren Beadman will take on the role of Interim Head Trainer.
