Robert Heathcote and fellow Eagle Farm trainer Chris Anderson have confirmed they are to form a partnership.
Heathcote and Anderson formally announced their training partnership on Friday with the venture to begin on May 1.
They said it would give them a chance to maintain a high performance level and at the same time be able to spend more time with their families.
Heathcote has trained more than 1200 winners, including 10 at Group One level, in his two decades as a trainer.
He is known nationally and internationally through the exploits of his champion sprinter Buffering.
Heathcote and Anderson have both been outspoken advocates of improving conditions and prize money for trainers.
“This should benefit us both and more importantly benefit our clients,” Heathcote said.
Anderson, a former rugby union player with the Brothers club, ran hotels before taking up training with a small team eight years ago.
He has steadily built up his team and has been training for some of Queensland and Australia’s biggest owners including the Think Big Stud.
“I can’t think of anyone better than Robbie to be in partnership with. He has national and international experience and to be able to draw on his knowledge in invaluable,” Anderson said.
Heathcote, who has won five Brisbane premierships, is currently second this season with 36 winners while Anderson is 11th on the list with 12 winners.
Tony Gollan has his sixth straight metropolitan premiership in his grasp with 60 winners.
While neither Heathcote or Anderson are talking about winning premierships they will have the horse numbers to seriously challenge Gollan next season.
