Focus on …George Baker
GEORGE BAKER SUCCESSFUL HOME AND AWAY
Surrey Racing is about being a syndicate racehorse owner in a small group of 10-12 people, providing the perfect opportunity to make friends, share special occasions and celebrate winners whether its Wolverhampton, Goodwood or Clairefontaine. As an owner, it is important that you find a trainer that not only helps you achieve racing success but one that welcomes you into his yard and is willing to consider different opportunities for the syndicate owners. With the reductions in prize money and the restrictions on attendance this has never been more important. In this respect, George Baker certainly fits the mould.
George has had major success in Britain, especially with Royal Hunt Cup winner Belgian Bill but, more than that, he is never afraid to look internationally. He has had success in Longchamp, Saint Cloud, Madrid, Turkey, Frankfurt, Channel Islands and even on the ice in St Moritz. For most of those places not only is the prize money better than in Britain but what about the weekends away?
George does not have a typical racing background, having worked as a “City Slicker” at Barings Bank (Oops!) and as a sporting journalist. However, lurking underneath it all there was always passion for sport, in particular horse racing. His idea of a holiday was Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, or Goodwood and a chance meeting with trainer Paul Webber, Banbury changed his life for ever. After four years as Assistant Trainer to Paul, he and his wife Candida decided to train in their own right. Candida was already a successful businesswoman, having been nominated for “Businesswoman of the Year “ in 2005. George first obtained his licence to train in 2008 and set up at Far Westfields Farm, Warwickshire. Success soon followed and they were joined by Patrick and Valerie Murphy, who are crucial members of a great team. Both have an intuitive understanding of the thoroughbred racehorse and are talented riders in their own right. Being business people, George and Candida had no doubt that the key to success was to surround themselves with the best and that is exactly what they have done. As George once said, “We started with two horses, a hoof pick, and a mad dream and here we are with over 450 winners to our name”. It is not difficult to see why when you visit the “state of the art” 50-acre Robins Farm in Chiddingfold, Surrey, which was once owned by Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and is now home to their string of 70 horses.
SURREY PRINCESS, SURREY MIST – UK, EUROPE & BAHRAIN
Surrey Racing currently have two horses in training with George. Surrey Princess (Kingman-Terre du Vent) and Surrey Mist (Kendargent-Kindly Dismiss). Surrey Princess has needed the winter to develop and is likely to start her 3 year old career over 10 furlongs in April 2021. Our first grey, Surrey Mist is a more forward 2year old and likely to be aimed at a 6 furlong race also in April with Royal Ascot very much the dream! Being French bred, Surrey Mist also qualifies for the 60% French Premiums if winning or placed in France, which should provide the syndicate owners with plenty of exciting opportunities.
George has never been afraid to race abroad to benefit his owners but is now taking the concept of “have horse, will travel” to a whole new level with his latest venture. In November 2020 it was announced that George is setting up a satellite stable at Sakhir, Bahrain, to complement his UK training operation. Bahrain has a small but established horse racing industry that runs from October to April and has ambitious plans to expand and rival the racing success and profile of its regional neighbours. Surrey Racing is excited by the opportunities racing in Bahrain may provide and as an enterprising horseracing syndicate we are never afraid to try something different.
In these difficult times we all need something to look forward to and we welcome the day, hopefully soon, when we can see our horses again and get back to the racecourse. George operates an “open house” policy and encourages regular syndicate owner visits to see first-hand the care and attention that is provided to every horse. Not only is it a thrill for racehorse syndicate members to see their horses working and to discuss plans but a good breakfast, the best sausage rolls in Surrey and a glass of bubbly are never too far away.
Being involved in racing whether as an owner or a trainer is all about living the dream and George is no different. He may be known for his successes on the flat, both at home and abroad, but has never been one to sit on his laurels. As a dual-purpose trainer he would love to take home a big prize over the jumps. Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton may not be having sleepless nights just yet, but when George states that “It would be nice to add a Cheltenham winner to the Royal Ascot and the Glorious Goodwood winners “, it would be foolish to bet against him!
As far as Surrey Racing is concerned, we will enjoy the journey with George whether home or away!
With thanks to one of our owners, Gerry McCormack for contributing this article.