Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald have formed a training partnership in time for the new racing season.
The couple gained official approval from Racing NSW on Tuesday for their training partnership to commence from the opening day of the 2024-25 season on Thursday.
Neasham has quickly emerged as one of Australia's leading trainers since branching out on her own in August, 2020, preparing a winner with her very first starter, Commanding Missile (Aus) (Smart Missile {Aus}) at Scone.
In four seasons, the Warwick Farm-based Neasham has trained 468 winners including 10 at Group 1 level for stable earnings of more than $55 million.
She has prepared some of the nation's best racehorses during this period including four-time Group 1 winner Zaaki (GB), Mo'unga (NZ), Lady Laguna (Aus), Sunshine In Paris (Aus), Bois D'Argent (GB) and Fawkner Park (Ire).
“Forming a partnership with Rob was the next logical step for our business,” Neasham said.
“As we continue to grow and operate across multiple states, Rob's expertise will be crucial in maintaining a hands-on approach to training, as well as playing a fundamental role in managing our team of horses and staff.
“Rob has built an excellent rapport with our owners and is committed to achieving outstanding results for our clients.”
Archibald, a former professional polo player, has worked for trainers David Simcock and Hugo Palmer in the UK, followed by the Gai Waterhouse-Adrian Bott stable and for Coolmore before joining Neasham Racing as racing manager in Australia.
Neasham and Archibald will have their first runners together at Hawkesbury and Cranbourne on Thursday.
“Annabel's business has grown rapidly since she started and I think with stables in Melbourne and Brisbane as well, we can share the workload,” Archibald said.
“The role of a trainer has always been very demanding but there is so many different areas to focus on these days.
“With the business growing, Annabel and I started talking about this around Christmas time and thought it was a good time for this (training partnership) to happen.
“I've always wanted to train although I didn't know where or when but deep down I have always had aspirations to train racehorses. My whole life has been around horses so this is a huge honour. Annabel and I are looking forward to what's ahead for the business.”
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