Gask set to return to Australia

Trainer Jeremy Gask has announced he will leave Britain later this year to return to his native Australia.

The Danebury handler, who has sent out 12 winners so far this year, endured a tough time last term after moving from his old base in Wiltshire to his current premises, with the switch coinciding with an illness in the yard.

Gask's horses are back in better form this year but the trainer has been offered the chance to head back to Australia to train, with New South Wales a possible new base.

He told his blog on www.horsesfirstracing.com: "Recently an opportunity has arisen which has led to the decision to bring our time in the UK to an end later in the year. This decision has not been made lightly and is one that evokes mixed feelings from sadness to excitement at what lies ahead.

"We moved to Danebury early last year full of confidence and expectation that we could grow the business. Unfortunately, our arrival last season coincided with an illness among the horses, one that was ill timed given the hope of encouraging new stock to the yard.

"Thus, the numbers haven't increased in the manner we wanted and I was clear at the time of the move I had no desire to 'make up the numbers' and wanted to improve the stock to train and compete at the top level consistently.

"More importantly, however, an opportunity to return to Australia to train has arisen and though plans are still evolving, it is very exciting for the family.

"It is likely, not in stone yet, that NSW will be our home and I am fortunate that we have some great support there setting things up to allow me to concentrate on the job here.

"I'll elaborate more on the move in coming weeks, but for now there is plenty to focus on here with horses getting ready for the season."

Gask pointed to stable stalwart Medicean Man as a particular highlight of his time in Britain.

He added: "We've had many highs and no doubt a few lows in our time here, but will take home great memories and friendships from the 10 years.

"Horses like Medicean Man will be especially missed and have given us the chance to see the world, something that would have been unlikely had we have stayed in Adelaide."