KEMBLA Grange-bound Mitch Beer hopes to bow out as a country trainer by winning the $2m The Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick on October 14.
Beer will set up shop at the provincial track after the running of country racing’s richest event, and is looking forward to the impending move.
He has booked Tommy Berry for his Kosciuszko representative Mnementh, who turned the tables on “Kossie” rival Front Page in the Listed Wagga Town Plate (1200m) in May after finishing second to the now Goulburn-trained sprinter in last year’s edition.
Mnementh subsequently clinched the 10th win of his 30-start career in the Listed All Vic Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on July 1.
“Once I move to Kembla Grange after The Kosciuszko, I will be classed as a provincial trainer,” Beer said this afternoon.
“But I will still retain my Albury stable, as I have a very good assistant trainer to keep our operation running well there.”
Beer has leased two barns beside each other from RacingNSW at the track with capacity to have 20 horses in work at Kembla Grange from mid-October, and will base himself there.
“It’s the right time to make the move,” he said.
“I’ve been at Albury for four and a half years and seen enough to know there is a really good opportunity to move closer to town and settle just south of Sydney.
“We’re not adding 20 horses to our team; just moving them to Kembla Grange.
“The top 30 per cent of our horses are good enough to compete at the provincials as well as midweeks and Friday nights in town and some on Saturdays, and it’s better to have them closer to avoid the travelling from Albury and an overnight stay.
“I’m really looking forward to establishing our provincial stable. The prizemoney is so good in Sydney and at the provincials, and the opportunity will be there to target the Midway Handicaps in town on Saturdays with some of our team.”
Beer is also thrilled that four members of his full-time Albury staff have agreed to shift camp to continue working with him at Kembla Grange.
He has advertised for an assistant trainer for his new operation.
“It’s a good opportunity for a younger person who is ready to take the next step in the industry,” Beer said.
“I’m not in any hurry to appoint someone. We want the right person.”
Beer has trained 190 winners, including 41 in the last racing year, over the past five seasons.
*Words John Curtis, September 19, 2023 - Pics Racing Victoria*
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