Exclusive: Newland to join forces with Insole for 2024 Flat season

Grand National-winning trainer Dr Richard Newland has revealed to racingtv.com that he is to join forces with Jamie Insole, former assistant trainer to Charlie Hills.

The pair will train at Droitwich under a dual licence from next year’s Flat season.

Newland scooped the 2014 Grand National with Pineau De Re and has also enjoyed success at the Cheltenham Festival. Insole, a key component of Hills’ 2021-22 season that saw him break records for winners and prize money, will join the yard from the end of this month, with plans to join the licence as Flat Trainer alongside Newland from December.

The announcement follows the appointment of Racehorse Syndicates Association Chairman Dan Abraham as Director of Racing at the yard.

Newland said on Wednesday night: “We have trained just short of 600 National Hunt winners and I'm very excited about becoming a dual purpose yard.

“We have outstanding facilities for training Flat horses and Jamie brings a huge amount of Flat experience and knowledge to our team. While we'll be continuing with our successful jumps string, this is an exciting initiative.

“I'm really looking forward to purchasing some yearlings, attracting some new owners and seeing our horses running on the Flat next summer.”

Insole said: “I was drawn to the opportunity to work with Richard due to his impressive track record as both a highly accomplished businessman and a successful racehorse trainer. His achievements in building a thriving yard and his reputation for excellence in the industry caught my attention.

“The state-of-the-art training facility at Urloxhey further solidified my interest, offering a perfect environment to develop and train racehorses. The emphasis on top-notch care and outstanding turnout facilities aligns with my own values. Richard's passion and determination as a leader resonate with me, as we both share a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our team.”

He added: “Embarking on a unique journey, I'm excited to establish a Flat training operation within a National Hunt yard, enabling me to imprint my vision from the outset. My primary aims revolve around cultivating a premier dual-purpose yard that sets the bar for excellence in the country.

“By fostering an environment that nurtures and develops high-calibre horses on both the Flat and over jumps, we aim to attract prominent owners and ensure a gratifying racehorse ownership experience for all involved.”

Insole will be completing his trainers’ modules over the autumn to prepare for the new venture.

“Learning from renowned figures like Charlie and Barry Hills, as well as the accomplished dual-purpose trainer Alan King, has equipped me with invaluable insights that will guide our operations,” he said.

“Collaborating with our appointed Bloodstock agent, Matt Houldsworth, we'll kickstart our journey at the Goffs Premier yearling sale and endeavour to build a strong team of approximately 25 Flat horses, comprising both yearlings and older horses, for the upcoming season. With dedication and strategic planning, we aim to make a lasting mark in the realm of dual-purpose training.”

Dr Richard Newland:

• Richard is a former GP who has established himself as one of Britain’s top racehorse trainers.

• Known for his scientific approach to training , he has trained three winners over the National fences: Pineau De Re (2014 Grand National), Silver Adonis (2010 John Smiths Foxhunter) and Beau Bay (2020 Grand Sefton) and several Cheltenham winners including Burntoakboy (2007 Coral Cup)

• He recently celebrated his 580th winner as a trainer, having moved to a new purpose-built yard outside of Droitwich, Worcestershire.

• The yard currently has 60 horses in training.

About Jamie Insole:

• In recent years, he has contributed to the training of Group One champions such as Battaash, Phoenix of Spain and Khaadem.

• During his tenure as Assistant Trainer alongside Charlie Hills, collaborative efforts led to a pinnacle year in 2021 with the highest number of winners in Hills' career. Building on this success, 2022 saw the team achieve the highest annual prize money since Hills' career began.