Nick Mitchell to leave training ranks but hopes to stay in racing

Grade One-winning jumps trainer Nick Mitchell hopes to stay in racing after announcing he is to hand in his licence at the end of the season.

Mitchell began training in 2008, after being assistant to Robert Alner, and the following year enjoyed the biggest success of his career.

The Listener, who was moved to his stable after Alner was seriously injured in a car crash, won the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal in November 2009.

Less than an hour later, Mitchell sent out Ellerslie George to win the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton.

“It was quite something. It was an amazing day and an amazing night as well,” he said.

“He (The Listener) was tremendous. I was very lucky.

“I was very much part of his career when I was at Robert’s – and then it just happened Robert had his accident just as I was leaving.

“I stayed on for a bit to get the transition all sorted. I had a great time there. He was a wonderful man to work for.”

The Dorset-based trainer, who has a string of 12 horses, explained his reasons for deciding to call it a day.

“We’ve had a dreadful year with sick horses – and we’ve only got about a handful of runners, let alone any significant results,” he said.

“Myself, I’ve got to stop riding. I dislocated my hip point-to-pointing in 1999 and I’ve had several procedures done on it since. I’ve been doing too much – and for my own quality of life I’d be silly to keep doing what I’m doing on it.”

Mitchell is hoping to stay in racing in some way, though.

“I love the sport,” he said.

“I’m passionate about it. I’m 50 this year and I’ve been in it all my life. Since I left college, I wanted to train racehorses.

“I’ve done it – but it’s just not viable any more.

“I want to stay in the sport, but in what capacity I’m not sure. We’ve got time to think on it and make the right decision.”