Monmore go into 2020 with three new trainers, though none will be unfamiliar to Wolverhampton regulars.
The retirement of Sandra Ralph will see her assistant Chris Fereday take over the contract with Sandra becoming his assistant.
Chris Fereday
Sandra has had a long and successful career the highlights being the 1998 Laurels with Ardant Jimmy, the Produce Stakes win and Scottish Derby runner-up spot for Robbie De Niro. She also had an English Derby semi finalist with Coney Grand.
RM Tony Williamson said: “Sandra’s career began here many years ago working as a kennel girl for Eddie Bamford.
“They kennel had runners at both Monmore and Willenhall and Sandra was telling me that they used to transport the dogs to the track in a huge fan. There were no cages, the staff sat in the back with the dogs on leads.
“She then worked for Jack Simpson before taking over herself. She was here for many years, transferred to Perry Barr, and came back four years ago.
“Chris started out with the Bucklands, went to work for his aunt Sue Whitehouse and then for Gary Hodson at Hall Green, so he has certainly served his apprenticeship.”
Pam Burford
In another generational changing of the guard, Aaron Dunne takes over from mum, Pam Burford.
Tony said: “Pam has been here since July ’10, both training and breeding and Aaron has been a significant part of everything that has happened. He has a great work ethic and will be good to have another younger trainer on the strength.”
The third new name on the racecard will be Jayne Meek, currently at Perry Barr and wife of double Derby winning trainer Tony.
Williamson said: “Tony was here many years ago of course and knows the place well. Jayne will be bringing a decent kennel strength of around 25 dogs.”
No track has received more plaudits from top trainers in recent weeks than Monmore.
But despite the significant progress that has been made on the running surface, in May, the circuit is scheduled for an upgrade similar to those at Romford and Crayford.
Tony Williamson said: “We are still finalising the exact details but we are likely to be closed for a week in the middle of the month.
“It is true that the surface has probably never been more consistent in recent months. Basically, Ian Smyth ((Ladbrokes Coral Head of Stadia), suggested a new preparation routine that seems to have made a huge difference.
“But it isn’t just on the track. There have been all kinds of improvements and suggestions for changes in working practices that have made such a difference. There is such a positive attitude around the place.”
In the racing office, the departure of Paul Johnson has seen Steve Rollinson promoted to Acting Deputy Racing Manager.
Williamson said: “Steve started in the paddock, worked his way through racing office admin and will now be my assistant. We also have some younger blood in the office in Maggie and Jake who are both so enthusiastic and are now acting assistant racing managers.”
Lee Field enjoyed a successful first year as a Monmore trainer by heading the graded winners table. His tally, as of today, is 383. The order then goes: 364 Brian Thompson, 336 Stuart Buckland, 296 Kim Billingham, 290 Paul White.
