Michael Halford calling time on training career

Michael Halford has announced his retirement from training, ending his partnership with Tracey Collins.

Halford, who has been in the profession for over 40 years, joined forces with Collins in 2023 due to dwindling numbers.

He has trained over 1,000 winners combined under both codes with his highlight on the Flat being the Group One win of Casamento in what was the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster, while his best horse over jumps was Golden Cross, who came within a head of providing Johnny Murtagh with a famous victory in the 2005 Stayers’ Hurdle.

Halford went on to become leading trainer on the all-weather at Dundalk, he also won the 2014 Dubai Gold Cup with Certerach and enjoyed a Royal Ascot winner in 2016 with Portage.

“Over the last 40 years I’ve been lucky enough to train for some of the world’s leading owners and there have been many highlights along the way, with Casamento’s Racing Post Trophy victory and Portage’s Royal Ascot success among them, along with Certerach’s win on Dubai World Cup night which was a really special day for us all as his owner Paul Rooney has always been such a tremendous supporter of the yard,” said Halford.

“Being entrusted with horses for the Aga Khan for the best part of 20 years has also been a huge honour and I leave the training ranks with no regrets. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’m hoping to stay involved in racing, but for the moment I’ve no plans in terms of what is next.

“Unfortunately our numbers aren’t what they once were and I’m not getting any younger, so before the 2025 season gets underway it felt like the right time to bow out and give my excellent staff and loyal owners a chance to move elsewhere.

“To everyone who has supported us since the early 1980s, I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. It’s been a great journey and I wouldn’t have swapped it for anything.

“We have a great industry in Ireland and one that we can be very proud of and I hope that I can play some part in this wonderful industry over the coming years.”