QATAR Racing have shockingly removed their horses from the yard of long-time trainer Andrew Balding.
Among the horses to be taken away from the Kingsclere stable is Group 1 winner New Century, who finished fifth in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.
The racing operation of Sheikh Fahad al Thani, Qatar Racing had six horses in training with Balding, who has made a flying start to the new season.
The horses were taken out of the yard yesterday and New Century has been moved to Newmarket trainer James Ferguson, though he will soon be shipped to the US where he will continue his career.
Balding said: “It's very sad, we've had a great association over many years and I'll always be grateful to Sheikh Fahad and his brothers for the opportunities they gave me.
“We are just pulling in different directions at the moment so that's the reason really. I wish them the best of luck.”
Balding has had runners for Qatar Racing since 2011 and he has trained four individual Group 1 winners for them.
They include Kameko, who became Qatar's first Classic winner when he won the 2,000 Guineas in 2020.
Balding also saddled Elm Park and Side Glance to win at the top-level, while New Century won a Grade 1 in Canada last autumn before finishing fourth at the Breeders' Cup.
The removal of the horses will not effect the partnership between Balding and champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who is the retained rider for Qatar Racing.
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