The staff of world #1 trainer John Gosden have been presented with their share of the 2019 Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million, won for the second year running by Stradivarius. As last year, owner Bjorn Nielsen asked for their £75,000 to be increased to £100,000 from his own percentage. There were understandably many happy faces.
The magnificent chestnut looked on as all the staff - including his own groom, Surinder Palmar - posed for this photograph after the presentation at evening stables in Newmarket.
Gosden said, “The Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million is a fantastic concept and has been a massive success over the last two years. It has obviously been the source of great interest to all my staff, and to be able to participate in a bonus of this size is very significant and hugely appreciated by them.”
Charles Hamilton, chief executive of Weatherbys Hamilton, said, “We have enjoyed every moment of the Stayers’ Million over the last two years, but one of the highlights has been being able to present such a significant cheque to the stable staff. Behind every great horse there is a great team, and to see Stradivarius looking in such magnificent condition towards the end of a long season is a massive credit to them all.
“John Gosden’s and Frankie Dettori’s expertise speaks for itself, but the health and happiness of horses such as Stradivarius is as much in the hands of those who groom, ride and lavish attention on them every day. Stable staff play an indispensable role and are the cornerstone of racing all over the world.”