Robert Armstrong, trainer of champion sprinters Moorestyle and Never So Bold, is to give up training at the end of the season, it has been reported today.
Armstrong, who has held a licence for 28 years, is to sell his St Gatien stable in Newmarket and move to Jersey.
"I have for some time had other business interests outside racing and this seems to be an opportune time to concentrate on them. I'm 56 years old and I should start at that sooner rather than later," he told the Racing Post.
Armstrong will be best remembered for his handling of Moorestyle, who was champion sprinter in 1980 and 1981 with victories in races such as the July Cup, Haydock Sprint Cup and Prix de l'Abbaye.
The horse was bought by his sister Susan for 4,000 guineas and was ridden by her husband Lester Piggott.
Like Moorestyle, Never So Bold graduated from handicapper to champion sprinter in 1985 after lifting the July Cup and Nunthorpe Stakes.
Other equine stars under Armstrong's care included 1990 champion two-year-old Mujtahid and Maroof, 66-1 winner of the 1994 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Armstrong revealed that he may retain some involvement in racing possibly as an owner. "Things are a bit fluid at the moment and I want to get things set up first of all," he said.
But he does not intends to ease up. "St Gatien will cease trading at the end of October, but I shall be going on 100 per cent until the end of the season," he added.
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