Two of Britain's most celebrated female trainers, Gay Kelleway and Ann Duffield, are collaborating to breathe new life into their racing careers. Kelleway, renowned for being the first woman to secure a Royal Ascot victory, has made the significant decision to sell her stables in Newmarket, where she trained for two decades, relocating to Yorkshire to work with Duffield, who is closely tied to the Middleham training hub.
At 60, Kelleway joined Duffield at Sun Hill in Constable Burton, just three miles from Middleham. "We both still have a passion for the sport, and this partnership feels like the perfect match," said Kelleway, noting the alignment of their career trajectories since they both began training in the early '90s. They plan to kick off with 20 to 30 horses, with Kelleway's entries competing under Duffield’s name until official approvals are granted.
Duffield emphasised the advantage of sharing resources in a challenging industry, stating, "Combining forces allows us to be more competitive and effectively manage our operations." With an impressive facility and a strong team already in place, the duo is eager for new challenges. Kelleway is currently securing an apartment in York and dreams of training their first Group One winner. This partnership not only enhances their competitive edge but also solidifies their longstanding friendship and shared ambition in the racing world.