Premiership-winning trainer Shaun Snudden has shocked the Riverina by announcing plans to give away the sport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Snudden has won the last three Southwest and Riverina training premierships and is leading the field again this season.
However, the 39-year-old is looking for a new career path following six years as a full-time trainer.
First being licenced as a 16-year-old, Snudden is looking for a change of pace from the long hours and plenty of time on the road.
“I’ve had a great run but it has also been extremely busy,” Snudden said.
“There is a lot of late nights and early mornings.
“It all takes it toll eventually and I’m just looking for a change.”
At his peak Snudden had upwards of 30 horses but has cut right back in more recent times.
After breaking through the 100-wins mark for the first time last season, finishing on 123 last season, he currently sits on 46.
Snudden and stable reinsman Corey Bell enjoyed success in their final meeting in the region at Wagga.
The pair combined to bring up back-to-back wins with East Emperor on Friday.
Bell announced his plans to move back to Victoria earlier in the week and Snudden said his decision to head back home had a large influence on the timing of his own.
Snudden will have one final runner, Flowers, in Cobram’s meeting on Monday before taking a position as a handicapper for Harness Racing NSW.
Meanwhile, it was Victorian trainers who dominated the NSW Breeders Challenge heats on Friday.
Heavens Trend proved way too good in the fillies heat, coming home for a 9.7-metre win.
Leading reinsman Gavin Lang barely moved on the Emma Stewart-trained three-year-old as she kicked off her title defence in impressive fashion.
Returning with her ear plus still in, Lang said he hardly asked the “naturally highly string little filly” for her best effort.
She has now won six of her seven starts this season.
Lang then steered Lettucefirestar to victory in the heats for colts and geldings.
The son of Courage Under Fire made it four wins on the trot since moving to Wayne Potter’s stable.
It will the first time Lang had driven the gelding but he was impressed by his gate speed.
“It is a great asset to have, especially on this track, but anywhere now days,” Lang said. “You can put yourself in the right at the start.
“He is very fast off the arm and will put himself in a good spot in a lot of races.”
After starting from gate six, Lettucefirestar quickly found his way to the lead and was able to dictate terms.
Lettucefirestar went close to the track record, clocking 1:56.9 in his win.