Liam Birchley’s departure opens door for trainers to snap up stables in Eagle Farm infield

Trainers Chris Munce, Team Edmonds and Barry Lockwood are the big winners following the decision of controversial Queensland trainer Liam Birchley to step away from his Eagle Farm operation.

Liam Birchley’s decision to step aside from training this week is set to be a bonus not only for his chosen successors Chris Munce and Team Edmonds, but also fellow trainer Barry Lockwood.

Birchley told his owners on Tuesday that he has made the decision to stop training after 30 years to take on a new role focused on developing the Archer Park (near Woodford) training and spelling complex.

Horses currently in his care will now be trained by Munce at Eagle Farm or Toby and Trent Edmonds on the Gold Coast.

It means Birchley will vacate his infield stables at Eagle Farm, which comprise 30 boxes. It is understood Munce will receive an additional allocation of stables over and above his existing yard and for the first time, Lockwood will be given boxes in the precinct.

Lockwood is currently training out of the old race day stalls, which the Brisbane Racing Club plans to abolish in the near future.

Trainer Liam Birchley is stepping away from his Eagle Farm operation.

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He had previously threatened to quit training or relocate interstate if a solution was not available.

Birchley is still waiting for the outcome of his appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the 12 month ban he received for his alleged involvement in the Aquanita scandal.

Final submissions were made in March, but VCAT is yet to hand down their decision.

Trainer Chris Munce will take over some of Liam Birchley’s runners.

Archer Park Pty Ltd will continue to manage the Birchley horses, which will now be permitted to race in New South Wales and chase BOBS money that has been off limits since Racing NSW refused to accept the trainer’s nominations 20 months ago in the wake of the charges against him.

Birchley told his owners he would continue to have ongoing contact with the horses and their trainers, including pre-training.

“It has been a testing time for us all and your support has been unbelievable,” he said.

“I look forward to repaying your faith over the coming years with some outstanding and good value purchases.”