Peter Snowden to quit as Darley trainer at the end of autumn

PETER Snowden will quit Sheikh Mohammed's Darley at the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival to train with his son Paul.

Peter Snowden, Henry Plumptre and Paul Snowden. Picture: Colleen Petch

PETER Snowden will quit Darley at the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival to enter into a training partnership with his son Paul.

In a move that has shocked the racing world, Snowden has decided to end his six-year association in charge of with Sheikh Mohammed's operation.

Snowden trained 28 Group 1 winners in Australia, since taking over from John Hawkes in 2008, who also quit to go into a partnership with his sons Wayne and Michael.

But he informed officials first thing today he would finish up with Darley at the end of the revamped Sydney autumn carnival, and set up his own stable with son Paul, who runs Darley's Melbourne operation.

Darley boss Henry Plumptre said they would not rush into finding a replacement.

"It has been a rewarding six years and I am proud of all that we have achieved," Snowden said in a statement.

"It is the right time to move on with my son Paul and take on a new challenge. It is something we have always wanted to do.

"With an operation like this it is only fair that there is plenty of time for a transition. Sheikh Mohammed has provided me with an amazing opportunity and I will be forever grateful. When the time comes we will deal with the farewells but for now my focus is on producing results for Darley."

Peter Snowden, Henry Plumptre and Paul Snowden. Picture: Colleen Petch

Snowden has trained plenty of Group 1 winners for Darley, including two Group 1s with Guelph, and the Caulfield Guineas with Long John.

Only recently Snowden was forced to farewell Long John and three other horses to Dubai where they will link with Sheikh Mohammed's parent company, Godolphin.

"Sheikh Mohammed is very grateful to Peter for his efforts since joining Darley," Plumptre said.

"Peter's record speaks for itself and we have been very fortunate to have him as our head trainer. His legacy will continue as we benefit from the offspring of champion colts Sepoy, Helmet and Denman."

A highlight of Snowden's tenure was a record clean sweep of the two-year-old Group 1 features in 2010/11 including Golden Slipper winner Sepoy.

"Peter has already amassed a formidable record for Sheikh Mohammed and Darley," Plumptre said. "He plans to add to that record between now and the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival."

Plumptre said transition plans were in place and Darley would take its time in appointing a replacement.