Darley Australia’s Peter Snowden to venture out on own

The heralded trainer will step away from his position as Darley Australia trainer at the conclusion of the Sydney autumn Carnival in April to begin his own venture with his son Paul.

Peter Snowden-trained Guelph at the Thousand Guineas at Cualfield Racecourse in October. Graham Denholm / Getty Images

Peter Snowden has resigned from his position as Darley Australia trainer in order to branch out on his own with his son Paul.

Snowden, who has been head trainer to Darley Australia since May 2008, will continue to handle the horses of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai until the conclusion of the Sydney autumn Carnival in April.

Snowden has been in sensational form this year, saddling the Caufield Guineas winner Long John, the Thousand Guineas winner Guelph and Complacent, the Spring Champion Stakes victor.

“Sheikh Mohammed is very grateful to Peter for his efforts since joining Darley. Peter’s record speaks for itself and we have been very fortunate to have him as our head trainer,” Henry Plumptre, managing director of Darley Australia, said.

One of the undoubted highlights of Snowden’s career for Darley was in the 2010/2011 season when he saddled a clean sweep of the major juvenile races in Australia with Sepoy and Helmet.

Both horses raced unsuccessfully at Meydan Racecourse for Godolphin in 2012, but both remained in Snowden’s care during their time in Dubai. Both Long John and Guelph could also make the trip to Dubai for World Cup night in March to provide Snowden with a final hurrah for Darley Australia.

“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,” Snowden said.

“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.”