Horse racing: Semple takes up reins once more as Perratt is turfed out

Nov 20 2008 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A TOP Scottish horse racing trainer has been sensationally sacked from her job at a Lanarkshire stable because “it wasn’t working out”.

Linda Perratt, known as The First Lady of Scottish Racing, took over Belstane Stables, Carluke, from popular Ian Semple 11 months ago.

Mr Semple, who had been trainer at the stables for 10 years, stepped down to become her assistant.

But Scottish businessman Gordon McDowall, who owns Belstane Stables Ltd, has terminated Perratt’s contract.

Now there is a legal dispute between the pair over cash.

Ian Semple this week spoke exclusively about taking up the reins once again at the Lanarkshire stable.

And the news will be welcomed by many punters who follow his horses, particularly when they turn out at Hamilton Park racecourse.

He said: “There hasn’t been any fall-out. It just was not working out for Linda.

“I was training the horses and Linda was doing most of the PR.

“There had been a lack of communication between Linda and the owners on her part.

“Some of them were considering moving their horses to Yorkshire and we couldn’t allow that to happen.

“I wish Linda every success in the future.”

Mr Semple confirmed that he is now in the process in applying to the Jockeys Club for a trainer’s licence and is already looking forward to next year’s flat season.

There are currently 35 horses based at Belstane Stables.

“There’s me thinking that I was retiring!” joked Mr Semple. “Now I am starting the ball rolling again by applying for a trainer’s licence.

“We didn’t have a bad season this year but I don’t think we had the same quality of horses.

“Normally I would get about 40-plus winner a season.

“We need to clear out some of the lesser lights and move in some new horses for next season.

“I want to pick up some young horses for next year.”

Before moving to the Carluke yard, Perratt was successful at Cree Lodge stables, near Ayr Racecourse, for 16 years.

Since moving to the Lanarkshire stables in January, Perratt sent out 23 winners on the flat and collected almost £300,000 in prize money.

The 44-year-old former amateur jockey trained 20/1 shot Big Timer to win the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot in the summer.