Martin calls time on 40 year training career

The Meath handler will now join Gain Cromwell's operation

Meath handler Pat Martin has called time on his training career after over 40 years in the industry. Martin will now take up a role at Gavin Cromwell's operation in Balrath.

Martin had his first winner as a trainer in 1984 when Kaspervoa won at Tipperary. Martin was a dual trainer and was successful over the years on both the National Hunt scene and the flat. Over the last 25 years, Martin has had 244 winners on the Flat and 76 winners over jumps in Ireland. He was somewhat of a specialist around Dundalk and one of his finest moments as a trainer came when he saddled 'Indiana Gal' to win the 2009 Listed Carlingford Stakes at the Louth-based track.

Speaking to Racing TV, Martin said that he had realised that the big operations were just too good after witnessing firsthand how efficient the system was at fellow Meath trainer Gavin Cromwell's yard.

Martin continued to say that he probably should have made the decision a few years ago but that he has no regrets.