CRAIG Thornton has set up his base in Hamilton in a big boost for the local racing industry.

The New Zealander, who moved to Warrnambool before relocating to Hamilton, and is now looking to expand his operations.

Thornton said he was first approached late last year about the prospect of moving to the region.

“I was approached just before Christmas time by the Hamilton Racing Club and Sandra McGregor who promotes jumps racing in Australia and they asked me to come and have a look at the premises here in Hamilton,” he said.

“The lovely facilities they provide here (mean), it is a great set up, the horses are happy and it is a great environment.

“The community gets behind the horse racing and I am looking forward to getting to be part of the community.”

With four horses currently houses in the stables near the track, Thornton is exploring options to bring other horses in within the short term.

“We have got facilities here for 30, we have got horses back in New Zealand we are looking to bring over abd we are pursuing other horses all over the world actually,” he said.

“We are looking to put local people into syndicates and have some fun.

“We like horses with a staying pedigree, so if they don’t make it on the flat, they have an alternative career.”

The trainer, who had a prominent career as a jockey before transitioning into his post-riding work, is also looking to offer employment opportunities for anyone who is interested in getting involved in the industry.

“I trained successfully in New Zealand before I came here,” he said.

“I was doing that for 10 years, but I am at a stage now where I am happy to let other people do the riding.

“I have had a wonderful career as a jockey and this transition into training and this is a great opportunity for me.”

Thornton hopes to make regular appearances at metropolitan race meets, but is also content to ply his trade around the Western District.

“There is a good atmosphere, that is what we enjoy,” he said.

“A lot of the work will be done here in Hamilton, but we have access to Coleraine and some of the other tracks nearby to add a bit of variety.”

With the trainer now firmly past his riding stage, he said it was great to now have a permanent base and was looking forward to having a positive involvement and boosting Hamilton’s profile within the industry.

“I retired quite some time ago, I made a couple of brief comebacks just to compete on horses I owned myself,” he said.

“I rode overseas for a long period, but training is where I am focused on now.

“The club has been very welcoming and we are looking to make it long term.”