Baker relishing 'chance of a lifetime' move to Robins Farm

George Baker is relishing the next stage in his training career, following confirmation he has purchased Robins Farm from Sheikh Fahad Al Thani.

Olly Stevens, who quit the training ranks in 2015, was the previous incumbent of the yard, but Baker now takes over the facility in Surrey, and said: "It's a massive opportunity. We've been lucky enough to train in two of the most reputable facilities with Whitsbury and Manton, but the chance to own our own yard was too good to miss."

Baker will hope he enjoys the same good start Stevens did when at the yard, as he sent out Extortionist to win the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot in 2013, his first season at Robins Farm.

"We're very lucky to have secured it," Baker added. "It's only 45 minutes away from London, which is good for our owners and puts us close to lots of London-based tracks. It's the chance of a lifetime."

Although keen to move his team across, Baker is relaxed about getting the horses in their new surroundings, and said: "We're very lucky that a core part of our team are coming with us in the move, and the horses can always work in the morning then come over on a lorry."

Robins Farm currently has 55 boxes, but Baker is already planning an expansion, and said: "There's planning permission for plenty more so that will be one of the first things we do."